Important new Mazda takes shape

Big things come in small packages, and they don’t get much bigger than a new Mazda2.

CarsGuide previously reported Mazda was preparing a new range of small cars, which were previewed by the Vision-X concept at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show.

The little 2 has the same handsome looks displayed by all the current Mazda models, with some modern and futuristic quirks thrown in.

Oddly shaped, single deck headlights and a tiny grille give it an EV-like look.

Well shaped proportions carry over from the concept and the current Mazda2 with the render pushing the wheels to all four corners, a move that would liberate oodles of interior space.

It's likely we’ll see a new Mazda2 in 2028 at the earliest, according to Mazda.

Mazda’s Chief Financial Officer Jeff Guyton said the new-generation small cars were the next priority after the brand finishes its hybrid development. The Japanese maker's in-house hybrid powertrain will debut in the new CX-5 in 2027.

“It comes (down) to being a modestly sized company. Our return on sales (of small cars) isn’t good enough from a business standpoint,” said Guyton.

“Our highest priority has been our large platform products, and finally getting those right, and using those to make some money.

“Next priority is the CX-5, which will come to your market soon, and soon-ish thereafter is the hybrid version of that car with Mazda’s own hybrid.

“Soon after that, the next priority is smaller architecture cars,” he said.

This opens the door to next-gen Mazda2 and Mazda3 small cars and CX-30 and CX-3 compact SUVs, with the latter expected to be called CX-20.

It is likely electrification would play a big part in the next round of small cars.

The company said the hybrid engine — dubbed 'Skyactiv-Z' — will be the core power source for its line-up in the electrification era over the next decade.

Mazda hasn’t confirmed which models will use the hybrid, but said it could be introduced to any model and it could become mainstream.

Mazda’s dedicated electric car platform is due to spawn its first model in 2028, but a small EV would likely be too expensive for Mazda to produce on its own.

It could lean on its Chinese partner Changan to build a new electric small car.

Mazda is already sourcing its new 6e and CX-6e electric sedan and SUV from this joint venture.

Mazda has also said it is now considering a third and fourth model from the Changan partnership, but has not indicated what they might be.