Mazda 2 (2015): first pictures of Mazda's mini

By Jed Maxwell

First Official Pictures

17 July 2014 05:00

Mazda has unveiled official pictures of its all-new Mazda 2 replacement, due in 2015.

Despite being labeled as the ‘Demio’ in the official Japanese pics, Mazda’s small Fiesta rival will continue to be known as the Mazda 2 in Europe - but unlike the last generation it will only be available as a five-door hatchback.

Made in Hofu in Japan, the Mazda 2 adopts the firm’s Kodo design language that was first seen on the Mazda 6.

On sale in Japan in August 2014, Mazda is keeping tight-lipped about when exactly the Mazda 2 will go on sale in the UK, but expect the little hatch to arrive here early in 2015 at the latest.

Mazda has confirmed, from launch, there will be the choice initially of just two engines: a diesel and petrol with identical 1.5-litre capacities.

Both engines will get the firm’s Skyactiv treatment. In the petrol’s case, this mean it will rely on an extremely high compression ratio, lightweight engineering and regenerative braking using capacitors.

The diesel, meanwhile, will offer a low compression ratio to ensure a longer burn.

The Mazda 2 might also provide the basis for the car maker's first electric production vehicle following a long exhaustive trialling of last-generation Mazda 2 EVs.

The third-generation Mazda 2 might also be the first Mazda to feature plug-in hybrid technology that could see the return of the famous Wankel rotary engine that could work as range extenders.

Whatever future tech the small Mazda gets, on the eve of the MX-5 unveiling on 3 September, the arrival of the Mazda 2 is yet another signal of a product renaissance for the Japanese brand.

Next in the pipeline is the Mazda CX-3 SUV that is expected to be unveiled towards the end of 2014.

Mazda will release more Mazda 2 information this September, nearer its Paris motor show debut.

By Jed Maxwell