The all-new Mazda2: Mazda’s newest subcompact

The all-new Mazda2 follows the Mazda CX-5, Mazda6 and Mazda3 to become the fourth model and first subcompact to join Mazda’s line-up of new-generation vehicles that adopt the ‘KODO –  Soul of Motion’ design language and full range of SKYACTIV Technology.

It is the third generation of the Mazda2, which has consistently brought new value to the B- segment since the launch of the original model. The development goal for the all-new Mazda2 was to inspire a new group of Mazda fans by creating a vehicle capable of assisting youthful, forward-thinking customers to express themselves as they grow and enjoy new experiences.

With the aim to “shatter all notions of the subcompact class”, Mazda set out to build a new subcompact that enhances all aspects of quality and overturn conventional thinking that a car’s value is proportionate to its size. In turn, this realises uncompromising levels of design, driving performance and functionality that deliver true pride of ownership.

To reach this goal, Mazda strived to incorporate all the knowledge and technology developed in building the larger models in the new-generation line-up, while facing the challenge of condensing these merits into the compact body of the all-new Mazda2.

In terms of design, the objective was for a presence that surpasses the class and a form that is full of vitality. Features include a physique that exudes condensed energy to create an image of explosive forward momentum, a handsome and lively expression with finely crafted forms that breathe life into the overall appearance, and a finely detailed high-quality interior that boasts stylish coordination.

SKYACTIV Technology strikes the right balance between driving pleasure and excellent environmental and safety performance. While inheriting the design philosophy of the new- generation models already in the line-up, Mazda re-thought the full range of these technologies in developing them for the B-segment class.

The all-new Mazda2 is available in 1.5-litre SKYACTIV petrol and diesel engines. The petrol engine comes in a 6-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual transmissions and the diesel engine comes in a 6-speed automatic transmission. Attention to the body and chassis includes an uncompromising effort to design the ideal driving position and pedal layout, and also to deliver a high level of collision safety.

“The all-new Mazda2 condenses the essential DNA of Mazda’s new-generation vehicles into a compact car that delivers true motoring value not constrained by conventional notions. In pursuing the ultimate driving experience, we are confident that the Mazda2 delivers a highly responsive performance that South African customers of varying lifestyles can enjoy” says Mr David Hughes, Managing Director of Mazda Southern Africa.

The all new Mazda2 is designed and built to the highest standard of performance and reliability. This standard is backed up by a 3-year unlimited kilometre factory warranty. To provide complete peace of mind motoring, a 3-year roadside assistance, a 3-year service plan and a 5-year Corrosion Warranty are also included.

Mazda2 Model Line-up

All-new Mazda2 Active Manual 1.5L - R188,000 (Incl VAT)

• 1.5 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT petrol SKYACTIV-G)
• Compression ratio: 12.0 : 1
• Maximum power: 82 kW @ 6,000 rpm
• Maximum torque: 145 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
• Fuel consumption (combined): 5.5 l/100km (man)
• 15 inch steel wheels
• Headlamps (Halogen)
• Power windows
• Seat colour: Black/Blue
• Seat trim: Cloth
• Front seats with: Height adjustment (driver) and seat
• Rear seats with: 60/40 split fold backrest
• Air-conditioning
• Centre console side panels: Matte black
• Tilt and telescopic adjustable steering wheel
• Trip computer 4 functions
• Vanity mirrors (front)
• Audio system with: AM/FM tuner, single disc CDplayer (MP3 compatible)
• 4 speakers
• Auxiliary-audio input jack
• Steering wheel-mounted audio controls
• USB
• Keyless push-button engine start
• Airbags SRS: Front (driver and passenger)
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

All-new Mazda2 Dynamic Manual - R199, 900 (Incl VAT) Auto 1.5L - R211, 300 (Incl VAT)

• 15 inch alloy wheels
• Front fog lamps
• 7-inch full colour touch screen display (MZD Connect)
• Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio capability
• Internet radio integration (Pandora®, Sticher and Aha)
• Multi-function commander control
• Audio system with: 6 speakers
• Seat colour: Black/Blue (unique pattern for Dynamic)
• Centre console side panels: High-gloss black
• Front decoration panel: High-gloss black
• Front door armrest panels: High-gloss black
• Power fold mirrors
• Leather-wrapped: Gear shift knob, handbrake handleand steering wheel

