2016 Mazda2 unveiled: More tech, more aggressive, much more efficient

Mazda just announced that it has started Japanese production of the new Demio in its Hofu plant along with preview photos of the new compact hatchback, which will be known as the 2016 Mazda2 when it ultimately launches globally.

The Japanese Demio be powered by a SKYACTIV-G 1.3-liter gasoline engine, which outputs a mere 83 horsepower and 83 pound-feet of torque. That’s even lower than the current Mazda2‘s 100 horsepower and 98 pound-feet of torque, but the new engine’s use of fuel saving technologies net it an impressive 30km/L (about 70 mpg) on the Japanese highway test cycle. That’s not an apples-to-apples comparison with the EPA’s testing methods, so the 2016 Mazda2 will probably receive a more conservative estimate in the 45-46 highway mpg ballpark (based on Mazda’s estimate of a 50% increase in efficiency) when it makes North American landfall.

The 2016 model will also be significantly lighter, which should help it to maintain or improve on the current level of performance despite the reduction in output.

A 1.5-liter SKYACTIV-D clean diesel engine will also be available for the Japanese market, pumping out 103 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque of torque. Now, that sounds like a lot of fun in the lightweight Mazda2. While I don’t have high hopes that we’ll be seeing that engine stateside anytime soon, I’ve got my fingers crossed.

The photos also reveal just how much of the Hazumi concept’s design, which we saw at this year’s Geneva auto show, makes it to the production model. You can see the concept’s influence in the grill and the headlamps, but the rest of the hatchback’s aesthetic has been toned down. The profile and rear remind me of a smaller “chibi” version of the Mazda3 hatchback, which I like.

Inside, we see that the new 2 features a similar “tablet toaster” infotainment design and should share much of its available dashboard technology with the newly launched 2014 Mazda3 hatchback and sedan. Mazda states that “the model also features a wide range of cutting-edge technologies such as the Mazda Connect next-generation car connectivity system, and a wide range of i-ACTIVSENSE advanced safety features that aid the driver in recognizing and responding to hazards.” We’re looking forward to seeing those technologies trickle down to the most affordable model in the lineup.

Specifics of pricing, clarity of engine and transmission choices, and details about the tech will be revealed closer to the Mazda2’s global launch this fall, possibly at the 2014 Paris auto show.