Autoblog

LA 2009: Custom "Mazdaspeed2" tops the fun-per-pound charts in LA

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 22:02:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, LA Auto Show, Motorsports, Budget, Performance, Hatchback, Mazda

Mazdaspeed2 Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

As cool as some of those custom Ford Fiestas are at the LA Auto Show, these even tidier Mazda2 customs really jumped out at us. Okay, maybe not all of the concepts so much as the "Mazdaspeed2" you see above. The Active2 Surf and Active2 Snow barely registered when we saw this green and grey fun machine. Dubbed the 2Evil Special and not really an official Mazdaspeed2 at all, this concept blends weekend track car with urban commuter in just the right proportions.

The other two concepts aren't quite as eye-catching as the 2Evil, but are fun nonetheless. The Active2 Surf has a slightly restyled exterior, 17-inch wheels, an H&R coil over suspension and was painted a bright green with MINI-like white wheels and mirror caps. We really dug the carbon fiber surfboard in the Thule roof rack, too. The Active2 Snow gets similar bodywork tweaks, along with the 17-inch wheels and the H&R setup with another Thule roof rack sporting matching snowboards.. Both cars also wear Active2 graphics. These two cars look like they are going to be easily duplicated by accessing the Mazda Accessories catalog.

Meanwhile, the 2Evil sits even lower thanks to its H&R coil-over setup, and is visually lowered even more courtesy of the aggressive body kit with its curb-scraping front lip and deep side skirts. The 2Evil also includes a new diffuser and spoiler in the back, limo-black windows, Le Mans-winning Mazda 787B tribute graphics, 17-inch wheels wrapped in Yokahama Advan tires, and a Magna performance exhaust system. The green highlights really bring the whole thing together to make it look like a spec series racer. Now if Mazda could just shoehorn in the Mazdaspeed3 turbo mill, they'd really be onto something. We can just imagine Grand-Am adding a CC (commuter car) class for fun little runabouts like this Mazda2, the MINI Cooper, Fiesta, Fiat 500, Honda Fit and the like.

Gallery: LA 2009: Custom Mazda2 Concepts

Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading LA 2009: Custom "Mazdaspeed2" tops the fun-per-pound charts in LA

LA 2009: Custom "Mazdaspeed2" tops the fun-per-pound charts in LA originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 22:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2009: Mazda unveils North American spec Mazda2 for 2011

Drew Phillips — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Budget, Hatchback, Mazda

2011 Mazda2 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2011 Ford Fiesta may have been the big B-segment reveal last night, but Mazda has finally decided to bring its own compact runabout to North America, and it's based on the same architecture as it Blue Oval sibling. Originally launched in Europe, Japan, and Australia a couple of years ago, the Mazda2 was very well-received by media and consumers alike, a warm reception that probably helped make the case for the Japanese automaker to bring it over to the United States. That time has arrived, and the Mazda2 will be available in North America as a 2011 model.

Although Mazda revealed what the North American spec version will look like, it's still holding back additional information, including engine specifications, interior details, and pricing. We'll get more details soon, but in the meantime, check the full release after the jump and our live pics from the floor below.

Gallery: LA 2009: 2011 Mazda2

Gallery: 2011 Mazda2

Continue reading LA 2009: Mazda unveils North American spec Mazda2 for 2011

LA 2009: Mazda unveils North American spec Mazda2 for 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA Preview: Mazda2 to make its North American debut

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Budget, Hatchback, Mazda

2011 Mazda2 - click above for high-res image gallery

Mazda has finally made it official this morning: it will be bringing its B-segment Mazda2 to the North American market late next year. As you are likely aware, the current generation Mazda2 has been sale in Europe and elsewhere for two years, but we'll be seeing it here for the first time at the Los Angeles Auto Show in a couple of weeks. The Mazda2 shares its platform with the Ford Fiesta which will also make its U.S. production-spec debut at the West Coast show.

Mazda hasn't revealed any other details yet about powertrains or where the car will be sourced from. We expect a 1.6-liter four-cylinder to will be the primary engine. Judging by the teaser shot they released above, we can certainly expect to see the car at least in five-door hatchback form, but given that this is sedan-loving America, we would also expect a four-door with a trunk to show up in Mazda stores, although perhaps not at the LA Auto Show.

