Mazda 2 2015 News

All-new Mazda 2 brings Kodo style, an improved drive experience, new more efficient drivetrains and driveaway pricing. Mazda has confirmed local specifications and pricing for the much-anticipated new third-generation Mazda2 ahead of its November 1 showroom debut.  While the old Mazda2 continues as the second best-selling car in its segment - behind the Hyundai i20 - the all-new 2 follows recent updates to its Volkswagen Polo and Toyota Yaris rivals, along with the new-generation Honda Jazz.DESIGNThe new Mazda2’s Kodo design language aligns Mazda’s light hatch with the CX-5, Mazda6 and Mazda3, and continues with the Skyactiv weight saving and efficiency boosting technology used by its larger siblings.The new Mazda2 has grown in most dimensions, with the wheelbase lengthened by 80mm to 2570mm and the overall length increasing 160mm to 4060mm. It is also 20mm taller at 1495mm than the model it replaces.The increased size of the Mazda2 does not necessarily mean a boost in cabin space however. Aside from an 11mm increase in front seat shoulder room, rear shoulder room has dropped by 30mm, and headroom has shrunk by 20mm and 15mm front-rear. Legroom is also marginally reduced by 5mm in the front and 4mm in the rear. Luggage space in the boot remains unchanged from the old Mazda2 however, at 250-litres (VDA).Like the existing Skyactiv-based models, the 2's extra wheelbase has been used to move the front wheels further ahead of the cabin, creating a more cab-rearward profile. This has also left room under the bonnet for the complex Skyactiv ehaust manifold and enabled the driver controls to be straightened from the current model's left-skewed layout.  The all-new chassis and strut front/torsion beam rear suspension in the Mazda2 have been refined to reduce road noise and vibration, and a quicker steering ratio has been used for a sportier feel.VALUEFor the new 2, Mazda is reintroducing the three trim-levels used when the previous version arrived in 2007 - entry Neo, mid-spec Maxx and top-flight Genki. These replace the current Neo Sport and Maxx Sport trim levels used since September 2013.The $14,990 ($16,990 drive-away) Neo comes with 15-inch steel wheels, air-conditioning, cloth seats, matte black trim, USB/Bluetooth compatible audio system and multifunction steering wheel.The $16,990 ($18,990 drive-away) Maxx improves on the Neo with 15-inch alloy wheels, high-gloss black cabin trim, cruise control and leather-wrapped steering wheel, gearshift, and handbrake.Also on the Maxx - with white, silver or black body colours - a $250 colour pack can be optioned which replaces the black trim with high-gloss red centre console side-panels, front door armrest panels and ventilation louvre surrounds. The seats are also coloured red, as is the front door armrest.The top-spec $19,990 ($21,990 drive-away) Genki gets the same MZD multimedia interface as the Mazda3, with a  7-inch touchscreen with satnav, multimedia and communication apps and six-speakers. There is also a heads-up display for the driver, several black soft touch panels with red stitching, climate control, automatic headlights and wipers, front fog lamps, chrome-tipped exhaust and 16-inch alloys.The Xenon headlights with segmented LED daytime running lights seen on early Japanese-market images are absent from the Australian lineup due to cost however. Aside from the revised pricing, Mazda estimates value gains of more than $1200 for the Neo, $1500 for the Maxx and more than $2000 for the Genki compared with the previous 2 lineup.ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONSUnder the bonnet, two versions of a new 1.5-litre Skyactiv-G 4-cylinder petrol engine produce more power and torque than the current 2’s 1.5, while also delivering better fuel consumption.It can be paired with either a six-speed manual or six-speed torque converter automatic transmission for an extra $2000.The Neo comes with the 79kW/139Nm ‘standard-spec’ VP-5 engine, representing a 3kW/4Nm increase over the old model. Combined fuel consumption of 5.4L/100km with the manual or 5.5L/100km with the auto represent 1.0L and 1.3L improvements respectively.Maxx and Genki models step up to the 81kW/141Nm ‘high-spec’ FP-5 engine, with a higher compression ratio, 4-2-1 exhaust manifold and variable valve timing on the exhaust cam on top of the standard 1.5's variable inlet timing only. A stop/start system also helps reduce combined consumption to 5.2L/100km with the manual and 4.9L/100km with the automatic.Like all current Skyactiv petrol engines, the new 2 will happily run on 91RON unleaded petrol.SAFETYSafety features on the new Mazda2 include front, side and full-length curtain airbags, ABS, stability control and emergency stop signalling. Mazda expects a five star safety from ANCAP in the coming months, but is yet to be tested.One notable omission from all grades is a standard reversing camera, contrasting with the new Jazz that includes the safety feature even on the entry $14,990 VTi. A reversing camera is optional on all Mazda2 grades however, with a display integrated into the rear view mirror on Neo and Maxx models for $778 fitted, and via the MZD screen on Genki models for $420 fitted. Front and rear parking sensors are also available as individual options, priced at $599 and $399 fited respectively.    An i-Activsense autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system can be optioned in the Mazda2 as an extra across the range priced at $400.

