Mazda2 gets friendly update in Thailand, new fascia to go global?
2010 Mazda2 (Thailand-spec) - Click above for high-res image gallery
Mazda has just announced that it has commenced production of the Mazda2 subcompact in Thailand. No big deal, right? Well, not in and of itself, but the Japanese automaker also released three images of the car, and its sporting a revised front fascia that mimics that of its big brother, the Mazda3.
Mazda doesn't specifically indicate that all new 2s worldwide will get the smiley face treatment, but it seems likely that the automaker would want to keep all of its products in line with one another. Presumably, that would include the United States, which is slated to get the subcompact near the end of 2010.
In any case, we're expecting to see the car make its debut in North American-spec later this year at the LA Auto Show, so we'll know for sure if it will sport the new look soon enough. Check out the photo galleries below to compare the new car with the old.
Gallery: 2010 Mazda2 (Thailand)
Gallery: 2007 Mazda2
PRESS RELEASE
Mazda Commences Production of Mazda2 at New Passenger Car Plant in Thailand
HIROSHIMA, Japan-Mazda Motor Corporation today announced that it has commenced production of the Mazda2 (known as Mazda Demio in Japan) at the new passenger car plant at AutoAlliance Thailand Co., Ltd. (AAT), a joint venture manufacturing facility with Ford Motor Company. Mazda2 units produced at AAT will be sold mainly in the ASEAN markets.
To celebrate the start of production, AAT today held a ceremony at the new passenger car plant in Rayong's Eastern Seaboard Industrial Estate. The ceremony was attended by executive officers from Mazda's head office in Japan, including Director and Senior Managing Executive Officer Masazumi Wakayama and Managing Executive Officer Yuji Nakamine.
The Thai-produced Mazda2 will be one of Mazda's core products in the ASEAN region, with ASEAN sales targeted at approximately 20,000 units per year.
"The Thai-produced Mazda2 will be a key element in Mazda's future growth in the ASEAN region, which is continuing to see growing demand for small cars. We consider that the Mazda2 model will also play a pivotal role in Mazda's global strategy," said Mazda's Director and Senior Managing Executive Officer, Masazumi Wakayama, before the ceremony.
"Since its launch, the Mazda2 has received more than 50 awards globally, including Car of the Year in over 20 countries. In 2008, Mazda2 was named World Car of the Year, acclaimed for its beautiful design, sporty driving performance, and outstanding eco-friendly features," added Wakayama. "I firmly believe that the Mazda2 being built at our state-of-the-art facility in Thailand will make an immense contribution toward establishing the Mazda brand in ASEAN markets and will be our main driving force in the region as we go forward."
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Avinash machado 10:06AM (10/09/2009)
The Fiesta looks like a beauty queen compared to this.
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apflydragon 1:08PM (10/09/2009)
I prefer the mazda2, especially w/ the grin, it puts a smile on my face =D
not too sure about the rear on either car tho
pew pew pew!
SKINNYwithNOfood 10:12AM (10/09/2009)
Everyone thinks the fiesta looks good just because its a ford...ADMIT IT PEOPLE!!!
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MeiSooHaityu 10:14AM (10/09/2009)
Nah, the Fiesta looks good because it looks good.
As much as I hate that insane smile front end, it seems to fit the Mazda 2 the best. I think it looks the worst on the Mazda 3
MemphisNET 10:19AM (10/09/2009)
I was on the fence between the two, but if the Mazda2 is going to gain the toothygrin, I'm now swaying towards the Fiesta in looks. I love the high-impact colours they have, but just like the Mazda3, the car only looks good in black since you can't see the stupid smile.
Dane 10:27AM (10/09/2009)
admit it... Ford's Fiesta is better looking... In balance and scale...
MemphisNET 10:32AM (10/09/2009)
I saw both of them at the Georgian College Autoshow in Barrie, Ontario Canada -- and I gotta say, in the metal, it would be hard to choose. The Fiesta looks more modern, and the designers were definately going for something not-boring. The 2 just has that Mazda zoom-zoom look. I'd like to drive both back to back and then let looks be damned.
zamafir 11:11AM (10/09/2009)
it looks good because it looks good. ford is not known for making awesome looking cars, they're not alfa, aston, ferrari. People are giving credit where it's due.
why not the LS2LS7? 11:41AM (10/09/2009)
I think a lot of people think the Fiesta looks good because it's green. Seriously. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't mind being seen in one either (unlike this smiley disaster), but it's mostly just modern styling realized.
Still, it's pretty tough to criticize making an econobox that looks nice and drives well. Add in good pricing and it's what success is made of.
Bill 12:22PM (10/09/2009)
I think its a subtle improvement.
I like the larger driving lights, and the fact that there is less painted area in the front. The enlarged spoiler in the back is nice too. Overall, a little more aggressive.
I still think I am leaning towards the Fiesta, but time will tell
Egon 10:13AM (10/09/2009)
Yep, it looks as though the smiley face theme is going global...much like the swine flu.
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RowFive 10:14AM (10/09/2009)
Honestly the smiley grille fits the 2 better than the 3. And anything looks better than the moaning Fiesta.
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Dantzig 10:56AM (10/09/2009)
Agreed. It's much better on the 2 than the 3. The smaller size helps and the grin seems less severe.
zamafir 11:11AM (10/09/2009)
x3, much better on the 2.
mk15 10:20AM (10/09/2009)
I like it. It's not bad at all. But I like the pre-facelift front fascia better. Although some people have complained that the pre-facelift Mazda2 bordered on being plain.
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Dane 10:28AM (10/09/2009)
I am sorry.... I feel that 'smile' on the Mazda's grills is a U.G.L.Y...
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Ross 10:34AM (10/09/2009)
No two ways about it -- the pre-facelift fascia looked better. That flat black whatever-it-is slapped on the top half of the grille just looks cheap. Not as cheap as on the M3, but still cheap.
The Fiesta, however, is definitely the better looking car.
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Hamhock 10:36AM (10/09/2009)
mmmmm....MazdaSpeed2...(drool)
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Kazukifennec 6:19PM (10/09/2009)
I don't see what everyone has against the 'smiley-face' motif, I actually like it. There is nothing wrong with a friendly-looking, cute car, particularly in a subcompact, which would just look silly with an overtly aggressive fascia, or worse, boring with a nondescript fascia.
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Jaime Haber 11:12AM (10/09/2009)
The two studio shots are photoshops of the 2007 pictures (look at the front wheel specifically), but that doesn't mean the 2 won't look similar to this when it actually debuts.
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