THE British International Motor Show opens for business at the ExCel centre in London next week. There will be a number of exclusive unveilings, but to whet your appetite, here's some of what to expect.

The Caparo T1 - possibly the world's quickest two-seater road and track car, with a performance equal to an A1 GP racecar - will join a showcase of exotic vehicles in a special SuperCar Paddock feature area at the motor show.

The ultra lightweight Caparo T1 has been developed using aerospace and high formula racing technology, meaning that the car's efficient and compact 2.4-litre V8 engine develops almost 500bhp in a unit weighing less than 500kg.

Nissan's Micra has a new flagship, the 110PS Sport SR that was designed, engineered and is being built in the UK. And, suitably, its launch will be at the show along with the rest of a new Micra line-up. The Sport SR is part of a simplified Micra range. Instead of six trim levels, there will now be three Micra collections called Initia, Spirita and Sport, and the range of six engines previously offered is cut to the most popular four.

Which means a shorter price list and a less confused customer. The é10,995 Sport SR, which replaces the 160SR, is a bargain in even the stingiest person's mind.

It's a 1.6-litre 110PS pocket street racer with sub-10 second acceleration to 62mph and group 6 insurance.

As well as the bigger engine, the SR tag adds automatic lighting and wipers, side curtain airbags and electronic stability programme - or ESP - to the sport kit already mentioned above.

Mazda Motors UK is issuing a thrilling Zoom-Zoom Challenge to visitors at ExCeL, London. Throughout the fortnight of the show, visitors will be able to enjoy a unique driving experience, piloting a Mazda RX-8 PZ and Mazda MX-5 on a purpose-built driving dynamics test track, and will have the chance of winning a top prize - the use of a Mazda MX-5 2.0 Sport roadster for a whole year.

Mazda has created an all-new 300 metre-long driving course on the dockside next to Excel and will operate its Zoom-Zoom Challenge from 10am to 8pm each day of the show. Participants will have a chance to learn the twisty course during a practice lap before taking the challenge - two timed laps.

One lap in a Mazda RX-8 PZ and one at the wheel of a Mazda MX-5.

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