Mazda’s  Hazumi concept was met with universal praise when it appeared at the Geneva motor show in March, and our subsequent spy shots of the production Mazda2 have instilled confidence that a fair chunk of Hazumi magic will appear in showrooms in 2015.Despite Hazumi’s premium appearance and detailing, Japan’s Holiday Auto magazine reports that the new model will also spawn a more upmarket, restyled version to rival the likes of Mini’s Cooper hatch, Citroen DS3 and the Audi A1. In addition to the upcoming Ford EcoSport-rivalling CX-3 SUV, an anonymous industry insider reportedly told the magazine:  “The new generation Demio (The 2’s nameplate in Japan) will also have another totally new car.”Mazda has sold a Japan-only, more upright and upmarket version of the first-generation DY Mazda2 called the Verisa since 2004. The new 2-based model will likely form its replacement, and continue with the Verisa nameplate.Such a model would also be similar in principal to the initial plan for the classic 1990 DB Mazda 121 ‘Bubble’ – an ancestor to what’s known today as the 2 – which was created for Mazda’s short-lived Autozam premium small car offshoot. The 121’s spec was scaled back when Japanese economic conditions changed in 1991, becoming a more mainstream offering in line with the positioning of today’s Mazda2.The magazine also cites speculation from another unnamed news organisation from 2012 that suggested Mazda is working on a rival to the Cooper hatch and DS3, with the suggestion backed by another anonymous source: “it might be positioned as the Verisa’s successor in Japan… It’s a global car, so doesn’t simply follow the Verisa’s trail. It would rather be a small yet premium and fashionable compact car like Mini and DS3.”The report also quotes an unnamed Japanese dealer: “a replacement car is ready. We haven’t been informed yet of the release timing, but it’s certain that the Verisa successor exists.”Mazda’s European arm is reportedly handling the new model’s development, which could also result in a performance version for the hot hatch hungry European market.“It is a luxury compact city car targeting also female users. In Japan, essentially it will be the Verisa’s successor, but slightly bigger than the current model and has no direct relationship. Furthermore, it is likely to add a hot version similar to Mini’s Cooper S, for which 2.2-litre SkyActive-D will be used,” according to another anonymous source.A turbodiesel rival to the Cooper S would be unique in the hot hatch world, but follows persistent rumours of upcoming turbodiesel-powered successors to the previous Mazda3 and Mazda6 MPS models. Holiday Auto has created two speculative renderings of the new model, which eschew the existing Kodo details of the Hazumi, Mazda3, Mazda6, and CX-5 models, suggesting that the new model will feature the next evolution of Kodo like their recent 2015 MX-5 renderings.The new Mazda2 offshoot will reportedly make its debut in concept form at the March 2015 Geneva motor show, with a production model appearing at the end of the first quarter of 2016.This reporter is on Twitter: @Mal_Flynn 

