Mazda2 hatchback launched in Japan

The all-new 2016 Mazda2 was today unveiled in Japan by Mazda Motor Corporation.  Mazda’s sub-compact entry, known as the Demio in Japan, receives its first complete redesign since its global third-generation launch seven years ago.  Based on the HAZUMI concept, which debuted at the Geneva Auto Show in March, this all-new fourth-generation vehicle is outfitted with the full suite of Mazda’s Skyactiv fuel-efficiency enhancing technologies and the ‘Kodo: Soul of Motion’ design language to match its larger siblings the Mazda3 compact car, Mazda6 mid-size sedan and CX-5 compact SUV.  The 2016 Mazda2 also features additional in-vehicle and safety technology with Mazda Connect and i-Activsense, respectively.

The 2016 Mazda2 will begin rolling out to global markets from Japan’s Hofu plant starting this fall.  For the Japanese market, the vehicle will be available with a SKYACTIV-G 1.3-liter gasoline engine and a SKYACTIV-D 1.5-liter clean diesel engine.  More information on specifications for other global markets will be released closer to its on-sale date in those respective regions.

With more than 2.4 million units sold worldwide, the Mazda2 is the best-selling vehicle in Japan.  First introduced in 1996, a second generation followed in 2002 with the third-generation model being released in 2007.