This is the new Mazda 2 supermini, unveiled this morning at the 2014 Geneva motor show. Okay, okay, technically it’s the Mazda Hazumi concept, but the Japanese company itself openly admits this dinky little hatchback previews ‘ideas for its next-generation B-car’.
Incidentally, Hazumi (no, not the cheese, but Hazumi) is apparently a Japanese word meaning ‘bound’ or ‘spring up’ so Mazda’s picked the name ‘to convey an image of a small but vigorous animal, bursting with energy.’
So the Mazda Hakumi is the vigorous new Mazda 2?
That’s right, and Mazda is using it to highlight its ‘Kodo’ design language, its SkyActiv fuel-saving technologies, and its MZD Connect infotainment system.
Styling first, and rather than waffling on and regurgitating all the design lingo spouted by Mazda’s designers, we’ll simply say it’s a smart looking little supermini, and if the 3 hatchback and 6 saloon and estate are anything to go on, the production 2 should be a fine looking little thing. Fit some smaller wheels, different mirrors and proper door handles, and this is the finished Mazda 2.
The interior is equally promising, with none of the dark and dreariness usually associated with a Mazda cabin – it’s rather Audi TT-alike, with its rotary air vents, trio of air-con dials, and MMI-style ‘commander control’ dial.
Done. Now what’s this SkyActiv stuff?
Mazda’s lightweight chassis, clever engines and latest gearboxes. The Hazumi is front-wheel drive, and powered by a new 1.5-litre SkyActiv-D oil-burner mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, to achieve under 90g/km CO2. Mazda says the pairing offers ‘outstanding fuel economy without compromising powerful, linear performance.’ Roll on the production car before we accept that claim. A smaller 1.3-litre diesel, and a 1.3 petrol will also be offered, our sources say.
As for the new infotainment tech, MZD Connect is an update on the system first seen in the Mazda 3 and mixes smartphone-capability with the head-up display. It’ll feature on the production Mazda 2 supermini, which will go on sale in early 2015.
Mazda Hazumi – main dimensions
Body style 5-door hatchback
Seating capacity 4
Length x width x height (mm) 4,070 x 1,730 x 1,450
Wheelbase (mm) 2,585
Engine SKYACTIV-D 1.5
Transmission SKYACTIV-Drive (six-speed automatic)
Key auxiliary systems i-stop (idle-stop system), i-ELOOP (brake energy regeneration system)
Tyres 215/45 R18
Wheel Size 18 x 8.0J