Melbourne show: Mazda tangoes with Two

MAZDA presented a rally-prepared version of its popular new Mazda2 baby car at the Melbourne International Motor Show this morning, as well as the interesting European-designed Hakaze crossover concept that first appeared at Geneva last year.

Prepared by Mazda’s Sydney-based vehicle projects manager and motorsport guru Allan Horsley, the Mazda2 Extreme was kitted out with a rollcage, Hella lights and other competition equipment.

Mazda released no engine outputs, saying only that the goal was “a 25 per cent improvement in real-world performance”.

The company does not intend taking on a full Australian Rally Championship program with the little car, but will contest selected events.

On the production front, the show was Mazda’s first local opportunity to display its new Mazda6 mid-sizer.

Read more:

First Oz drive: Mazda6 a more matured medium

Mazda keeps concepts rolling with Hakaze