New Mazda 2 revealed

The next generation Mazda2 has broken cover in Japan. The new car will be offered with two new 1.5-litre Skyactiv engines (petrol and diesel) and is expected to reach the UK in April 2015. Details on pricing are thin on the ground, but expect the new Mazda 2 to start at £12,000.

The new ‘2’ made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show, in the form of the Hazumi Concept and the production-ready car is almost identical to the concept that impressed the public in Switzerland. The exterior takes a number of styling cues from the Mazda 3, with a prominent and aggressive front grille, sleek, sweepback headlights and angular rear lights, which look strikingly similar to the set used in the SEAT Leon.  

The new hatchback will be powered by Mazda’s existing petrol engines, along with the new 1.5-litre Skyactiv-D diesel designed for low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of less than 90g/km. There will also be a new 1.5-litre Skyactiv-G. Both powertrains will be offered in other models, including the Mazda 3 and CX-5.

In the cabin there’s an all-new infotainment system, with a rotatory controller and a tablet screen. The centre console will be free of clutter, with just a few buttons and switches. The styling of the console will be ‘suspended like a bridge’ between the doors and the instrument binnacle features a single large dial, displaying all important information.

The new Mazda 2 will also use the firm’s new in-car connectivity, with ‘simple’ controls to access telephone, iPod and the internet.