Mazda’s new city car arrives in Geneva

The Mazda2 gets more than a facelift this time around

The Mazda2 never quite made an impact in the UK since its launch at the 2002 Birmingham motor show. The model was given a mild freshening in 2006, but it still retained a boxy, tall, and wedge-like shape which had defined the model since its inception. This latest redesign hopes to shake the model’s stodgy image and drive more customers into Mazda dealer forecourts.

The new Mazda2 is a striking visual departure from the previous model. It has been transformed into a sleek, low-slung 5-door hatch which appears to have ditched the tall wagon look entirely.

The exterior shape features design cues first seen on both the MX-Micro sports concept and the Sassou concept car unveiled at the 2005 Frankfurt motor show. Heavily scalloped body panels, a sporty pointed nose and a rising beltline combine to reflect the new design’s sporting attributes whilst preserving the practicality of the outgoing car.

Though Mazda is not currently disclosing any specific details about the forthcoming model, we expect the next generation Mazda2 will employ a range of petrol and diesel 4-cylinder engines. It is also possible the latest iteration of the compact B-segment car will continue to be based on Ford’s DY architecture, utilizing McPherson front suspension and a twist beam rear axle.

Production of the new Mazda2 will take place at Mazda’s factory in Hiroshima, Japan. The previous generation of the Mazda2 was built in Valencia, Spain, and was also sold as the Demio in Japan, though never made it to the United States. There is good indication that this new model may in fact make the trip to compete with the Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit (Jazz in Europe) in the US market.

Mazda’s new 2 should begin arriving in select markets late this summer.