The new family of engines will give 15 Toyota and Daihatsu models an efficiency gain of up to 30%, including Toyota's new Yaris due in 2015.The Yaris will be battling for top spot in light car sales with the upcoming Mazda 2 and Ford Fiesta, which will have similar efficiency gains from its skyactiv and EcoBoost technology respectively. The new engines could also help the rumoured upcoming Toyota Rush become the one of the most efficient SUVs in Australia.The 1.3-litre and 1.0-litre power plants have been co-developed with Toyota's small car brand, Daihatsu. Both units take advantage of an Atkinson cycle, which increases the compression ratio and reduces waste heat to operate more efficiently. However, the Atkinson cycle produces less power than ordinary engines, which has limited its use mainly to Hybrid cars until now.But Toyota has packed both engines with technology to help retain maximum power while optimising economy. A range of new developments will help the engines breathe better, achieving optimal efficiency. For example, the 1.3-litre will have a cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, a redesigned intake port and electronically controlled variable valve timing (VVT-iE).Both engines are designed to be compatible with stop-start technology, which cuts out the engine in traffic to save fuel. This system is currently limited in small cars to premium offerings, such as the Mini Cooper or the Volvo C30. However, Toyota and Daihatsu could be utilising this feature in the most basic entry level cars.Both engines will commence production in coming weeks, but we may only get the larger 1.3-litre engine in Australia initially. However the efficiency gains in the 1.0-litre engine could increase the incentive for Toyota to offer a cheap entry level car sourced from Daihatsu, to rival the Suzuki Alto, Nissan Micra and Mitsubishi Mirage. 

Previewed by the Hazumi concept at this year's Geneva motor show, the new Mazda 2 has been caught by Carsguide's spy photographers undergoing testing ahead of a show debut – possibly as early as the Tokyo event in November .The new sub-compact hatchback's design will be taken in the same direction as the Mazda 3, 6 and CX-5, with the brand's large 'shield' grille dominating the model's face and integrating into the headlights.The Mazda 2 in production form will also feature the Hazumi's sweeping character lines, which rise sharply over the front and rear wheel arches. Where the new 2 will differ most notably from the concept is its rear bumper design. The Hazumi used two centrally mounted exhausts and a carbon-fibre diffuser, however the Mazda 2 will have its exhaust pipe hidden and its rear bumper filled with dark plastics to keep prices below $20,000. The show car's concept door handles and mirrors have also been replaced with more functional designs.A range of fuel-efficient SkyActiv four-cylinder engines, including a new 1.5-litre petrol, will power the new Mazda 2. Fuel consumption will be significantly lower than the existing model's 6.4L/100km figure, and an even more frugal diesel model could be offered, too.The new model will also come with more safety equipment than before. The car spied here is fitted with a forward facing camera which is likely part of Mazda's iActiveSense system which can detect pedestrians and stationary vehicles before applying the brakes if the driver hasn't seen the obstacle. A blind spot warning system is also believed to be an option. 

Mazda has taken the wraps off its new Hazumi concept, with the Mazda 2-hinting light hatch concept forming the Japanese brand’s centrepiece at this week’s Geneva motor show.Teased twice with a darkened image and a design sketch this week, the Hazumi showcases an evolution of the Kodo design theme used by the CX-5, 6 and 3 models.  The existing 2’s rising beltline and sharp taillight treatment are also clearly referenced, and Mazda claims the driver’s field of vision has been improved. Look past the Hazumi’s 18 inch wheels, central exhaust tips, ultra-detailed wing mirrors and lighting though, and you’ll have a fair idea what the next Mazda 2 will look like when it appears in production form sometime next year. Mazda has followed a similar formula before, with the 2011 Minagi  and Takeri concepts previewing the CX-5 SUV and current model 6 that appeared soon after.   The Hazumi’s interior is also a significant evolution of existing Mazda designs, with contrasting white, red and black surfaces, and distinctive turbine-like HVAC vents and controls. The Hazumi also showcases the MZD smartphone integration system that debuted recently on the production 3.Compared with the existing 2, the five-door Hazumi concept is 170mm longer at 4070mm, 35mm wider at 1730mm, but 25mm lower at 1450mm, and rides on a 95mm longer wheelbase at 2585mm.The Hazumi also showcases Mazda’s new Skyactiv-D 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine, joining the existing 2.2-litre turbodiesel and 1.5, 2.0, 2,5-litre petrol Skyactiv units. Promising improved efficiency without compromising performance, Mazda remains mum on outputs for the time being.However, it does meet Euro 6 regulations without any after treatment systems and emits less than 90g/km with the six-speed Skyactiv torque converter automatic fitted to the Hazumi. This last figure suggests a combined fuel figure below 4.0L/100km. 

