In what’s probably not this week’s biggest auto show reveal, the Mazda2 made its North American debut as it was unveiled for the Canadian market during the Montreal International Auto Show. It’s very likely that this version of the redesigned diminutive hatchback is the one we’ll see on U.S. roads when it goes on sale here this fall.
The Mazda2 gets the same “soul of motion” makeover that the Mazda3 and 6 received, dubbed KODO. This design gives the subcompact a more expressive front fascia and a better, more crafted overall appearance. “This car proves that small car doesn’t mean small value or small fun,” said said Kory Koreeda, President, Mazda Canada. “In fact, with all the value that SKYACTIV Technology and KODO design brings to this segment, we expect big things from this small but mighty new Mazda2.”
Underneath the facelift is a 1.5-liter four-cylinder SKYACTIV-G engine. Mazda claims the engine delivers a 20% increase in fuel economy, and says it will improve over the 100 horsepower found in the current Mazda2, although full specs and details will be available at a later date. Whatever the final output is revealed to be, it will be routed through a six-speed manual transmission as standard, with automatic as an available option.
The interior of the Mazda2 will be fitted with the Mazda Connect infotainment system, which is comprised of a seven-inch center display and is manipulated through a command controller located by the vehicles shifter and is designed to be operated by feel. Pricing for the new Mazda2 will most likely follow with official performance specs nearer to the vehicles launch later this year.
