BREAKING: Mazda2 coming to the U.S.
by John Neff on Sep 17th 2009 at 3:25PM 
Mazda2 – Click above for high-res image gallery
This just in: that fantabulous little Mazda we've admired from afar for the past couple years, the Mazda2 (also known as the Demio in Japan), is coming to all of North America, the U.S. included. President and CEO of Mazda's North American Operations Jim O'Sullivan has just told the automaker's top dealers that the diminutive Mazda, which shares its platform with the also incoming Ford Fiesta, will go on sale in the U.S. around the end of 2010. That's just about the same time that the Mazda2 will go on sale in Canada, as well.
O'Sullivan cites the changing tastes and attitudes of consumers towards smaller cars as shifting the business case in favor of selling the Mazda2 here in the States below. While no other information was given, dealers were told they can expect to see the North American-spec Mazda2 debut later this year at the 2009 LA Auto Show.
What this means for Ford and the similar-in-almost-every-way-but-styling Fiesta remains to be seen. Knowing that the Mazda2 is on its way, would you reconsider buying a Fiesta in favor of test driving the same thing with a little extra Zoom Zoom?
Gallery: 2007 Mazda2
[Source: Mazda via Mike Spinelli, auto123]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 5)
Luis 3:30PM (9/17/2009)
Let's hear it: YAY!
What it means for the Fiesta? More competition. No surprises there.
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zamafir 4:11PM (9/17/2009)
Massive Competition :). Wonderful news for mazda and small car lovers alike
Michael 4:12PM (9/17/2009)
I second that Yay!
Farmboy 7:30PM (9/17/2009)
I 3rd that YAY!!!! The front reminds me just a little of the Gen 1 Focus when I see the headlights, open grille and the lines a bit.
fmwso 10:31PM (9/17/2009)
4th yay lol, that's awesome news!!
future-autos.blogspot.com 9:18AM (9/18/2009)
I 4th that: YAY! I've been waiting for this announcement for years.
But Autoblog, while we're on the topic of compacts, you guys have to post the 2011 Hyundai Elantra spy shots. I got em': http://future-autos.blogspot.com/2009/09/spy-shots-20112012-hyundai-elantra.html
epilonious 11:05AM (9/18/2009)
I um, 5th/6th (maybe) that yay!
Here I was thinking "I love my mazda3 5-door... but the new mazda3 is suddenly bigger and heavier and has a bigger engine and eats more gas and is more expensive than the old 3 5-door... If only there was a smaller hatchbutted car that Mazda made that would keep me in the 'economical but still nice/fun/useful' zone"
Looks like Mazda can read minds.
Now off to start thinking "Gosh I wish they would finish baking that Kabura concept into a production MX-4 and/or shove a rotary in it to make it a new RX-7"
inteller 12:57PM (9/18/2009)
MS2...OMG that would be so hawt!
Tourian 3:31PM (9/17/2009)
Well, considering Ford has pretty much divested itself of Mazda, I can't say I'm surprised to see them reconsidering going head to head in this segment against their former partner. Both cars look good but I'm thinking Ford is going to sell many more.
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Kattleox 5:45PM (9/17/2009)
But if I could get this with a MS3 powerplant? I'd take one over ten fiestas.
Rick 10:45AM (9/18/2009)
If Mazda actually market this, I'd expect a close race than you elude to. The Mazda will be buckets more fun to drive and Mazda has itself entrenched in fun to drive cars AND fun to drive small cars. Ford doesn't.
Throwback 3:32PM (9/17/2009)
I prefer the Fiesta styling, also it comes with Sync
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tchikes 3:37PM (9/17/2009)
Agreed
Rich 3:55PM (9/17/2009)
Wait, so that means the Mazda *doesn't* come with Microsoft crap?
Jim in Tampa 3:55PM (9/17/2009)
I agree with the Sync thing. And where I live, I would drive by three Ford dealers to get to the nearest Mazda dealer.
I'd do the Fiesta!
AC 4:59PM (9/17/2009)
@ Jim in Tampa 3:55PM (9/17/2009)
"I agree with the Sync thing. And where I live, I would drive by three Ford dealers to get to the nearest Mazda dealer.
I'd do the Fiesta!"
you may drive by 3 Ford dealers to get to the nearest Mazda dealer... but you won't have to visit Mazda dealer as often as you would if you get a Fiesta...
Chibi Chaingun - blackhivemedia.com 6:49PM (9/17/2009)
Agree, Fiesta looks better imo and Sync is cool. No 2-door could be a problem for me though...
C.W. 9:32AM (9/18/2009)
+1
Kumail 3:33PM (9/17/2009)
This is going to be a hell of a battle.
Fiesta vs 2 vs others.
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Kumail 3:35PM (9/17/2009)
Forgot the 500 and the MiTo.
Damn you ninja edit button!