A few years ago, I'd heard that Volkswagen wanted to do a small lightweight convertible sports car, and so the rumours started - Volkswagen showed us the Concept R in 2003, and everybody thought this was the car we were thinking of. But we were all wrong - Volkswagen instead plumped for the idea of a softer convertible, something aimed at stylish people, not driving enthusiasts. So we saw the Volkswagen Concept C the next year, and then the resulting Eos was launched. "That's the end of that", I thought, quite sad that a lightweight convertible (like the legendary Mazda MX-5) was not going to be built. Or so I thought.

Volkswagen have now released the BlueSport Concept, which is basically a direct MX-5 competitor, aside from the "fuel-efficient" focus. Although having said that, the MX-5 drinks only 8.5 Litres per 100km, which is great, considering the enjoyment you get from driving it. The BlueMotion however, is a diesel. That's right - a lightweight (diesels are usually heavy engines) diesel sports car. And it could well go into production - the Volkswagen hierarchy are getting really excited, and so am I. Over a Volkswagen, oddly enough.

The diesel engine is a heavily reworked version of the 2.0 Litre diesel from the Golf, but this time it produces 132 kW of power, reaches a top speed of 226kmh, and somehow only drinks 4.3 Litres per 100km. But here's the clincher: It'll do the 0-100kmh sprint in just 6.6 seconds. Take that, MX-5! You see, that's not MX-5 territory, that's RX-8 territory!

This is all possible because this car is lightweight - it has a fabric roof, instead of a heavy folding metal one for example. And it doesn't even have to put up with the weight of four seats - this one's strictly a two seater. So it really is a rival for the MX-5. But I wonder if in a production version, what with safety regulations and such, if Volkswagen can maintain this low weight. I doubt it, but I have no doubt that they'll make a worthy MX-5 rival. Because even though it's a fantastic car, it's about time it had some competition.

And what competition - it even looks rather nice, or should I say, will look rather nice, as long as Volkswagen ditch the ridiculous front bumper smile that reminds me of the new Renault Megane. So, what I mean to say is, I really hope that I'm not wrong this time. Not this time!

DETROIT MOTOR SHOW 2009: Volkswagen BlueSport Concept has MX-5 Chewing Fingernails