The Mazda2->ke2501 is one of those little subcompact cars, or “supermini” if you prefer, that really doesn’t get the attention it deserves. Just like the Mazda3->ke504, Mazda6->ke346, CX-3->ke4986, and CX-5->ke3814, the Mazda2 features the most recent interpretation of the Kodo Soul of Motion design styling with sculpted body creases and a much larger grille up front. Compared to the outgoing model, the Mazda2 is sportier than before and offers a two-tone interior that is both comfortable and function for such a small vehicle. For the new generation, Mazda->ke53 is bringing a brand new SkyActiv-D, 1.5-liter diesel to go with the 1.5-liter and 1.3-liter gasoline-powered engines. Consumers have the choice of a manual or automatic transmission with all engines and can expect fuel economy and power similar to that found in the Ford Fiesta->ke1170 and the Volkswagen Polo->ke322.

The previous-generation Mazda2 didn’t exactly perform very well in the U.S. Sales were slow and supply with also spread thin. Despite the fact that the 2016 Mazda2 will be produced in Mexico, the Mazda2 isn’t going to be available in the U.S. for the foreseeable future. To put it simply, we just love our larger cars now that gas prices aren’t $4.00 a gallon and with so much competition in the subcompact segment it just doesn’t make sense right now. Give it time and the four-gen model ma make it to the U.S., just don’t expect it to happen right away. Regardless of that, let’s take a good look at the Mazda2 and what the new generation brings to the table.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2015 Mazda2.

2016 Mazda2

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2016 Mazda2
  • Horsepower: 103 @ 4000
  • Torque: 184 @ 1500
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

While it remains true to its predecessor in terms of overall shape and size, the redesigned subcompact hatchback gets a fistful of Mazda's "Kodo - Soul of Motion" design language, which is already available on the Mazda3, Mazda6, and the CX-5.

The sculpted body creases are joined by the angular headlamps that stretch toward the fenders and the signature front grille highlighted by a V-shaped chrome surround. Around back, the horizontal taillights and the raked liftgate give the Mazda2 a sportier look. Granted, it's not as sexy as the Mazda3 hatch, but it's a breath of fresh air in a segment that includes many dull-looking vehicles. The Volkswagen Polo comes to mind...

All told, the Mazda2 remains true to the Hazumi Concept for the most part, a sign that the design study drew many positive reviews from the public and journalists alike.

Interior

Along with a brand-new exterior also came a revamped interior. Details are slim as of July 2014, but the photos reveal a clean dashboard layout and a lowered center console. The new configuration not only adds a feel of roominess to the cabin, but also introduces a dash of class similar to that found in the Mazda6 sedan. While the entry-level model only comes with cloth seats and hard plastic all around, the versions positioned higher in the lineup feature plenty of premium materials.

Perforated, leather-wrapped seats with red contrast stitching, leather surfaces on both the dashboard and the door armrests suggest the Mazda2 is no stranger to semi-luxury. When it comes to technology, Mazda->ke53 offers an updated navigation display, a reconfigured instrument cluster, and, for the first time on this model, a head-up display system. In addition, Mazda confirmed that its innovative MZD Connect in-car connectivity system and a range of i-ACTIVSENSE active safety technology will also be offered on the hatchback.

Drivetrain

At launch, the Mazda2 will be available with the brand-new, SkyActiv-D, 1.5-liter, diesel engine. The oil burner will be joined by the gasoline-powered SkyActiv-G 1.5-liter and 1.3-liter -- the former is already available in the Mazda3. There's no word whether the Mazda2 will also get the 2.0-liter SkyActiv-G, but Mazda confirmed a choice of manual and automatic transmissions for the 1.5-liter four-banger. Will be back with more details as soon as we have them.

2015 Mazda2: Drivetrain Specification

Type

1.5-liter SKYACTIV-D diesel engine

Output

103 HP @ 4,000 RPM

Torque

184 LB-FT @ 1,500 - 2,500 RPM


Prices

Pricing for the Mazda2 is not available as of July 2014 and the manufacturer has yet to a launch date for the U.S. market. The current Mazda2 is priced from $14,720 and we expect the next-gen model to fetch more than $17,000 in higher trims.

Competition

Ford Fiesta

One of the best-selling superminis in the world, the Ford Fiesta is Mazda2's most feared rival in the United States. The small hatch has just been revised for the 2014 model year, gaining a new front end and additional interior features. An optional touchscreen infotainment, a well-appointed interior, and a bevy of engines and transmissions make the Fiesta a popular choice among compact car buyers.

In U.S.-spec form, the Fiesta can be had with either a 1.6-liter four-cylinder or a 1.0-liter, turbo three-pot. The four-banger mates to either a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic and cranks out 120 horsepower and 112 pound-feet of torque. The smaller, turbocharged 1.0-liter is paired to only a five-speed manual and delivers 123 ponies and 148 pound-feet of twist. Both can reach 60 mph from a standing start in less than 10 seconds and return impressive fuel economy that can go up to 42 mpg on the highway with the turbo three-banger. Those in need for more oomph can opt for the Fiesta ST. The hot hatch carries a turbocharged, 1.6-liter, inline-four under its hood and comes with 197 horsepower and 202 pound-feet of torque on tap. The Fiesta hatch starts from $14,600.

Volkswagen Polo

Unlike the Ford Fiesta and the Mazda2, the Volkswagen Polo has yet to reach U.S. shores. However, the VW-badged hatch will take on its Japanese rival across Europe with a multitude of gasoline and diesel engines, with displacement ranging from 1.0 to 1.4 liters. At the bottom of the lineup, the 1.0-liter three-cylinder delivers 59 horsepower and 70 pound-feet of torque, while the range-topping, 1.4-liter TSI delivers 148 ponies. The most powerful diesel version, motivated by a 1.4-liter TDI, benefits from 89 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque.

Like most Volkswagens, the Polo is equipped with many convenience and safety features in its more expensive trims. In Britain, the small hatch retails from £11,100 ($18,987 as of 07/17/2014) and goes all the way to £17,710 ($30,295).

Conclusion

Although some details are still under wraps, the Mazda2 seems to have all it needs to compete in the unforgiving supermini market. Great looks, fuel-efficient engines, a revamped interior that can meet many tastes, and all the technology Mazda can provide for the 2016 model year. All we need now is for Mazda to send it our way and introduce a more powerful engine to enable the hatch to compete with the Fiesta ST. Here's to hoping.