Photo: Mazda
Previously known as the Demio in Japan, the Mazda2 returns to Europe for the 2020 model year without a turbo diesel or all-wheel drive. The automaker can’t make a case for such options in the Old Continent, and therefore, front-wheel drive and the SkyActiv-G 1.5 will have to suffice.
As opposed to the outgoing Mazda2, the refreshed model features Mazda M Hybrid mild hybridization for both versions of the SkyActiv-G 1.5-liter engine. That’s 75 and 90 PS, which works out at 74 and 89 horsepower on full song. A six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic transmission are offered, and the 24-volt electrical system works together with the i-Eloop brake energy recuperation system.
Mazda might promise comparable fuel economy to a hybrid car, but don’t believe the hype. The Toyota Yaris Hybrid is the undisputed leader in this segment, and that’s how the cookie crumbles. G-Vectoring Control Plus and a more comfortable suspension setup are featured, along with LED headlamps with adaptive functionality on higher trim levels.
The subcompact hatchback also boasts a 360-degree monitoring system, traffic sign recognition, and lane-keeping assist for additional peace of mind. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the i-Activsense safety suite, and improved NVH are other highlights of the European model.
It’s easy to understand why Mazda couldn’t make a case for the SkyActiv-D 1.8 turbo diesel, but European customers can experience this engine in larger models such as the Mazda3 hatchback and sedan. Frankly put, fewer customers in the subcompact segment are going for Satan’s Fuel in the aftermath of the Dieselgate scandal that started with VW in 2015.
As far as sales are concerned, the Mazda2 tallied 32,426 examples in the Old Continent in 2018. Far fewer than the high point of 75,425 units in 2009, the Mazda2 is also available in the United States as the badge-engineered Toyota Yaris. Previously known as the Scion iA when Scion was still a thing, the city dweller couldn’t manage to move more than 1,940 examples in 2018.
Mazda might promise comparable fuel economy to a hybrid car, but don’t believe the hype. The Toyota Yaris Hybrid is the undisputed leader in this segment, and that’s how the cookie crumbles. G-Vectoring Control Plus and a more comfortable suspension setup are featured, along with LED headlamps with adaptive functionality on higher trim levels.
The subcompact hatchback also boasts a 360-degree monitoring system, traffic sign recognition, and lane-keeping assist for additional peace of mind. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the i-Activsense safety suite, and improved NVH are other highlights of the European model.
It’s easy to understand why Mazda couldn’t make a case for the SkyActiv-D 1.8 turbo diesel, but European customers can experience this engine in larger models such as the Mazda3 hatchback and sedan. Frankly put, fewer customers in the subcompact segment are going for Satan’s Fuel in the aftermath of the Dieselgate scandal that started with VW in 2015.
As far as sales are concerned, the Mazda2 tallied 32,426 examples in the Old Continent in 2018. Far fewer than the high point of 75,425 units in 2009, the Mazda2 is also available in the United States as the badge-engineered Toyota Yaris. Previously known as the Scion iA when Scion was still a thing, the city dweller couldn’t manage to move more than 1,940 examples in 2018.
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