The 2015 Mazda 2 has been unveiled ahead of a possible debut at the Paris show in October. Known as the Demio in Japan, the all-new, Kodo’d, SkyActiv’d supermini will begin its global roll-out from Japan’s Hofu plant in the autumn.
It certainly hasn’t strayed far from Geneva‘s striking Hazumi concept, has it? OK, so the big wheels, bodykit, tiny wing mirrors and futuristic tail lamp graphics are gone, but the overall shape, silhouette and face are retained almost to a tee.
The two-tone interior looks refreshingly lux – we’re familiar with the steering wheel, Human-Machine Interface touch-screen, rotary Commander Control, ‘winged’ instrument panel, head-up display and single-zone auto air-con layout, but the circular air vents connected by a long, slim bridge that incorporates one ‘hidden’ air vent is pretty cool, and so are those two-tone seats with red stripes!
Announced engines for the new Mazda 2 are 1.3 and 1.5 litre SkyActiv-G petrols, and the new 1.5 litre SkyActiv-D diesel. Japan will get the 1.3 litre petrol and the new 1.5 litre diesel. With the new diesel and a six-speed SkyActiv auto, CO2 emissions of under 90 grams per km are expected, no doubt helped by a sub-tonne kerb weight.
Expect SkyActiv manual and auto gearboxes, both with six speeds, plus MZD Connect and the i-Activsense suite of safety systems. Expect also a torsion beam at the back instead of the Mazda 3‘s multi links.
According to motoring.com.au, the new five-door hatch grows in all dimensions except width, which remains at 1,695 mm. Wheelbase has jumped 80 mm to 2,570 mm, length is up 160 mm to 4,060 mm, and height enjoys a 25 mm leap to 1,500 mm.
The Aussie publication also reports that the new Mazda 2 will be built in Mexico, Japan and Thailand, and that it claims 30% more rigidity as well as up to 20% better fuel economy.
A research report on Berjaya Auto in March indicated that the new Mazda 2 will arrive in Malaysia before year-end. Rumours also exist that the car could spawn an SUV that may be called the CX-3.
