The Mazda2 has been largely an afterthought in the Mazda->ke53 lineup but at the Geneva Motor Show->ke228, the Japanese automaker's resident hatchback->ke304 will get its much deserved time in the spotlight.

Good for the Mazda2 because it has really earned the right to get a concept->ke169 vehicle to preview what the next-generation model will look like. As far as the name of the concept goes, Mazda has christened it the "Hazumi," which apparently means "spring up" or "bound" in Japanese.

While we have no clue on the significance of its meaning to the Mazda 2, we do know that the change is long overdue, especially with that all-too-happy look of its predecessor. In its place, it appears that Mazda will adopt the new styling language seen on the Mazda 3->ke504 and Mazda 6->ke346. What that means is that we expect to see the same angular headlights that the teaser proudly shows, as well as a more contoured grille and a sculpted signature wing. LEDs are also in play for the Mazda2.

On the more technical side, the new Mazda2 is also being prepared to use a shorter version of the CX-5->ke3814's platform, which means that we can reasonably expect a slightly bigger frame than what we've come accustomed to.

All that is good news for Mazda's forlorn hatch. It's forsaken no more, folks, so get excited for that!

Updated 3/4/2014: Mazda revealed the Hazumi concept today in Geneva.

Click past the jump to read more about the next Mazda 2.

2014 Mazda Hazumi Concept

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Mazda Hazumi Concept
  • Segment: Array
  • Engine/Motor: inline-3
  • Horsepower: 120
  • Torque: 210
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

It's small, it's sleek and it's pretty damn sexy; it's the all-new Mzda2, err, "Hazumi Concept." Let's not kid ourselves, this is so obviously a design study to see how the public would react to a fully redesigned Mazda2, and I see no reason for a bad reaction.

As one of the few Mazda models left out of the Kodo design revolution, it only makes sense to pull the subcompact 2 into modern times. Up front, the Kodo design pushes the grille and headlights toward the ground, giving the Hazumi Concept a lower appearance, and making it look like it is ready to pounce on the first Fiesta is sees on the road. The LED ring around the headlights give the tiny hatch a striking look in the evening, and the aluminum wing under the grille gives a typically boring car new life.

From the profile view, the Kodo design gives the hatchback a long-looking hood, like a sports car. Add in the raked windshield , swooping roofline and rear spoiler, and you have likely one of the best looking hatchbacks in quite some time.

Around back, the taillights are simply menacing with their odd oval shape and U-shaped LED lighting. The center-mounted exhaust adds a little extra aggression to the tiny hatch.

In all, the Hazumi actually gets me excited to see what Mazda has in store for the B segment in the future. Be it a redesigned 2 or an all new model, my interest is certainly piqued.

2014 Mazda Hazumi Concept - Exterior Specifications

Length

4,070 MM (160.23 inches)

Width

1,730 MM (68.11 inches)

Height

1,450 MM (57.08 inches)

Wheelbase

2,585 MM (101.77 inches)


Interior

The cabin is all about drawing in the younger crowd, as the Hazumi concept makes the car and driver one by way of plenty of technology. The cabin makes use of futuristic shapes that not only give the concept an awesome look, but also give it the appearance of always moving forward.

the gauges are a thing straight out of the future, as a single gauge with wing-like displays show you all of the pertinent information. Mazda's Human Machine Interface is also present in the concept to give the driver all the information he needs while keeping his eyes focused on the road by way of what Mazda calls the Heads Up Cockpit. Having played with Mazda's heads-up display in the past, I can attest that it does a great job at keeping your eyes forward.

The concept rolled into Geneva in a 2+2 setup, which I know will not make it into production, but it a cool look anyways. The seats are coated in nubuck-feel material, while black leather is the main interior hue with white contrasting leather strewn through the cabin for added pop.

The exterior of the Hazumi Concept is certainly production ready, but the interior will need a little tweaking to get it ready for consumption.

Rear Seat Detail

Drivetrain

Under the hood of this concept is the all-new SKYACTIV-D 1.5, which is a 1.5-liter, diesel engine that is closely related to the SKYACTIV-D 2.2 engine found in the Euro-spec Mazda6. Mazda stopped short of releasing performance specs, but like its larger cousin that produces 148 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, the 1.5-liter diesel engine will have plenty of torque for zippy acceleration.

Where the 1.5-liter engine really shines is its super-low 90 g/km of CO2 emissions, thanks to i-ELOOP brake energy regeneration and special emission-reducing traps.

Engine

SKYACTIV-D 1.5-Liter

Transmission

SKYACTIV-Drive (six-speed automatic)

Key auxiliary systems

i-stop (idle-stop system)
i-ELOOP (brake energy regeneration system)


When Can I Drive One?

You have no chance to drive the concept, but this is obviously the preview to the next-gen Mazda2. With how advanced this concept is, I expect to see the design make its way into the 2015 Mazda2. Expect to see the new hatch bow in late 2014.

Conclusion

The Mazda2 is far from my favorite hatchback, but the 2014 Mazda3 is near the top, thanks to the Kodo design and gobs of technology tossed in. Add this tech and design to the Mazda2, and it will sit right next to its big brother on my list. I simply cannot wait to see what engine's Mazda adds in; hopefully we'll see something to compete with the Fiesta ST. I can hope, right?