All-new Mazda2 Individual Manual 1.5L - R211, 400 (Incl VAT) Auto 1.5L - R222, 800 (Incl VAT)

• 16 inch alloy wheels
• Exhaust extension (chrome)
• Front upper grille decoration (body coloured)
• Headlamps auto on/off function
• Seat colour: Black/Red
• Centre console side panels
• Front decoration panel: Soft-touch black with red stitch
• Front door armrest: Soft-touch black with red stitch

All-new Mazda2 Hazumi  Auto 1.5L DE - R259, 900 (Incl VAT)

• 1.5 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC Diesel (SKYACTIV-D)
• Compression ratio: 14.8 : 1
• Maximum power: 77 kW @ 4,000 rpm
• Maximum torque: 250 Nm @ 1,500-2,500 rpm
• Fuel consumption (combined): 4.4 l/100km
• Air-conditioning (climate control)
• Half leather seat trim
• Satellite navigation
• Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)

Design and craftsmanship

A design with presence and vitality that surpasses the class

With the all-new Mazda2, Mazda aimed to create a new image of the subcompact car; one with outstanding presence and vitality that would surpass all generally-accepted notions about what might be offered in this class. Though Mazda’s ‘KODO—Soul of Motion’ design language was cultivated through its application to much larger cars, it is re-engineered to adapt to a small body with the all-new Mazda2.

The exterior design creates an explosive sense of forward momentum impelled by concentrating energy into its compact body and presents a physique with a powerful stance.  Fine craftsmanship creates a handsome and lively expression, while giving birth to a dynamic form full of vitality.

The interior establishes a balanced contrast between a cockpit zone that enables the driver to concentrate on driving and a passenger seat zone that provides an open-feeling space. Every detail of the interior benefits from careful selection of all the materials and forms used within, creating a high-quality, crafted feel.

With the aim of becoming a new global benchmark for interior design, every detail has been dramatically evolved, including the beauty of finely crafted forms, a feeling of quality that surpasses the class and the driver-centric cockpit environment. It is an interior that heightens the joy of ownership every time the driver sits in the driver’s seat, and will make them want to get behind the wheel as often as possible.

The Mazda2 comes in nine body colours; black, snowflake white, metropolitan grey, gunmetal blue, aluminium metallic, soul red and titanium flash and two newly developed colours; smoky rose and dynamic blue.

Packaging

Every detail is a masterpiece of human-centric packaging

While condensing the dynamic styling of the KODO design language to match its compact size, the packaging for the all-new Mazda2 is carefully designed to provide driving pleasure, a comfortable cabin environment and easy-to-use features.

Designing every function from a human-centered perspective included offering a cockpit environment that provides drivers, large or small, with a proper driving posture, enabling them to concentrate on driving. Improvements include seat and pedal positioning to the Head-up Cockpit concept with the revised positioning of Mazda’s HMI instruments and controls. They also include ensuring roomy comfort in the rear seats, providing practical storage space, and introducing the MZD Connect car connectivity system.

The all-new Mazda2 offers finer adjustments for the driver’s seat and steering wheel. The slide adjustment for the driver’s seat is increased by 10mm over the previous model to 260mm for the all-new Mazda2, resulting in one of the longest fore-aft adjustment ranges available on a car in this class.

The seat allows height adjustment of 40mm in total range. The steering wheel also delivers finer adjustment settings by newly adding a 50mm telescopic adjustment function in addition to its 50mm tilt range. The all-new Mazda2 enables drivers of varying sizes to set their ideal driving position, resulting in correct posture for concentrated driving safety.

Moving the front wheels forward by approximately 80mm makes it possible to position the accelerator and brake pedals approximately 20mm toward the outside of the driver’s centre axis. Optimisation of the pedal shapes, and the distance between them, realises a layout that enables the driver to extend their leg and reach the pedals more naturally, despite the car’s compact size.

