His sentiments were echoed by Mazda2 deputy program manager of vehicle development, Kengo Fukushima, who said he wants the model to be a like the Ford Fiesta ST but admitted there are no plans for it yet.

Powered by SKYACTIV-D 1.5 engine

The first official images with the Mazda2 Sedan have been published prior to the model’s public debut set for next week at the Thailand International Motor Expo.

In terms of design, the Mazda3 is considered a mini 6 and now it’s safe to say the new Mazda2 Sedan looks like a downsized 3 which isn't a bad thing as the subcompact sedan has probably one of the most appealing designs in its segment.

It will be powered by a SKYACTIV-D 1.5-liter diesel engine rated at 105 HP (77 kW) and 162 lb-ft (220 Nm) and although fuel economy figures have not been revealed, these should come very close to those of the Mazda2 hatchback which returns 69.1 mpg US (83 mpg UK or 3.4 liters / 100 km) with CO2 emissions of 89 g/km.

The Mazda2 Sedan is scheduled to go on sale in Thailand early next year, but there are some chances of seeing the model in Europe and Australia.

Mazda to Debut the All-new Mazda2 Sedan at Thailand International Motor Expo

- Goes on sale in Thailand alongside the hatchback model early 2015 -

HIROSHIMA, Japan-Mazda Motor Corporation will debut the sedan model of the all-new Mazda2 (known as Mazda Demio in Japan) at the Thailand International Motor Expo 2014*1 on November 28, 2014. The all-new Mazda2 compact sedan features handsome proportions and bold styling, a high-quality, sporty interior and a combination of excellent driving performance and outstanding environmental and safety performance. The all-new Mazda2 hatchback will also be exhibited at the expo; the first time the model has been displayed to the public in Thailand. Both the sedan and the hatchback feature the SKYACTIV-D 1.5, Mazda's newly-developed small-displacement clean diesel engine. The all-new Mazda2 goes on sale in Thailand in early 2015.

The all-new Mazda2 is the fourth in Mazda's line-up of new-generation vehicles adopting the full range of SKYACTIV technologies and the KODO-Soul of Motion design theme. All the new technologies and ideas that Mazda has cultivated throughout the development of its new-generation vehicles since the CX-5 have been packed into the model's compact body. With features such as the Mazda Connect advanced car connectivity system,*2 the all-new Mazda2 offers functionality and value exceeding the standards of the segment. The model has received high acclaim, including being awarded 2014-2015 Car of the Year Japan in October, 2014.

The Mazda2 is Mazda's best-selling passenger model in Thailand with approximately 120,000 units sold since the model went on sale in the country in January 2010. The all-new Mazda2 has been approved for the second phase of Thailand's Eco-Car program, and with the local launch of the new model Mazda aims to further strengthen its business in the country.
Models on display at the Thailand International Motor Expo 2014
Vehicles scheduled for sale All-new Mazda2 sedan with SKYACTIV-D 1.5 (World Premiere)
All-new Mazda2 5-door hatchback with SKYACTIV-D 1.5
Vehicles currently on sale Mazda3, Mazda CX-5, Mazda BT-50


*1 Press day is November 28. Open to the public from November 30 through December 10. Mazda will hold its press conference on November 28 from 15:40-15:50 local time.
*2 The name Mazda Connect is used in Japan, USA, Canada and Mexico. The system is referred to as MZD Connect in other markets.
*3 The Thai government's tax incentive program for fuel-efficient, low-emission compact cars (with engine displacements of 1.3 liters or less for gasoline, and 1.5 liters or less for diesel). Requirements for the program include meeting Euro 5 emission standards, fuel economy of 4.3 liters per 100km or better, and CO2 emissions of 100g per km or less. Models approved for the program receive preferential taxation in terms of new model excise tax, etc.

While the subtitles for the AutoWeek review (warning: it's all in Dutch) of the new Mazda2 is far from perfect, you can make out enough words to know the impression is deeply positive.

From the exterior looks to the sharp steering and interior design/quality, the redesigned 2 is said to be a firm contender for the class laurels.

Even the engine seems like a load of fun – the unit powering the test car was the 115 hp 1.5-liter (?) and it seemed to be very eager to rev if a bit flat at low revs – the reviewer notices this and points it out via a tacho closeup shot under acceleration.

The Mazda2 is shaping up to be a very good and desirable car. We have so far heard nothing bad about it from any reviewer. They all recommend it and say it’s quite good and quite good fun too.

The Kodo styling certainly looks different condensed into a package as small as the Mazda2, but it’s certainly distinctive. It’s not what you’d call pretty, and some of the materials inside feel cheap, but as a package this review says it’s great.

In contrast to its fresh-looking styling, the 2 has quite an old-fashioned engine lineup. Which? says the one to go for is the 1.5-liter petrol, not that the diesel isn’t good, but the price difference doesn’t justify opting for it.

Out on the road the is deemed satisfactory, not class-leading, with a nod towards the snappy gear shift action – the reviewer says it feels like it’s lifted out of the MX-5…

Another benefit of buying this car over its competition is its efficiency. Rivals may offer smaller, turbocharged petrol engines which Mazda can’t match (yet), but the Japanese automaker fights back by saying their solution actually provides more consistent results in the real world.

To paraphrase the famous quote from astronaut Neil Armstrong, that's one small step for man and one giant leap for the Mazda2. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has weighed in on the new Mazda2 version, and says it gets a fuel-economy rating of 33 miles per gallon city and 43 mpg highway with a six-speed automatic transmission. Stick-shift gas-mileage figures are 31 city and 42 highway, which are still substantially better than the 29/35 rating from the most recent iteration of the model. That's about a 15-percent jump in fuel economy, people.

More importantly, the Mazda2 beats out competitors such as the Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio Eco and even the Honda Fit in terms of fuel efficiency, which is pretty good company. The Mazda2 boasts a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. But it is the upgrade to six-speed transmissions in both manual and automatic versions that seem to be making the biggest difference in the ratings.

It’s shared with the overseas-market Miata and makes 129 horsepower at 7000 rpm and 111 lb-ft of torque at 4800 rpm.

The Mazda2 boasts a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. But it is the upgrade to six-speed transmissions in both manual and automatic versions that seem to be making the biggest difference in the ratings.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has weighed in on the new Mazda2 version, and says it gets a fuel-economy rating of 33 miles per gallon city and 43 mpg highway with a six-speed automatic transmission.