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Mazda revealed the all-new Mazda 2 yesterday, the Japanese manufacturer’s competitor to cars like the Fiesta and Polo. And I’m sure you will concur, from the photos at least, it’s a neat looking thing.
No doubt the design team will say that’s because of KODO, something that means ‘Soul of Motion’ in the English speaking world. Now they just have to hope that this KODO appeals to the Western world.
The technical stuff
The fourth member of Mazda’s current model generation features the full range of ultra-efficient SKYACTIV Technology. They weren’t too clear on what that means exactly, but we do know that the little Mazda will premiere in Europe with a brand-new diesel engine and a 1.5 SKYACTIV-G petrol motor that’ll have a range of power options. Getting power to the wheels will be via the option of a manual or automatic gearbox.
The other stuff
The Mazda 2 also gets the company’s innovative MZD Connect in-car connectivity system, which makes changing the radio station a less button-y affair. Apparently there is a class-beating range of i-ACTIVSENSE active safety technology to boot.
The interior looks remarkably spacious and refined, drawing on the technology and ergonomics cultivated in the rest of Mazda’s range, so it expects to raise the bar in the crucial B segment – Europe’s single largest in terms of market share.
Let’s not forget that the outgoing Mazda 2 provided a strong alternative to what some might call the more mainstream offerings (see Polo, Fiesta). It was fun to drive, looked good and offered value. So here’s to hoping for big things for this Mazda. Hopefully it arrives on South African shores early-to-mid 2015.
