Photo: mazda2thailandclub.com
A next-generation Opel or BMW model has a slim chance of hiding from automotive spies for more than a few days. From the Nurburgring track in Germany to the frozen lakes of Sweden and the arid backroads or Spain, every testing area in Europe has eyes.
Not so in Asia, where companies have an easier job of hiding their new cars, even the ones that will be sold in Europe. The first photos of a brand new Mazda2 sedan made a surprise appearance on a specialized forum from Thailand.
Why Thailand? That's where the new 2 hatch was also developed and where it was revealed, at an event organized on the Sepang International Circuit. Production will be relocated from Japan to this country when the third-gen model will be introduced in Novermber.
The new light sedan from Mazda looks very different at the back compared to the previous generation, where the curve of the roof extends almost to the taillights, similar to a four-door coupe. The taillights also appear to be redesigned, though the front end has the same KODO design we've seen.
Powertrains are expected to carry over and will include a 1.3-liter petrol with 92 PS and a 1.5-liter diesel with 105 PS. However, for the US, a 1.5-liter petrol seems like a far better choice. Speaking of America, both the sedan and hatch are expected to debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show and will most like be assembled at the new Salamanca factory in Mexico.
The Mazda2 hatch is sold in Japan under the name "Demio" and offered with all-wheel drive. However, the sedan is not marketed there, so we don't expect it will get this feature.
Photos via Mazda2 Thailand Club
Why Thailand? That's where the new 2 hatch was also developed and where it was revealed, at an event organized on the Sepang International Circuit. Production will be relocated from Japan to this country when the third-gen model will be introduced in Novermber.
The new light sedan from Mazda looks very different at the back compared to the previous generation, where the curve of the roof extends almost to the taillights, similar to a four-door coupe. The taillights also appear to be redesigned, though the front end has the same KODO design we've seen.
Powertrains are expected to carry over and will include a 1.3-liter petrol with 92 PS and a 1.5-liter diesel with 105 PS. However, for the US, a 1.5-liter petrol seems like a far better choice. Speaking of America, both the sedan and hatch are expected to debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show and will most like be assembled at the new Salamanca factory in Mexico.
The Mazda2 hatch is sold in Japan under the name "Demio" and offered with all-wheel drive. However, the sedan is not marketed there, so we don't expect it will get this feature.
Photos via Mazda2 Thailand Club
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