Design maestro Theophilus Chin  has produced his impression of what we'll see with the next Mazda2 when it arrives most likely late next year after a motor show unveiling.Chin has focused on the front of the vehicle, and shows how the fresher Mazda family face will sit on the popular city car -- which topped the light class in Australia's 2013 sales with 15,167, edging ahead of the 2012 winner Toyota Yaris on 14,437.Mazda hasn't revealed many hints about what we'll get in the next 2, although it's logical to expect a continuing focus on Skyactiv fuel economy technology spreading across the stable to the baby.That prospect offers the promise of even better efficiency than from the current model's 76kW/135Nm 1.5-litre four-cylinder, which delivers 6.4L/100km in five-speed manual gearbox form and 6.8L/100km with the four-speed automatic transmission. 

While Holden and Ford sales have been in steady decline over the past decade Mazda has steadily climbed and in 2012 the Japanese car maker overtook Ford as the third highest seller behind Toyota and Holden.An indication of the dramatic swing is that in 2004 Holden sold around 178,000 vehicles compared with 55,000 Mazdas. As of November 2013 the gap had closed to just over 8000 with Holden down to 103,000 and Mazda up to 95,000.The number 3 is most significant because the Mazda3 makes up around 40 per cent of Mazda’s total Australian sales despite the imminent arrival of an all-new model. The company’s other star performer is the CX-5 which is now Australia’s top seller across all segments of the highly-competitive SUV market segment.Mazda’s 2013 performance is all the more impressive because it has been a relatively quiet year with no new model releases and only the addition of some new variants to the CX-5 and BT-50 range.Australia is one of Mazda’s most important markets and this was recognised when the Japanese head office chose Melbourne as the first of five major cities to reveal the upcoming, third generation, Mazda3 with Istanbul, St Petersburg, London and New York following as the earth moved around the sun.The next three years will be busier with five new models set to arrive here spearheaded by the all-new Mazda3 in January 2014. Also due for new generation models between 2014 and 2016 are the Mazda2, MX-5 and CX-9. Mazda won’t be specific on the fifth new model but given its success in the SUV field and the trend towards sub-compacts a CX-3 is the strong favourite. Based on the Mazda2 platform it would join recent releases such as Holden Trax, Nissan Juke, Peugeot 2008 and Ford EcoSport.Each of these upcoming models will continue the roll-out of Mazda’s ground-breaking SkyActiv technology that covers all aspect of vehicle design including engines, transmissions, brakes, body structure and chassis designed to significantly reduce fuel consumption and exhaust emissions by between 20 and 30 per cent. 

The range will be built at the Auto Alliance Thailand plant - which already builds BT-50s for Australia and will build around 50,000 Mazda 2s for Asian markets - and it's expected to arrive in Australia from mid-2010.Mazda Australia managing director Doug Dickson wasn't prepared to talk in more detail about the pricing structure for the Thai-sourced Mazda2.  The AAT plant boasts Mazda's three-layer wet paint system and Mr Dickson said it was a good opportunity for Mazda to bring the sedan - which boasts a 450-litre boot - here."We are delighted to be able to offer Australians the all-new Mazda2 sedan and moving to Thailand production enables us to do this," he says.  "I can confirm one of the year's worst kept secrets - from mid 2010 Australia bound 2s will be built in Thailand.  The second part is we will be able to offer the Mazda2 sedan - it sits on the same wheelbase as the hatch, has the same 1.5-litre engine - we don't have any pricing or volume information yet," he says."It is too early to talk pricing, but we're not backward in coming forward and being competitive," he says.  Mr Dickson says the company was looking forward to 2010 after 2009, which he says should have been a disastrous year for the industry."October 09 was the first year-on-year in crease in 16 months, since July 2008 - for the balance of this year we're expecting a good November and December.  Mr Dickson believes 2009 will end up being between 10 and 11 per cent down.  "But that pales by comparison to the 35 per cent setback between 1985 and 1987, and the 17 per cent setback in 1991 - we have got off lightly this year," he says."We're very proud of what we've achieved, we'll fall back about six per cent in sales, but we've picked 0.6 percentage points since July 2008 - the second best market share improvement in the industry," he says.

Priced from $16,500, the Mazda2 has won concerted praise since the new model was launched in Australia last year.

As previewed here last month, the three-door version of the critically acclaimed and popularly successful hatch should arrive here in the second half of the year.