Mazda2 officially revealed

[Wretched]

The covers have been officially whipped off the all-important new Mazda2 city car.

After a series of images were leaked on the internet this morning, the Japanese car maker has revealed the first official pictures of the baby five-door hatchback as the company commences production this week ahead of its arrival in local showrooms in October.

It has released limited information on the mechanical details for the third-generation Mazda2 apart from confirming it will be built with a choice of three four cylinder engines; 1.3-litre and 1.5-litre petrol motors and a 1.5-litre turbo diesel.

Mazda has yet to confirm power outputs but says the 2 is the latest model built around its Skyactiv efficiency measures that include lightweight construction methods and fuel-sipping powertrains with a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions.

Australian models are expected to be powered by the 1.5-litre petrol engine in two states of tune – a 73kW base model and top-grade model that has yet to be revealed but is expected to produce slightly more power yet will be the fuel economy leader - with Mazda Australia opting not to take the diesel option as it would likely command a premium pricetag.

The combined improvements are expected to result in a reduction for fuel consumption of the petrol engine from the current car’s claimed 6.4L/100km average to less than 5L/100km, making it one of the most efficient in the small car class.

It will also come equipped with some of the high-tech safety features introduced on its larger models such as automated city braking – though likely reserved for range-topping variants – and the latest connectivity system with built-in internet apps.

What the images showcase is the Mazda2’s styling has been refined from the Hazumi concept car that was revealed at this year’s Geneva motor show and follows the company’s Kodo design language first seen on the CX-5 mid-sized SUV and later adapted on the latest Mazda6 and Mazda3 models.

The new car is larger in every dimension – 160mm longer, 25mm higher and riding on a wheelbase that is 80mm longer - for increased interior space and improved handling.

The official image of the Mazda2’s interior showcases a more premium-looking cabin over the current car with its clean dashboard featuring a tablet-style multi-function screen and a horizontal two-tone appearance that is colour-matched to the supportive sports seats.

Pricing and specifications for the all-new Mazda2 will be confirmed closer to its arrival in local showrooms.

http://www.drive.com.au/motor-news/m...717-zttnk.html

[Franco Cozzo]

Boo, no diesel and only 73KW, a bit under powered compared to the Fiesta.

Its got a 6sp box though.

I'm all for techy stuff but I absolutely HATE the look of the info screen in the Mazda 3 and now the Mazda 2, it looks like they've just cut a hole in the dash and chucked a 7" tablet in there, reeks of "Yep, that'll do!".

[wozman]

Damo it has a diesel

[uniacidz]

I know what ya mean bout the tablet thing.

Seen it on a few euros and Im not a fan.

Prefer the whole in dash thing myself

[XR Martin]

Ecoboost Fiesta has more power and gets better economy than 5L/100km...

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by wozman

Damo it has a diesel

Not coming to Australia though, I've been driving my WS Fiesta today because the Focus battery has died again (2nd in 3 years, quality Motorcraft batteries...).

100% prefer diesel over petrol engines, especially small capacity engines, if you have the choice between 4 cylinder NA or 4 cylinder turbo diesel, diesel wins out all the time (unless you do short trips, DPF problems) so much useable torque, its alright revving out the 1.6L in the Fiesta but it just feels slow off the line and thats 88KW in a 5 year old car not 73KW like this new Mazda 2.

I spend most of my time under 3000 RPM in my diesel Focus, in the Fiesta I'm finding myself kicking it in the *** all the time to get it to hurry up, it just doesn't have the fat low-mid range torque there to ride around on.

[Nikked]

Looks miles ahead of the current 2... Mazda definitely have the best looking range out if the Japanese makers.

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by Nikked

Looks miles ahead of the current 2... Mazda definitely have the best looking range out if the Japanese makers.

I'm still fond of the face on the previous model 3 though, I like them a bit better than the current shape.

Mazda 2 as you say does look 100% better though.

[blackf6]

Clown car?

[Joe5619]

I just hate the current Mazda front. The 6, 3 & now this all look crap IMO.

Dumb question; does the 2 & 3 still have anything in common with the Ford counter part or did that stop years ago?

[Nikked]

Originally Posted by Joe5619

Dumb question; does the 2 & 3 still have anything in common with the Ford counter part or did that stop years ago?

Same platform, how much is shared? Who knows?

[XR Martin]

I think the Mazda 2(new) ,3 ,6 and CX5 all all unique to them now.
Skyactiv engines are all Mazda too.

[naddis01]

I think that is the most successful interpretation of Mazda's current design language. The Mazda 6 looked fantastic as the concept but for some reason it hasn't translated over to the road car properly. The Mazda 3 though, I think, is the least successful. It just looks gumby from some angles. The grille looks like it has been squashed in either side then a giant a sat on the rear of the car and squashed it a little.

[Bossxr8]

I'm not a fan of any of them. Mostly the silly looking grilles and curves just for the sake of trying to make it look super stylish. Just makes it look try hard.

[Ben73]

Not a fan of the front end on the new 2 and 3. But the new 6 looks great.

[Adamz Ghia]

I reckon Mazda have the best design language of any maker at the moment, Ford included.

[irish2]

I like the shape of all the new Mazdas. Too bad there are no performance options.

Originally Posted by Big Damo

Not coming to Australia though, I've been driving my WS Fiesta today because the Focus battery has died again (2nd in 3 years, quality Motorcraft batteries...).

Buy a decent Century battery mate, and be done with it.

[hedgehobb]

automated city braking

Isn't this now a requirement to fulfill ANCAP safety features in order to get 5 stars?

If I wanna squish someone, by damn it, I wanna squish 'em!