All-New Mazda 2 to take the B-Segment by storm, just like its bigger brothers, the 3 and 6.

• SKYACTIV Technology and KODO design team up in a segment-beating supermini
• Launch plan sees next-generation Mazda2 at several upcoming European events in fall

Clever, comfortable and confident: The all-new Mazda2 is heading for Europe, where its generous equipment and convention-challenging capabilities are set to take the B segment by storm. Mazda’s next-generation supermini will make its European press debut at an exclusive driving event that gets under way at Mazda Space in Barcelona on 3 November. The five-door hatchback will also be the highlight of several national motor shows and other events in autumn and winter.

The all-new Mazda2 combines the complete range of SKYACTIV technology with a stunning KODO – Soul of Motion design very similar to the Mazda Hazumi concept unveiled in Geneva in March. It features the ingeniously intuitive interior concept first seen on the all-new Mazda3, including the Active Driving Display – the first head-up display in this class – and a human-machine interface specially adapted for the subcompact’s cabin. With MZD Connect, the all-new Mazda2 is also one of the first B-segment models to bring occupants online in complete safety, meeting the demands of many of today’s customers. The cabin itself, meanwhile, is surprisingly spacious and comfortable, particularly for the driver but also with top-class rear legroom.

Under the bonnet is one of four engines including the SKYACTIV-D 1.5-litre, a brand-new low compression clean diesel producing 77kW/105ps and maximum torque of 220Nm while using only 3.4l/100km of fuel for CO₂ emissions of 89g/km*. The all-new Mazda2 will also be offered with the petrol-powered SKYACTIV-G 1.5-litre in three variants producing between 55kW/75ps and 85kW/115ps. They deliver fuel economy and CO₂ emissions figures ranging from 4.5-4.9l/100km and 105-115g/km*. Power is transferred to the front wheels via five- and six-speed SKYACTIV-MT manual transmissions as well as a six-speed SKYACTIV-Drive automatic. All are newly developed compact, lightweight versions of the acclaimed gearboxes offered on other new-generation Mazdas.

The all-new supermini also gets the SKYACTIV-Chassis, and with it the widely praised linear sporty handling of its larger siblings for Mazda’s patented Jinba Ittai oneness-with-the-car feeling. Optimised for the Mazda2’s size, the upshot is remarkably smooth responsiveness to go with significantly advanced comfort and confidence-inspiring stability that is unusual for a subcompact.

Indeed, the all-new Mazda2’s is exceptionally well equipped in terms of cutting-edge technology. Its class-beating set of i-ACTIVSENSE active safety systems includes Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM). Available for the first time on a Mazda in Europe, BSM keeps track of the blind spots behind and on the sides of the vehicle, even when reversing. Plus, although kerb weights start at a mere 970kg, Mazda’s newest model provides outstanding passive safety protection, too. This comes thanks among other things to the innovative architecture of its SKYACTIV-Body, which contains significantly greater quantities of lightweight high and ultra-high strength steels than the body of the current Mazda2.

Mazda is taking an unconventional approach with its European launch strategy this time around: Rather than concentrating on major international motor shows, the company is promoting its supermini at a number of regional events. For example, prior to the press launch at Mazda Space, the company’s European event hub, the all-new Mazda2 will be on display at the International Film Festival of Rome from 16-25 October at the MAXXI Museum of 21^st Century Art. It will also feature at three upcoming motor shows in Zurich (5-9 November), Vienna (14-18 November) and Brussels (15-25 January), before going on sale early next year.

All-new Mazda2**
Engine			SKYACTIV-G 1.5 (75 ps)		SKYACTIV-G 1.5 (90 ps)		SKYACTIV-G 1.5 (115 ps with i-ELOOP)		SKYACTIV-D 1.5
Max. power	kW(PS) /rpm		55(75)/6,000		66(90)/6,000		85(115)/6,000		77(105)/4,000
Max. torque	Nm/rpm		135/3,800		148/4,000		148/4,000		220/1,400-3,200
Emission rating			Euro 6		Euro 6		Euro 6		Euro 6
Transmission			5MT		5MT	6AT	6MT		6MT
Fuel consumption*	l/100km		4.7		4.5	4.8	4.9		3.4
CO2 emissions*	g/km		110		105	112	115		89
Exterior dimensions
Overall length							mm		4,060
Overall width							mm		1,695
Overall width (mirror to mirror)							mm		1,983
Overall height (without shark fin antenna)							mm		1,495
Wheelbase							mm		2,570

* Combined cycle, Mazda in-house calculations

** All figures preliminary

OFFICIAL RELEASE - Mazda2

• Production of SKYACTIV Technology-based subcompact begins in Japan
• Japanese market launch of Mazda's next-generation model slated for autumn

Mazda revealed the all-new Mazda2 today as the unconventional carmaker launched production of its next-generation supermini at its Hofu plant south-east of Hiroshima. The fourth member of Mazda's current model generation features the full range of ultra-efficient SKYACTIV Technology underneath a stunning KODO – Soul of Motion design that is bursting with energy.

With a winning combination of performance, fuel economy, safety and Mazda's patented driving fun, the all-new Mazda2 has the potential to reproduce the immense popularity of its siblings – the Mazda CX-5, Mazda6 and Mazda3 – when it goes on sale in autumn starting in Japan. Evolving and enhancing the technology and ergonomics cultivated in these vehicles, the newest Mazda is expected to raise the bar in the crucial B segment, Europe's single largest in terms of market share.

The all-new Mazda2 will premiere in Europe with a brand-new small displacement clean diesel engine, the SKYACTIV-D 1.5, as well as different power versions of the petrol SKYACTIV-G 1.5^*. Together with SKYACTIV body, chassis, and manual and automatic transmissions, it also gets the company's innovative MZD Connect in-car connectivity system, a class-beating range of i-ACTIVSENSE active safety technology and a remarkably spacious and refined interior.

Applauded time and again for its outstanding value and unwavering reliability, more than 2.4 million Mazda2s^** have been sold globally since it was first launched in 1996. With its new generation, Mazda is bringing another exciting interpretation of the supermini to drivers around the world.

^* Powertrain availability may vary according to the market.

^**Also sold as Mazda Demio.

SPY SHOTS - New Mazda2 pictures leaked online.

We get an early look at sharp-suited Mazda supermini courtesy of a set of leaked pictures on the web

The new Mazda2 supermini (known as the Demio in its home market of Japan) has been revealed earlier than expected in a set of images leaked on the web. Showing a striking similarity to the Hazumi concept revealed at the Geneva show in March, the new 2 will take on the formidable Ford Fiesta and new Vauxhall Corsa when it goes on sale in 2015.

Unsurprisingly the ‘Kodo’ design language from its bigger brother – the Mazda3 hatchback has been reinterpreted. The shield-shaped grille flowing into sharp headlights, bulging wheel arches and horizontal taillights are all carried over.

The Mazda3 influence continues in the interior with a tablet-style screen protruding from the top of the dash, while a simple trio of air-con dials and a BMW iDrive-style rotary controller are the only visible switchgear, creating an uncluttered design.

Technical details are thin on the ground at this stage, but Mazda’s new 1.5-litre SKYACTIV diesel is expected to debut with emissions of less than 90g/km, along with a 1.5-litre petrol. Overall dimensions are expected to be extremely close to the five-door Fiesta, but with a longer wheelbase for more interior room.

We’ll bring you more details, including UK-specific information, when it emerges, but expect prices to start from around £11,000 when it lands in British showrooms sometime next year.

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