New Mazda2 arriving in 2015

With an European release date scheduled for 2015, MazdaMazdaJapan, 1920 > present80 models
2325 photos
7 videos
has unveiled the new generation of the Mazda2Mazda 2Japan, 1996 > present4 series
67 versions
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which will debut in October at the Paris Motor Show.

After the CX-5Mazda CX-5 Gen.1Japan, 2012 > present37 versions
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, Mazda6Mazda 6 Gen.3Japan, 2012 > present56 versions
110 photos
and Mazda3Mazda Mazda 3 Gen.3Japan, 2013 > present56 versions
87 photos
, the new city model of the Japanese brand will be the fourth to incorporate the SkyActiv technology and the Kodo design language. In Japan the model hits dealers in October.

Mazda is announcing the new generation Mazda2 as a model that combines "performance, fuel economy, safety and driving pleasure." Previously known information already reported that the new model would be lighter, more agile and more frugal than the current Mazda2.

Few details are known yet about the new generation, but Mazda says that the model will be launched with two versions of the new SkyActiv 1.5-liter turbodiesel engine. CO2 emissions should be around 90g/km.

The new Mazda2 uses a new chassis and a body constructed to adapt to SkyActiv technology. The new generation should become one of the lightest supermini in the segment, with a kerb weight below 1000kg.

Mazda hopes to achieve economies of scale with the new Mazda2 platform making it a global model, which will be produced in conjunction with a new Toyota supermini in some markets such as North America.

The design of the new Mazda2 was clearly influenced by the HazumiMazda HazumiJapan, 2014 > 2014 concept, which debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The design was developed from the CX-5, Mazda3 and Mazda6 models, as well as the Hazumi.

Compared to the concept the only differences that can be found are the headlights, wheels, mirrors and door handles. The final design was developed in partnership by teams from Japan, Germany and California.

Mazda says that the interior of the new Mazda2 is "extremely spacious" and the images reveal a larger wheelbase, which should helpt to maximize the interior space. The interior design is described as refined, thanks to the use of soft-touch materials.

The new Mazda2 will be equipped with the new system connectivity MZD Connect that allows the connection to a smartphone. A set of active safety 'i-Activesense' technologies will be available as an option.