New Mazda 2 revealed: first pics and details

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17 Jul, 2014 5:00am Jack Rix

Mazda takes the wraps off its 2 supermini contender, which features a sharp design, modern interior and cutting-edge engines

The new Mazda 2 supermini (known as the Demio in its home market of Japan) has been officially revealed to coincide with the start of production at the Hofu plant, south-east of Hiroshima. The Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa rival joins the CX-5, 6 and 3 as the fourth member of Mazda’s new-generation of vehicles.

The production car, shown here in Japanese spec, bares a striking similarity to the Hazumi concept revealed at the Geneva show in March, and uses same the ‘Kodo’ design language a its bigger brother – the Mazda 3 hatch. The shield-shaped grille flowing into sharp headlights, bulging wheel arches and horizontal taillights are all carried over.

New Mazda 2: interior technology

The Mazda 3 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 and upmarket design.

It will also benefit from Mazda’s latest MZD Connect infotainment system, already fitted to the 3, which brings navigation, telephone and entertainment controls together on the central screen. Mazda’s i-ACTIVSENSE suite of safety technology ill be offered, too, which includes a lane departure warning system, radar cruise control and fully automatic adaptive headlights.

New Mazda 2: engines

Technical details are thin on the ground at this stage, but a new 1.5-litre SKYACTIV diesel will make its debut, which Mazda has previously claimed will clock CO2 emissions of less than 90g/km. A 1.5-litre SKYACTIV petrol will also be offered in a variety of outputs, along with a choice of manual and automatic transmissions.

Overall dimensions are expected to mirror the Hazumi concept, which measured 4,070mm long, 1,730mm wide and 1,450mm tall - virtually identical dimensions to the five-door Fiesta, but with a longer 2,585mm wheelbase for more interior room.

Prices are yet to be revealed, but expected to start from around £11,000. And Mazda has high aspirations for the newcomer. Its Europe’s Chief Operating Officer Phil Waring told Auto Express: “We currently sell around 24,000 in the B [supermini] segment and we expect the new car to double that.”

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