Mazda will introduce its ‘smart idle stop system’ (SISS) on its models in Europe in the first half of next year.

The SISS automatically stops the engine of the car, then automatically starts it again using direct-injection helped by a starter motor action.

Mazda says the system differs from the ‘start stop system’ used on BMW's Mini and some of Citroen’s models as it begins indexing the pistons before the engine starts up again, unlike standard systems which do this after an electric motor starts turning over the engine.

The new technology is part of Mazda's goal to reduce fuel consumption across its models by 30% by 2015.

The Japanese manufacturer also announced that it will be introducing a new 183bhp 2.2-litre common-rail turbo diesel to its model range early next year.

All models will also be built using new plastic moulding parts, which will reduce the weight of Mazda’s vehicles “without compromising strength or rigidity”. The moulding manufacturing technique not only reduces weight but also cuts the consumption of oil-based resins used as raw materials by approximately 20 to 30%, with associated cuts in the volume of CO2 emissions.

Mazda says the plastic moulding technology can potentially be applied to nearly all plastic parts used in its vehicles.