Mazda’s participation at the 2009 LA Auto Show will now include the Mazda2. With automakers now making a concerted effort to bring in hatchback models to the US market, the Mazda2’s attendance in LA should go a long way in introducing the car to the US.
Right now, the Mazda2 is being sold in a lot of markets all over the world, thanks to a relatively affordable and efficient package, which comes with a number of engine variants including a 1.3 and 1.5-liter gas engine and a 1.2 and 1’6-liter diesel variant.
The car’s entry into the North American market has been widely anticipated after the car scored the distinction of being voted World Car of the Year in 2008.
There’s no word yet as to how much the car will be sold in the US and technical specs have also yet to be released. Nevertheless, the Japanese brand is excited about bringing the car to one of the world’s major auto markets. The car is expected to go on sale at the latter part of 2010, where it will be rebranded as a 2011 model.
Press release after the jump.
> More
The Japanese automaker Mazda has commenced production on their compact hatchback the Mazda2 at their AutoAlliance factory in Thailand. Although the diminutive city car may not seem so impressive, you have to remember that it did win a few car of the year awards in its previous form and that the new car comes with an all new enticing feature, an even wider grin. The new Mazda2’s smiley face is not only more inviting than the generation that came before but it also gives the 2010 model year small city car a fun face that adds to the Japanese automaker’s Zoom-Zoom spirit of car building.
Just like the new MX-5, the Mazda2 has undergone a design refreshening and features a new front bumper that incorporates a set of larger larger vertical air intakes as well as the new happy face five point lower grill that is going into all of Mazda’s fun to drive vehicles. A new Mazda2 also gives hope that a new open air roadster inspired version could be in the works, especially after consumers have adjusted to the new car’s playful front end. As for now, these images are pretty much all we have to go on, but we promise to get back to you with more details as they become available.
Press release after the jump.
> More
.
Only a few days ago, Top Speed reported that the Japanese automaker, Toyota, is preparing a roadster version of their iQ city car. It turns out that they are not the only car builder from the Pacific island nation working on an open air subcompact.
The manufacturer from Hiroshima, Mazda, is also working on a roadster version of their smallest vehicle, the Mazda2. The new roadster is a response to sporty, fuel efficient models from Europe, like the upcoming Renault Twingo CC, Opel Tigra and Peugeot 207 CC. The roadster will be powered by the same engines that are found under the hood of the hatchback version, starting with a 1.3 Liter four cylinder and a larger 1.5 Liter gas burning engine. For those who like their fuel from a larger nozzle, Mazda will offer both a 1.4 Liter and a 1.6 Liter turbo diesel power plant to motivate the new roadster.
There is no word on a turbocharged gasoline engine or even a rotary powered roadster. Both are a bit too thirsty for the Mazda2’s intended customers, but wouldn’t it be exciting to see a compact Mazda city car powered by a 13B.
Limited to only 400 units, the Mazda2 "Fit for Fun" special edition adds a more sportier look to Mazda’s small model. The special edition is available in Germany and is priced at 15,800 euro.
It is powered by a 1.3-liter MZR engine that delivers 86 hp. The sporty kit adds: dark headlamps, a front apron, rear wing, painted grille, side skirts and 16-inch alloy wheels.
Standard equipments include: automatic climate control, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with traction control (TCS), on-board computer and rain sensor. The special edition is available in white or black.
Why? Because they consider it might hurt the Mazda3 sales. Auto dealers have been clamoring for the Mazda2, a popular small car in Japan and Europe, as North American drivers dump big vehicles in favor of fuel-efficient rides. If brought, the Mazda2 will compete with the Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris.
"The Mazda2 is a very good product, and we’ve received very strong requests from dealers. But it is still under study," Mazda President Hisakazu Imaki said about a possible North American debut. "But I must also say that I don’t regret that we haven’t been able to supply the car thus far.
"One of the biggest factors the decision hasn’t been made is that the Mazda3 is still enjoying strong sales," Imaki said here. Also, demand for the Mazda2 might recede if gasoline prices moderate, he said.
Mazda is introducing three-door versions of its all-new Mazda2 small car this month, with a starting price of just £7,999 on-the-road – making the Mazda2 TS 3dr 1.3 petrol one of the most price-competitive small cars in the UK.
This is the first time that Mazda has offered a three-door variant in its popular Mazda2 model range. The newcomer features all the technology and attributes of the five-door hatchback, while delivering the same sporty feel to its dynamic drive at an even more affordable price. Since launch, the new Mazda2 has attracted almost 7,000 buyers and raised Mazda’s share of the small car market in 2008 to 2.4 per cent.
The Mazda2 5dr, which was introduced in September 2007, broke the industry trend for increasing weight and size with each successive replacement model. New Mazda2 is 100kg lighter than the previous model, thanks to Mazda’s ‘gram strategy’ diet, and the use of lightweight ultra-high tensile steels and new technology – leading to excellent fuel consumption and low CO2 emissions.
> More
Mazda is updating its Mazda Performance Series (MPS) line-up with new models that will target models like the future Insignia VXR and even the BMW M3. A MPS version for the Mazda2 will go on sale in late 2009, and a Mazda6 MPS will also arrive in 2010.
The Mazda6 MPS features new spoilers, large air intakes, lowered side skirts and bigger alloy wheels. It’s believed that the model will use a turbocharged version of the 6’s all-new 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine that will deliver 280bhp.
The car will cover 0-60mph in six seconds, with a top speed limited to 155mph. Mazda is expected to take the wraps off a concept version at October’s Paris Motor Show and the production model should arrive in 2010.
Mazda2 MPS will be powered by a turbo variation on the existing 1.5-litre petrol with more than 170bhp.
South African Guild of Motoring Journalists elected the Mazda2 1,5 as 2008’s Car of the Year. The large gathering at the glitzy event consisted of CEOs of all major motor companies, motor industry representatives and journalists.
The shocking and amazing part is that it came ahead of the Mercedes-Benz C220 CDI, Lexus LS 460 and even the Land Rover Freelander 2.2 TD4 HSE!!
The annual competition is happening for the 23rd time. The 2 is a popular car in SA and only recently, won in the best light car category in CAR Magazine’s annual Top 12 Best Buys.
The Mazda2 is credited with impressing even the harsh Jeremy Clarkson. It is by far one of the safest cars to travel in as it attained maximum 5 Euro NCAP stars. It looks cute, it is light in weight hence easy to handle, and the frugal gasoline engine is easy on your pocket. The 1.3 is offered along side the 1.5 variant in South Africa and this award adds to the mighty brand image of Mazda in that country.
> More
Even if I do not understood how could the Mazda2 overtook a model like Mercedes C-Class it really happened: Mazda2 won the title of World Car of the Year! Initially there was a list of 39 entries and only three were selected for the big final: Mazda2, Mercedes C-Class and Ford Mondeo.
Based on the recommendations of a design panel consisting of four highly respected world design experts, the Mazda2 was also voted by the jurors onto the short-list of top three design finalists, together with the Audi R8 and Volvo C30.
Another winners: World Green Car of the Year goes to BMW 118d with Efficient Dynamics; World Performance Car of the Year and World Car Design of the Year - Audi R8 (finally some justice!).
Press release after the jump.
> More
Pages: 
Post a comment
Picture Gallery
RSS -
Webmaster free news |