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Spy Shots: Mazda2 replacement shaping up
Seen here is what we believe to be the replacement for Mazda's recently freshened Mazda2/Demio. The folks at World Car Fans are at it again with these photos of a mildly disguised Ford Fiesta derivative that seems to be wearing a lot of Mazda styling cues. The most likely guess is that this will become the new Mazda2. Although this Mazda saw two facelifts in the past 2 years, the all-new model appears to be shaping up quite nicely.Losing some of the tall-wagon look of previous Demios, this one looks to be more of a hot hatch. OK, hot hatch is probably a stretch as current engine options top out at 100 hp. Still, we can dream and hope that the Mazdaspeed turbo 4 will somehow fit beneath the hood. In all likelihood this will remain a non-U.S. model so it might be a moot point anyhow for all of us wanting more Zoom-Zoom in the States. Follow the link for two big pics.
[Source: World Car Fans]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
CJ 1:23PM (9/15/2006)
While I'm a big fan of the Mazda look.... od they have to carry the exact same look throughout the ENTIRE line? (yes I know the MX-5 does not use the look too much)
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Dr. Woo 1:33PM (9/15/2006)
Yep...it's a Mazda all right...*yawn*
I agree with CJ. It's an admittedly attractive look that's quickly becoming stale and run-of-the-mill.
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Sid 1:41PM (9/15/2006)
I figure you can do only so much with a car that size (while keeping costs down). They could either do the dork-look a la Fit or the cute-look a la Yaris. They went with the cute-look.
Although...anyone remember the MX-Microsport? Wonder why not that design? It was sexy.
Either way...I expect this car to come here soon. The Mazda3 is too loaded now to be a econo-car.
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igor 1:50PM (9/15/2006)
The more important news is that this is the platform Ford Motor has been developing for new generation of global B-cars - including US bound models (branded as Fords not just Mazda).
While we might assume they will take several month before they finish developing their models, and greenlight them, the fact that the pltoform is ready means, we can very likely expect Ford's B-offerings in 2008-2009 as 2009 or 2010 models.
BTW the reason Ford NA will be a little late compared to the rest of FoMoCo is that until Fields took over, Ford NA was not part of this project .. only Mazda and Ford OE. They joined late, so they will take longer to get their vehicles ready.
Igor
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AnonymousInsights 2:10PM (9/15/2006)
Mazda has garnered praise for designs and performance that distinguish themselves from competitors. This design is a disappointing departure from previous direction and will not convince anyone who is buying a Hyundai Accent (3-door), Kia Rio and Chevy Aveo(5-door). This design deserves a Ford Fiesta badge and a tag line that says 'lowest price car in America'.
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CJ 2:06PM (9/15/2006)
Yes, what did happen to the MX-Microsport? I thought that was a pretty hot liitle car with MINI-esque appeal.
In case you don't remember it:
http://www.automobilemag.com/auto_shows/04det_mazdamxmicro/
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Ben 5:40AM (9/17/2006)
hmm ... looks like a ford focus ....
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ebm14 10:20PM (9/15/2006)
The Micro-Sport never happen, and they came out with a car using the same platform with toned down looks. The Micro would have been a true winner.
Anyway, the Mazda2 should have AWD and then U.S. folks would go crazy over owning it with at least 140hp under the hood.
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nat 12:08PM (9/17/2006)
I would like something like this. We have owned Mazda products off and on since the 1970's. It would be ideal as a second car for us.
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