You won’t find any supercars or massive electric limousines on the Mazda stand at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show.
Mazda chose Geneva to unveil the Hazumi, a subcompact concept car that previews the next Mazda2. If the production model stays true to the concept, cheapness won’t be its only positive attribute.
The Hazumi proves that small, affordable cars don’t have to be boring. It wears a downsized interpretation of the “Kodo” design language already seen on the Mazda3, Mazda6, and CX-5.
Despite the fact that this is a much smaller platform, Kodo elements like the shield-shaped grille and delicately-curved headlights translate well to the new form. It’s hard to disguise the car’s stubby hatchback proportions, but Mazda’s designers did a great job considering what they had to work with.
Under the sleek sheet metal is a new 1.5-liter “Skyactiv-D” four-cylinder diesel engine. A baby brother to the 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel Mazda has begun installing in its larger cars, Mazda says the engine balances fuel efficiency and performance.
There’s no doubt that a tiny diesel engine will be fuel efficient, but don’t expect the next Mazda2 to be a rocket ship either. If Mazda’s other Skyactiv engines are any indication, 1.5 should have a very sporty character, though.
It’s unclear whether this engine will make it to the United States, but U.S. buyers will most likely get the Hazumi’s Mazda Proactive Safety suite of electronic aids, and Mazda Connect infotainment system.
More importantly, there’s no reason why the Hazumi’s styling shouldn’t make it to production too.
