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Will the 2015 Mazda2 be as successful as the Mazda3 and Mazda6?

The 2015 Mazda2 was launched today for the global market by Mazda. Known as the Demio everyplace else, and called the Huzumi as a prototype, the Mazda2 now enters its fourth generation.
2015 Mazda2

The 2015 Mazda2 is almost ready for launch in the US market. This past week Mazda finally revealed the production version of the global car. The Mazda 2 is an important vehicle for Mazda globally, but in the US market it is a slow seller and it trails the Mazda3, Mazda6, and CX-5. This new vehicle could change that.

Mazda2 Is a Global Sales Leader
Mazda says of the Mazda2, “With more than 2.4 million units sold worldwide, the Mazda2 is the best-selling vehicle in Japan.” We are not at all sure what that means since our data says that in the Japanese market the Toyota Aqua, Honda Fit, and Toyota Prius are numbers one through three with no Mazda models even in the top ten. We will take Mazda’s statement to mean that the Mazda2 is Mazda’s top selling model in the Japanese market and globally.

Big Changes To Fourth Generation Mazda2
The outgoing 2014 Mazda2 is not the first Mazda2 generation. In the US market, we only saw the end of the last generation, which arrived in 2011. This new Mazda2 is actually the fourth generation Mazda2. This new vehicle gets the full SkyActiv treatment. Like the Mazda3 and Mazda6 that means fuel economy improvements. Mazda does not yet have the numbers for us to consider, but will soon and we will bring that to you. The car has a 1.3-liter gasoline engine and global markets will get the 1.5-liter diesel. Don’t count on the diesel for the US market. As we have reported to the dismay of many diesel fans, the Mazda6 is having some sort of issue with drivability and/or emissions when configured for the US.

The Hizumi concept was bolder looking, but the 2015 Mazda2 will still look great. It looks a lot like the Mazda3 5-door. It now bears the company's trademark nose and the sweeping lines make it appear more attractive in photos than previous generations.

Mazda2 Important For Mazda US
Although the Mazda2 does not receive as much fan activity, the Mazda2 could be a hugely important vehicle for Mazda in the US. The Fit from Honda is quickly becoming one of Honda’s top sellers here, and the Mazda2 is in that vehicle class. If Americans begin to move in that direction they might be very pleased with the Mazda2 if it follows the family traditions of value, premium driving experience, and outstanding fuel economy. Torque News hopes to test the 2015 Mazda2 this fall.

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Comments

OllieVr (not verified)    July 21, 2014 - 8:38PM

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I'm biased. I have a '04 Miata, an '07 Mazda 3, and I've been driving the 2014 Mazda 6, since January 2013 (like driving the future) and it has just reinforced my opinion that Mazda is building some of the best cars for the money. Was thinking about trading in the 3 for the new model but believe that I'm am going to wait for this 2. What a great looking little car! With the Miata already under my belt, this just might be my 2nd mid-life crisis!

Matt (not verified)    July 22, 2014 - 11:56AM

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So wait, is the new Mazda2 coming to the US within the next few months, or is it coming out in Q4 of next year?

Jazz (not verified)    October 26, 2014 - 9:09AM

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Just saw the new Mazda 2 known as the Demio in Japan at a dealer in Mie Prefecture, the car was great looking with an amazing interior for a compact car, it looked like an Audi! The upgraded model called the L Package had full leather seats, Harman-Kardon Sat-Nav/infotainment system with six speakers, six airbags, six speed automatic, anti-collision system, lane warning system, adaptive projector LED lights, steering wheel adjustment for reach and rake and it cost 1970000 Yen about $20000 inclusive of an optional special metallic paint either in Red or White which cost $500. Estimated fuel economy on the Japanese cycle is 24.6 km a litre. And it did NOT have a spare tire, all the manufacturers are mean. This is a major drawback but the car boasts the latest technolgies for a mere compact. The ride was very excellent with great ergomics.

John Goreham    October 27, 2014 - 10:44AM

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Yes, same car I think, and one of the better sellers in the Japanese market. I have compared the Mazda3 and Mazda6 to Audis. Going forward I may not do that because I think actually that Mazda is a more premium brand for the money than is Audi. To its credit, here in the US, the interior elements both use came on the Audi first.