Gallery: 2007 Mazda2

[Source: Mazda]

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LA Preview: Mazda2 to make its North American debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda2 gets friendly update in Thailand, new fascia to go global?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Budget, Hatchback, Mazda, Design/Style

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

Continue reading Mazda2 gets friendly update in Thailand, new fascia to go global?

Mazda2 gets friendly update in Thailand, new fascia to go global? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BREAKING: Mazda2 coming to the U.S.

John Neff — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:25:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Budget, Sedan, Hatchback, Ford, Mazda

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]

BREAKING: Mazda2 coming to the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Beauty, eh? Mazda2 reportedly headed for the Great White North

Chris Paukert — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Green, Hatchback, Mazda

Mazda2 - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to a new article in Canada's Globe and Mail, Mazda president and CEO Takashi Yamanouchi has confirmed that the Mazda2/Demio subcompact hatch will be sold in Canada. While there is no firm timeframe, the GaM's sources suggest that it is likely to go on sale within the next year, although it is not yet clear which bodystyles will be sold.

That doesn't mean U.S. drivers should get their hopes up, however. There are a number of models sold in Canada that that have never been brought over to the States, including Nissan's XTrail and the Acura CSX (admittedly a gussied-up Honda Civic), and Mazda enjoys a significantly larger presence on the Canadian scene than it is in the States. Back in February, Jim O'Sullivan, Mazda's North American president and CEO, told Autoblog that Mazda's share in Canada sits around 5 percent, while in the U.S. they've only recently cracked two percent. Given that news, we can see the logic in trying out the Mazda2 in the land of hockey and Gordon Lightfoot before bringing it south to us Yankees. In the meantime, we'll have to slake our green minihatch Jonses with Ford's new Fiesta. Thanks for the tips, everyone!

Gallery: 2007 Mazda2

[Source: The Globe and Mail]

Beauty, eh? Mazda2 reportedly headed for the Great White North originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Apr 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: If this is it, the Mazda1 looks nothing like Kiyora concept

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 09:26:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Spy Photos, Budget, Europe, Green, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Mazda

UPDATE: This is not a prototype for the Mazda1, it is a Chinese-market Haima subcompact based on the Mazda2. Thanks to everyone who sent in the correction

When we were told that the Mazda Kiyora concept unveiled at last year's Paris Motor Show would influence Mazda's coming city car, it looks like we overestimated the word "influence." At least, that's the case if the little Mazda caught in Evo's spy shots is actually the Mazda1.

Evo makes a compelling case for the car actually being the Mazda1 - not merely a revised Mazda2. Save for the ascending shoulder line (now moved to shoulder height, way above the rocker panels as on the Kiyora) the prototype has almost nothing in common with the design of the swoopy Paris beastlet. At the very least, we hope this car comes with the concept car's tech, but we won't know for certain until the car's expected launch at September's Frankfurt Auto Show.

[Source: Evo]

Spy Shots: If this is it, the Mazda1 looks nothing like Kiyora concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Mar 2009 09:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda Kiyora city car concept, MX-5 facelift head to Paris

Alex Nunez — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 06:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Budget, Sedan, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Mazda

Click above for hi-res gallery of the Mazda Kiyora concept

Mazda has confirmed its Paris Motor Show lineup, which will be led by the Kiyora concept, a water-themed, Nagare-styled city car built on a new platform that features a "next generation" direct-injected four-banger. No additional details have been relayed at this time, other than it's supposed to be lightweight and efficient, in keeping with Mazda's "Sustainable Zoom-Zoom" approach. (As an aside, you should know that it's quite amusing to watch grown adults actually say this stuff with a straight face at press conferences.) Also officially confirmed now is the updated MX-5, complete with the new happy face that hit the web on Wednesday. It's joined by the Mazda6 MZR-CD 2.2L diesel and the Mazda2 MZ-CD 1.6L diesel, both of which are also world premieres. As always, we'll be in Paris to bring it to you live next month.

