Mazda UK campaigning for Mazdaspeed2
Grassroots campaigns aimed at automakers rarely succeed, and even when local dealers get involved those efforts tend to stagnate or get lost in the filter between the showroom floor and the automaker's HQ. But when an entire country's marketing and PR efforts get behind a project there might be a faint hope of success. Mazda UK is launching a lobbying blitz to get its Japanese parent to bring the goods to Britain's masses in the form of the Mazdaspeed2 (well, it'd be called the Mazda2 MPS in the UK, but you get our point).
Hot hatches have consistently been winners abroad, so Mark Cameron, marketing director for Mazda UK, is trying to get Mazda to equip its newest sub-compact with a blown motor and some suspension tweaks to bring the people what they want. If it does happen, and reports say that a three-door MS2 is a distinct possibility, it won't happen for at least two years, but
[Source: Autocar]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Rick Lyon 8:06PM (10/13/2007)
Why a 3 door!?
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wiseman 9:07PM (10/13/2007)
Because it's lighter and therefore faster?
John R 9:49AM (10/14/2007)
In regards to cars of this size, hatches are more popular than sedans (saloons) in the UK. hence the popularity of the fiat 500, mini, etc... The 1-series started out in Europe as a hatch. There is a coupe version now mainly because of the US market.
naggs 8:32PM (10/14/2007)
well they dont have an mps version of either right now so it sounds like you have dodged a bullet
Rick Lyon 9:09PM (10/13/2007)
And? I wouldn't want to lean forward while people crawl into the backseat. I need 4 doors and I'm surprised they'd not do a MP version of the standard Mazda2.
Jimbo 9:15PM (10/13/2007)
I really wish Mazda USA would pull harder (or at all) for the 2 in any of its forms. Bring on the new 6 5-door as well.
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SPG 12:13AM (10/14/2007)
A Kia Rio, Hyundai Accent, Toyota Yaris, Aveo, Wave, or Versa shopper would get an ultra stylish and sporty choice.
Thusly, bring it to North America.
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naggs 12:31AM (10/14/2007)
this would be awesome
a mini s would have nothing on a ms2
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Bill 1:18AM (10/14/2007)
As a Mazda fan and 3-time owner, I really want to have the Mazda2 as a choice when it's time to buy a new car, because from what I've seen and read, it' fits my needs perfectly. I faintly hope Mazda USA reads blogs. I need a small city car with good MPG, but I want something that has style and handles well. I'm open-minded and would consider the Verve or Fiesta or whatever the US market gets, but I'd really prefer a Mazda vehicle.
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Sam 4:43AM (10/14/2007)
actually that was your opinion in English.
:D
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John R 9:53AM (10/14/2007)
A Mazdaspeed to sounds like a lot of fun. I would to see it mix it up with a Mini Cooper S.
But I would rather see a Mazdaspeed 5. That is a people-carrier/minivan that looks good and only needs the extra umph to make it complete.
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spdracerut 10:47AM (10/14/2007)
I just drove a Mazda 2 here in France with the ~70hp diesel. As is typical with Mazdas, very good handling and steering feel. It was quite a bit of fun driving in the twisties. I'd even go as far as to say that the steering feel is pretty close to my Evo.
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adrian 7:01PM (10/14/2007)
I don't belive Mazda has a three door option on any of it's models in the UK so this would be a first for a long time. And about time, after all not every driver has a famliy or needs five doors.
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