Auto Blitz: Mazda2

Showing posts with label Mazda2 - Demio. Show all posts

Paris Show: Mazda2 Facelift Makes Euro Debut

The subtly updated Mazda2 was given its European premiere in Paris today. The Fiesta's brethren enters the 2011 model year with a new face featuring a revised front grille and a re-sculptured front bumper. A fresh choice of exterior colors and alloy wheel designs complete the look.

Mazda has announced that the refreshed Mazda2 will be given its European premiere at next month's Paris motor show. The Japanese firm also plans to introduce a new 1.6-liter turbo diesel for the Mazda5 MPV and Mazda3 sedan and hatchback models at the show.

Despite the introduction of a newer generation of the Demio, which is known as the Mazda2 in overseas markets, Mazda continues to offer a crossover-ish version of the previous model called the Verisa in Japan. The tall subcompact hatch, which is pretty much the Japanese equivalent of Europe's Ford Fiesta (previous generation) -based Fusion, enters the 2011MY with some modest updates.

Obviously Mazda has embarked on a journey to teach Japanese to British buyers. After the MX-5 Miyako limited edition series - named after a Japanese island, Mazda is now introducing the 'Takuya' special edition range, available on the Mazda2, Mazda3 and Mazda6 models. The name 'Takuya' – pronounced 'tah-koy-yah' – is taken from the Japanese for forerunner or pioneer. Changes on the special edition models are limited to cosmetic and equipment upgrades.

A subtly updated version of the 2010 Mazda2 will make its way to Australian showrooms in May in hatchback and for the first time, sedan body styles. Aside from the new looks and the addition of the longer, four-door sedan to the range, the 2010 Mazda2 also heralds the change of production as the refreshed model will now be sourced from the company's new factory in Thailand instead of Japan.

As with the North American version of the car, the styling tweaks on the revamped Aussie-spec Mazda2 are mostly concentrated up front and concern the new front bumper that incorporates the firm's smiley-shaped lower grille, darker head light clusters and the revised upper grille.

Both body styles of the new Mazda2 will continue to be powered by a 76kW / 102HP 1.5-liter petrol engine hooked up to either manual or automatic transmissions.

According to Mazda's Aussie division, the new sedan version which boasts 450 liters of boot capacity will come equipped with several standard features including 15 inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning, power windows and mirrors, as well as front, side and curtain SRS airbags, and ABD with EBD.

Spot the Differences: North American 2011 Mazda2 Interior Revealed at Canada Auto Show

After comparing photos of the interiors of the North America and European Mazda2 the only visible differences we spotted between the two models concern the relocation and redesign of the glove box on the passenger's side and the new seat trims. Other than that, the interiors of the N.A.- and Euro-spec Mazda2 are identical.

This is the first time that Mazda showed off the North American Mazda2's interior after the small hatchback's debut at last year's LA Show.

On this side of the Atlantic, the Ford Fiesta's platform-partner will go on sale this summer with the five-door body style and a 1.5-liter gasoline engine, with more details expected to be announced closer to its launch.

Trio of Mazda2 Concepts Including a MazdaSpeed Custom Debut at the 2009 LA Auto Show

Automakers are trying their best to convince American consumers that size doesn't matter and that small cars can be equally fun and adventurous as their larger siblings. Following the example of Ford with the customized 2011 Fiestas, Mazda also displayed a trio of funky concept models based on the new U.S.-spec Mazda2 at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Coincidently, the Mazda2 and Fiesta share the same underpinnings.

The most impressive concept version of the Mazda2 is the 2Evil which gives us an idea of what a potential MazdaSpeed2 (MPS in Europe) could look like.

The supermini has been spiced up with a full body kit that includes an aggressive front spoiler, chunky side skirts, a roof spoiler and a rear diffuser that houses the new exhaust tip.

The 2Evil is finished Ceramic Grey metallic with subtle motorsports inspired graphics while wheels, mirrors and other details are accented in Spirited Green.

The MazdaSpeed-prepped hatch rides on 17-inch wheels with 215/45/17 Yokahama Advan tires while the lowered coil-over suspension by H&R and the Magna performance exhaust complete the package.

The other two concept models are the Active2 Surf and Active2 Snow. Both variants feature 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/45/17 Yokahama Tires, a H&R coil over suspension, special graphics and a Thule roof rack system.