Gallery: Mazda Kiyora Concept

[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading Mazda Kiyora city car concept, MX-5 facelift head to Paris

Mazda Kiyora city car concept, MX-5 facelift head to Paris originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Sep 2008 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Mazda2 sedan spotted in Death Valley

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 18:32:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Mazda

Amazing how $4-per-gallon gas can make us sit up and notice formerly innocuous economy cars. In all fairness, cars like the Mazda2 have always shown brightly on our radar. Sporty and stylish with a bargain-basement price tag and a fuel-sipping demeanor that will keep more of those dead presidents in our pockets, it sounds like a perfect fit. When you add in the Zoom-Zoom nature of your typical Mazda, the fun factor just shoots up to 11. We've already discussed this car a bit here at AB, and have even shown you 3- and 5-door hatches we've seen in the metal, but now we are starting to get more glimpses of the sedan version undergoing desert testing. Pictures like these from Fastlane Daily give us hope that this fun little car might finally be greenlighted for sales Stateside. The car might end up being identical to the sedan we saw in China, but all of that camo makes it hard to say for certain. Whatever we end up getting, it will probably be another fun option at the low end of the car market.

Catch the latest version of FLD, co-starring the BMW X1, Nissan GT-R and Cadillac CTS wagon, after the jump.

Continue reading Spy Shots: Mazda2 sedan spotted in Death Valley

Spy Shots: Mazda2 sedan spotted in Death Valley originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Jun 2008 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda2 5-door spotted in California

Frank Filipponio — Sun, 25 May 2008 10:33:00 EST

Filed under: Japan, Hatchback, Mazda

Click above for high-res gallery of the Mazda2 in the wild

Although we've seen the Mazda2 before in 3- and 5-door configurations overseas, the presence of it at a local car meet in Southern California had us once again speculating about its sales potential in the States. The fact that the meet was held at Mazda's SoCal HQ means that the car could simply be undergoing evaluation, but judging by the reaction of the crowd, we think this has better sales potential than the 2009 Focus that was parked at the other end of the lot. While the exterior looked pretty spiffy, the interior looked cavernous. Smart design, and a worthy competitor for the Yaris, Versa and Fit. While we've heard that Ford's version of this car, the Fiesta, will make it to our shores eventually, we still don't know for sure about this lovely little Mazda. Mazda keeps waffling. We'll keep our fingers crossed, especially knowing there's that Mazdaspeed2 in the mix, at least overseas. But that's where all of the magic seems to start nowadays so there is hope.

Gallery: Mazda2 5-Door

Mazda2 5-door spotted in California originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 May 2008 10:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda2 MPS and 280 hp Mazda6 MPS on their way

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Mazda, UK

Click either image for a high-res rendering of each model from AutoExpress.

The Mazda Performance Series, or MPS, is what we've come to know in the U.S. as "Mazdaspeed." It's quickly becoming one of the defining characteristics of modern-day Mazdas, and with the releases of the new Mazda6 and its baby brother, the Mazda2, we've been anxiously awaiting Mazdaspeed's tweaked versions of both vehicles.

In addition to getting the scoop on the new Evo MR and STI Spec C, AutoExpress has got the goods on Mazda's two new hot offerings. A concept version of the Mazda6 MPS will be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in October, complete with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four, sending 280 hp to all four wheels, and sprinting to 60 in six seconds. Naturally, the Mazda6 MPS (or Mazdaspeed6 when it makes the trek to U.S. shores) will be sporting an aggressive front clip, spoiler, side skirts, bigger wheels, a stiffer suspension and upgraded brakes when it goes on sale in 2010.

Less information is available about the Mazda2 MPS, but expect a turbo'd 1.5-liter mill sending around 170 hp to the front wheels, a sport-tuned suspension and some exterior and interior tweaks to bring it up to Mazda Performance standards. If and when the Mazda2 makes it to the States, we'd expect the Mazdaspeed2 version to follow shortly thereafter.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Mazda2 MPS and 280 hp Mazda6 MPS on their way originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Apr 2008 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Unhatched: Mazda2 sedan launches in China

Noah Joseph — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 07:32:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, China, Mazda

Click above to view the Mazda2 sedan in hi-res

There are certain things we may never understand about Eastern cultures. Somewhere down on the list comes the notion that compact hatchbacks look better with diminutive trunks. Take for example this Mazda2 sedan, which the Japanese automaker has prepared especially for the Chinese market. The sedan was unveiled at the Guangzhou Auto Show, and joined the hatchback variant in China this month with prices equivalent to $12,400 for the base 86-hp 1.3 to $16,500 for the fully-loaded 104-hp 1.5.