Moving the shift knob from the lower part of the instrument panel to the top of the floor console allows the driver to transfer their hand smoothly between it and the steering wheel, and to operate it smoothly and easily without applying excessive force.

The shape and firmness of the seats are designed to properly support the driver’s body (the hips, waist and up the sides of the torso) to deliver linear holding for everything from urban driving to winding roads.

Mounting the outer mirrors on the body panel of the doors reduces the obstruction to the driver’s field of vision caused by the width of the mirror garnish by half. It greatly increases the visibility range over the mirrors, which makes it easier to spot pedestrians and obstacles.

Driving dynamics

Inheriting and evolving responsive, satisfying driving

Based on the engineering philosophy applied to the Mazda CX-5, Mazda6 and Mazda3, the SKYACTIV technologies were also adapted for the B-segment with the all-new Mazda2. New to the Mazda2 line-up in South Africa is the 6-speed automatic transmission available in the Dynamic, Individual and Hazumi models. An all-new 6-speed manual transmission has been adopted on the Active, Dynamic and Individual models.

SKYACTIV-G 1.5L petrol engine

The low weight, low friction and high efficiency fundamentals of SKYACTIV-G petrol engine design result in sporty performance with minimised fuel use. Its 4-2-1 exhaust layout helps produce 82Kw of power and 145Nm of torque. Just 5.7 litres of fuel is used every 100 km when matched to the 6- speed (SKYACTIV-Drive) automatic transmission.

SKYACTIV-D 1.5L diesel engine with i-Stop

Similarly to the next generation SKYACTIV-D 2.2, the SKYACTIV-D 1.5 was developed in the pursuit of ideal combustion despite a very low compression ratio. As a result, the engine boasts outstanding dynamic performance, including torque equal to a 2.5-litre petrol engine and linear acceleration all the way up the RPM range. It also features excellent environmental performance without resorting to expensive NOx after treatment systems. Just 4.4 litres of fuel is used every 100 km when matched to the 6-speed (SKYACTIV-Drive) automatic transmission.

Manual transmission

The 6-speed SKYACTIV-MT manual transmission delivers precise, sports-car style shifting through simplified design and a finely-honed mechanism. More compact and also much lighter than comparable transmissions, it significantly cuts internal friction to improve fuel economy.

SKYACTIV-drive automatic transmission

Combines the best aspects of conventional automatic, continuously variable and dual clutch transmissions. The 6-speed SKYACTIV-Drive automatic transmission couples directly with the engine over a far wider range than other automatics, ensuring increased fuel economy and more direct power delivery. Shifts are quick and smooth.

SKYACTIV-body

New-generation design and materials maximise lightness and rigidity. Key joints are strengthened by advanced techniques requiring no heavy reinforcement. High and ultra-high tensile steel cuts weight and boosts strength. Despite being light, all-new Mazda2 achieves outstanding collision performance.

SKYACTIV-chassis

Every component has been optimised to build the sense of ‘oneness’ between car and driver. The lightweight front strut and rear torsion beam suspension use firmer bushings and revised geometry for sporty agility with high levels of refinement. Electric power-assisted steering saves fuel, and also delivers quick handling underpinned by reassuring stability.

Thoroughly revising the suspension and steering systems on the all-new Mazda2’s SKYACTIV- Chassis delivers the responsive driving experience befitting a Mazda product, while also offering a far more comfortable and reassuring ride. It adopts a torsion beam rear suspension system that is light in weight and offers advantages in terms of packaging.

In addition to being the first Mazda car fitted with front and rear dampers with a friction control function, it also adopts a rigid steering gear mount that does not use rubber bushings to achieve both the nimble driving performance desired of a B-segment car and ride comfort.

A comprehensive analysis of the spring and damping characteristics of the rear suspension’s bushings in conjunction with vehicle rigidity also leads to reducing unsprung weight by 2kg over the previous model and to greatly reducing rear impact shock.

The all-new Mazda2 carries on the characteristic of the other new-generation models in responding faithfully to the driver’s will, while also further evolving aspects related to ease of in- town handling.

