Full details: Mazda’s all-new Two exposed!

MAZDA has revealed full details of the first new-generation model to come in for renewal since the Japanese car-maker began its Noughties resurgence, following the official global debut of an all-new Mazda2 at the today’s Geneva motor show opening.

The redesigned Mazda2 hatch is slated for release following its local unveiling at the Sydney motor show in October.

It is claimed to be more frugal, more compact, lighter and more responsive than its light-sized predecessor forebear launched here in December 2002.

The MkII Two was first revealed in official images last month ahead of its public premiere in Geneva, where it banished the original Mazda2’s breadbox styling for good. A five-door hatch bodystyle is expected to join the five-door revealed in Geneva.

Mazda says that beneath the lithe new exterior, which was first previewed by the 1.0-litre Sassou concept at the 2005 Frankfurt show, lies a lower centre of gravity that makes the new Two handle more crisply.

Lightness, compactness and efficiency will be key sales pitches as Mazda attempts to seize a bigger slice of Europe’s booming B-car segment (and Australia’s equally buoyant light-car class, as it’s known here), which now comprises more than a quarter of all passenger car sales and is 10 per cent up over the past six years. Globally, Mazda has sold just 410,000 Twos in the four years since 2003.

As revealed last month, three four-cylinder MZR petrol engines will be available initially in Europe: an SOHC 1.3-litre offering 55kW/118Nm and a DOHC version that produces 62kW/121Nm, as well as a 76kW/136Nm DOHC 1.5-litre.

Both DOHC engines comprise variable exhaust valve timing, while the 1.5 adds a variable intake manifold to aid bottom-end torque. An MZ-CD 1.4-litre turbo-diesel is also slated for Europe, where all engines will be mated to a five-speed manual transmission.

While the base 1.3 is designed for economy (and is 15 per cent more efficient than the engine it replaces with a preliminary combined average of 5.4L/100km), even Europe’s top-spec 1.5 fails to match the (82kW/141Nm) performance delivered by the 1.5 four that powers Australia’s current Mazda2.

However, kerb weights are claimed to have dropped 100kg following the more widespread use of high-strength steel in the new platform, which will also underpin parent company Ford’s next-generation Fiesta.

Mazda has issued a preliminary kerb weight figure of 954kg (presumably in base 1.3-litre guise), which is 122kg lighter than the current Genki 1.5. Preliminary top speed for the new 1.5 is quoted at 186km/h.

Preliminary European specifications show the new Two is 40mm shorter (3885mm), 55mm lower (1475mm) and 5mm wider (1695mm) than the vehicle it will replace – but shares the same 2490mm wheelbase.

Along with the resultant increases in passive safety, body rigidity and noise, vibration, and harshness, Mazda claims increased interior functionality via a new interior that’s larger and features circular design cues from both the Mazda3 and Mazda6 (including flap-style air-vents), plus extra driver’s seat adjustment, improved visibility and a gearshifter that’s relocated to the lower centre stack to free up more rear console space.

Luggage space is 250 litres (469 litres with the rear seats folded down), a new glovebox features an external magazine/atlas rack and a 60/40-split fording rear seat replaces the current Two’s 50/50 item.

Mazda2 take two continues with MacPherson strut front suspension, H-type torsion beam rear suspension, ventilated front brake discs, leading-and-trailing rear drum brakes and, in Europe, tyre/wheel sizes including 175/65-section tyres on 14-inch steel wheels, 185/55 tyres on 15-inch steel and alloy wheels and 195/45 tyres on 16-inch alloys.

Mazda has confirmed that European and Australian Mazda2 buyers will have the option of electronic stability control, though in Europe only twin front airbags will be standard. Twin front side and side curtain airbags will be optional across the Euro range.

Side and curtain airbags are standard on the current Mazda2 Genki flagship and were made a $1200 option (as part of a kit that also includes ABS brakes, Electronic Brake-force Distribution and Brake Assist) for today’s Mazda2 Neo and Maxx in December 2003.

Aside from Fiesta and other premium European models like Volkswagen’s Polo, Citroen’s C2/C3, Fiat’s Punto, Peugeot’s 206/207, Renault’s Clio and even the Smart ForTwo/ForFour, Mazda competes in the light-car category alongside Japanese foes like Toyota’s Yaris, Honda’s Jazz, Suzuki’s Swift and Mitsubishi’s Colt – as well as rising Korean sales stars like Holden’s Barina, Hyundai’s Getz/Accent and Kia’s Rio, plus Proton’s Savvy and new Satria.

Mazda sold 1186 examples of its current Two during the first two months of 2007, representing a six per cent share of the growing sub-$25,000 light-car sector – down from 6.2 per cent in January-February 2006, when it sold 1099 Mazda2s.

Japanese and European light car sales continued apace last month – especially for Colt (up 81 per cent year-to-date), Jazz (up 59 per cent YTD) and Fiesta (up 44%), but so far this year all of the Korean light cars, led by Getz (down 23%), are selling below 2006 levels.

The new Mazda2 will be built in Japan, where a "Sports Appearance Package" will also be produced for selected overseas markets.