Like the ironically-named Swift DZire launched by Maruti Suzuki in India, the four-door variant of the Mazda2, albeit considerably less gut-wrenching than the Suzuki, still leaves us scratching our heads. But apparently the Chinese market demands it. Take note, Ford: we don't. So please, if and when you decide to bring us the Mazda2, which has been such a huge success overseas, keep the trunk and give us the hatch. (Come to think of it, same goes for the Fiesta.)

Gallery: Mazda2 sedan

[Source: Winding Road]

Unhatched: Mazda2 sedan launches in China originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Apr 2008 07:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York 2008: World Car of the Year Awards

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 10:36:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show

The fireworks are cold, the confetti cartridges are spent, and the 2008 World Car of the Year Awards have come to an end. Based on standards of merit, value, safety, environmental responsibility, significance, and emotional appeal, the three finalists were the ~~Volvo~~ Ford Mondeo, Mazda2/Demio and Mercedes C-Class. Don't read any further if, for some reason, you don't want to know what the 2008 World Car of the Year is and you haven't seen the photo above: the Mazda 2/Demio. What we earlier called the squat hatch with the aggressive wedge shape and swooping beltline showed its well-proportioned rump (also our term, and Mazda, feel free to quote us) to worthy competition.

In the other categories, the BMW 118d with Efficient Dynamics took home the World Green Car of the Year Award. In what should have been a surprise to no one, the Audi R8 walked off with trophies from both categories in which it was entered: World Performance Car of the Year and World Car Design of the Year. Having taken the awards in both categories last year as well (with the RS4 and TT), Audi knowS how to get the judges on its side. Now if it can get one million buyers on its side this year, that will really be a trophy it can brag about.

New York 2008: World Car of the Year Awards originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Mar 2008 10:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2008: Mazda2 loses a couple of doors, gets even cooler

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 04:58:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Mazda

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Mazda2 three-door.

After serenading us with the indie sounds of an obscure band from Europe, Mazda pulled the covers off the new Mazda2 three-door, the next obvious evolution of Mazda's compact offerings. What the squat hatch lacks in presence it makes up for with an aggressive wedge shape, a swooping beltline and a well-proportion rump. While Mazda hyped some of the sporting pretenses of the 'lil hatch, the automaker also focused on it low coefficient of drag (0.31) and it's minuscule emissions. Power is provided by either a MZR 1.3-liter four-cylinder producing 75 hp, the "High-Power" version that shovels out 86 hp or the 1.5-liter four which makes 103 hp. All models are sold with a five-speed manual transmission, including the 1.4-liter MZ-CD diesel.

All the details are available in the press release after the jump and check the gallery below for a host of live and press shots of the Mazda2 three-door.

Gallery: 2008 Mazda2 3-Door (EU)

Continue reading Geneva 2008: Mazda2 loses a couple of doors, gets even cooler

Geneva 2008: Mazda2 loses a couple of doors, gets even cooler originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Mar 2008 04:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda2 for America, with diesels?

Michael Harley — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Europe, Mazda

Click above for more high-res shots of the Mazda2 sedan

As Mazda watches the North American auto market become more like the European market, we just may see the Mazda2 itself on our shores, in addition to the Ford Fiesta. And there is a good chance it may arrive with a diesel powerplant. These revelations spilled from the mouth of Jim O'Sullivan, president of Mazda North American, while sharing sandwiches with reporters over lunch in Detroit.

The Mazda2 four-door, introduced in Geneva last year, has been a hot seller overseas. The three-door Mazda2, set to debut at the 2008 Geneva Auto Show tomorrow, is expected to be just as well received. O'Sullivan rightfully pointed out that the passenger car market in the United States is showing signs of evolving. Smaller cars are becoming more widespread and accepted (witness the 20,000 pre-orders for the Smart fortwo), and the compact Mazda3 has historically sold very well. While we welcome a Mazda2 in gas or diesel trim, bring us a Mazdaspeed2 like this, and if it is anything like the Mazdaspeed3, we'll be first in line.