Connectivity

The HMI places top priority on driving safety

Along with the MZD Connect car connectivity system, the all-new Mazda2 adopts the next- generation cockpit design. Based on the Head-up Cockpit concept, it aims to help driver’s process large amounts of information, while maintaining driver concentration and correct driving position.

It is designed to be simple and easy to use, while at the same time aims to minimise cognitive, visual and manual distractions. The cockpit is divided into two zones, one for information that is necessary for the safe operation of the vehicle, and the other for communication-related information. The display of information the driver requires and the devices for controlling those are positioned accordingly.

From the Dynamic model, the all-new Mazda2 adopts MZD Connect system. A safe and simple to operate connectivity system that allows easy access to internet connectivity and social networking services that today’s customers consider essential, even when in transit.

It responds to a wider variety of needs by greatly improving the convenience of functions that require Bluetooth® connectivity, such as hands-free phone operation, the delivery of short text messages, and internet radio including Aha™ by HARMAN.

By supporting the ongoing evolution of communications equipment on both the hardware and software levels, this innovative platform ensures that customers always have access to the latest services without swapping out any hardware.

The independent 7-inch display mounted on the top of the dashboard, available from the Dynamic model is viewable with only a 15.6 degrees downward movement of the eyes. Positioning the displayed information at the right height and distance minimises visual distraction time. Positioning the display where the tail lamps of the vehicle ahead fall within the driver’s field of vision, even when viewing the display while driving, contributes to safer driving.

From the Dynamic model, the commander control is also available. This is a device the driver can operate by touch alone to control information shown on the centre display. The switches are positioned where the driver can access them simply by lowering one hand from the steering wheel to the floor console in a natural motion. This allows the driver to operate them without taking their eyes off the road.

On the Active model, the audio system is equipped with four speakers. The Dynamic, Individual and Hazumi models have six speakers and in addition to providing hands-free telephone operation via Bluetooth and access to one’s contact list, the all-new Mazda2 can also receive short text messages and display a list of sender IDs. The navigation system uses data from SD cards and can display the current location on a map, or display routes and it is available on the Hazumi diesel model only.

Safety

Comprehensive safety

Mazda Proactive Safety aims to minimise the chances of an accident occurring by maximising the range of conditions in which the driver can operate the vehicle safely and helps to identify potential risks early. The all-new Mazda2 has fully embraced this safety philosophy. Development included enhancing basic performance to deliver ease of driving and a good field of vision from the driver’s seat.

The SKYACTIV-Body employs a multi-load path structure that absorbs and disperses impact force. The upper path uses the fender aprons to absorb impact force, cross-shaped crush cans and front frame members form the middle path, and the lower path incorporates an impact-absorbing extension on the front suspension cross member. Straight front frame members are firmly supported by the side sills and B-frames to form an uninterrupted architecture that reduces the chances of cabin deformation.

A range of measures was adopted to effectively absorb and disperse impact force from the front, sides or rear to suppress cabin deformation. The all-new Mazda2 adopts materials and structures that compensate for its reduced crush space and make the cabin itself stronger.

Overcoming the challenges posed by the small size of a subcompact car, the new body reduces weight by 7% over the previous model, and at the same time delivers a level of collision safety performance that is capable of earning high-level ratings in various collision safety tests performed by organisations in different regions.

The all-new Mazda2 is fitted with dual front airbags for the driver and passenger. Front seatbelts are equipped with a pre-tensioner that tightens the seatbelts in the initial moment of a collision and a load limiter that subsequently loosens the belt in a controlled manner to prevent excessive pressure from being applied to the occupant’s chest. Other safety features include; Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) on the Hazumi model, childproof rear door locks and ISOFIX child restraint anchor points, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) are standard across the Mazda2 range.

MazdaCare

The all-new Mazda2 is designed and built to the highest standard of performance and reliability. This standard is backed up by a 3-year unlimited kilometre factory warranty. To provide complete peace of mind motoring, a 3-year roadside assistance, a 3-year service plan and a 5-year Corrosion Warranty are also included.