Gallery: 2008 Mazda2 Sedan

Gallery: 2008 Mazda2 3-Door (EU)

[Source: The Car Connection]

Mazda2 for America, with diesels? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Mar 2008 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Melbourne 2008: Mazda2 Extreme dresses for the dirt

Alex Nunez — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 09:57:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Motorsports, Hatchback, Mazda, Misc. Auto Shows

Click image for a high-res gallery of the Mazda2 Extreme

On display at Mazda's booth in Melbourne is this pint-sized mudslinger-in-progress dubbed the Mazda2 Extreme. The show car began its life as a regular Mazda2 5-door, but has since been gutted, caged, and fitted with all the expected race equipment. Underhood, the engine mods should bump its output to around 120 hp when completed. Power will be sent to the front wheels via the stock transmission, and the racer's emissions exit a 3-inch exhaust. A tri-tone livery, roof vent, rally wheel-and-tire package, and a substantial set of off-road lights punch up the car's visual impact. Like last year's Mazda3 MPS Extreme, the Mazda2 Extreme's suspension has been tuned by Murray Coote. Put it all together, and you have a tidy little package that you want to strap yourself into for a run through some forest stage. For added realism, have a co-driver bark directions at you in Finnish.

Gallery: 2008 Mazda2 Extreme Concept

[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading Melbourne 2008: Mazda2 Extreme dresses for the dirt

Melbourne 2008: Mazda2 Extreme dresses for the dirt originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Feb 2008 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva '08 Preview: Mazda2 three-door confirmed

Alex Nunez — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 13:32:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Mazda

Click image to enlarge

Add another ride to the list of cars we'd love to have, but can't. Mazda has confirmed that it will unveil the 3-door Mazda2 at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Dimensionally equal to the 5-door and offering the same selection of powertrains, the sporty Mazda2 3-door hatchback definitely takes the win over its sibling in the looks department and is sure to garner a following in Europe. More photos and info are likely to surface as we get closer to Geneva, but to tide us over, Mazda has released the rear three-quarter shot you see here. You can read the automaker's press release after the jump.

[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading Geneva '08 Preview: Mazda2 three-door confirmed

Geneva '08 Preview: Mazda2 three-door confirmed originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Jan 2008 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Following CX-9, Mazda to make more vehicles just for U.S.

Chris Shunk — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Sedan, Crossover, Mazda

The CX-9 was Mazda's first vehicle designed specifically for US consumption, and one Motor Trend SUV of the year award later, Mazda may be on to something. Sales momentum has increased steadily for the seven-seat utility vehicle, with 3,000 units flying off dealer lots in October alone. Mazda's flexibility allowed the automaker to transform in 18 months a minivan that would likely retail for less than $30,000 into a hot CUV with a price tag reaching $40,000. The Hiroshima-based automaker will leverage those lightning-fast production capabilities and its Ford-shared global architecture bin to produce more vehicles for US tastes, and we're happy to hear it.

Since Mazda seems to have a handle on CUVs (it has four in the US already), we can only guess what exclusive product the development team in Irvine, CA will give us next. A zoom-zoom version of the Honda Ridgeline would be interesting, as would a US-unique Mazda2. We'd like to put in a vote for Mazda utilizing the RX-8 platform to create a sporty RWD sedan, but we're sure everyone the world over would want that.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Following CX-9, Mazda to make more vehicles just for U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Nov 2007 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda2 sedan unveiled in China

John Neff — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 13:37:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, China, Mazda, Misc. Auto Shows

click above image for more high-res pics of the Mazda2 sedan

This week at the 2007 Guangzhou Motor Show in China, Mazda will be unveiling the four-door Mazda2 sedan alongside the rest of its Chinese lineup that includes the Mazda3 and Mazda5. China is the first market in the world to see the four-door sedan version of the Mazda2, which originally debuted in Europe as a three-door hatch. According to the press-release from Mazda, the Mazda2 sedan will be produced in China by Changan Ford Mazda Automobile Co., Ltd. at its Nanjing plant. It's unclear, however, when or even if the Mazda2 sedan will be exported for sale in other markets besides China. It could also be that production of the Mazda2 sedan will occur outside of China at the same facilities where the three-door hatch is produced. Mazda also is introducing a five-door hatchback version of the Mazda2 in China. If any of you find yourselves at the 2007 Guangzhou Motor Show this week, takes some pics and let us know.

[Source: Mazda]

Gallery: 2008 Mazda2 Sedan

Continue reading Mazda2 sedan unveiled in China

Mazda2 sedan unveiled in China originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Nov 2007 13:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda UK campaigning for Mazdaspeed2

Damon Lavrinc — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 18:32:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Mazda

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 if when it does, expect a turbocharged 1.5-liter four, producing around 170 HP.

[Source: Autocar]

Mazda UK campaigning for Mazdaspeed2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 13 Oct 2007 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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