Photo: drive.com.au
At a recent track day event, motoring journalists were invited to take a short test-drive behind the wheel of the upcoming Mazda2 supermini. Even though cars are camouflaged, what you see are actually near-production prototypes of the 2 small family hatchback. And guess what - the cameraman from drive.com.au managed to film the interior of the highly anticipated model.
Mazda has been on a bit of a rollercoaster ride these last few years. After introducing the CX-5 crossover and replacing the aging 6 and 3 with all-new models, the Japanese manufacturer's next big hit will come in the form of the 2 supermini. Information about the model is still kind of scarce, but our carparazzi managed to spot the little bugger in pre-production form a couple of times already and we've learned a few things as well.
We can tell you that the Mazda2 is an ambitious replacement set to offer more practicality than the outgoing model. It will also be a bit larger in dimensions, but also lighter and much more efficient at the pump. The fourth model to be based on Mazda's SkyActiv platform will presumably come with a choice of three powerplant options: a 1.3-liter SkyActiv-G petrol, a 1.5-liter with 100 horsepower on tap and a brand new 1.5-liter SkyActiv-D oil burner that delivers 105 PS (77 kW) at 4,000 rpm and 250 Nm of torque from 1,500 to 2,500 rpm.
If you put the funky Angry Birds front fascia styling and technology jibber-jabber aside, most gearheads will be left with one big question: "What about the interior? Will it be the same plasticky job as before?" Well, we're happy to report you that's not the case, not by a long shot. From drive.com.au's first drive video review, we can tell you that the upcoming Mazda2 will get a quite gorgeous cabin design with great materials and finish.
This particular almost-production prototype filmed by the Aussies is fitted with the same 7-inch infotainment screen like the 3, as well as a very similar instrument cluster and air conditioning controls. Heck, even the gear knob looks like it's borrowed from the bigger compact brother.
Furthermore, cool and premium looking circular air vents like those on the Audi A3 are also on the menu. There's only one lousy detail that caught our attention: the third rear seat passenger won't have too much room for his or her feet because of the intrusive transmission tunnel protruding from the floor of the Mazda2.
We can tell you that the Mazda2 is an ambitious replacement set to offer more practicality than the outgoing model. It will also be a bit larger in dimensions, but also lighter and much more efficient at the pump. The fourth model to be based on Mazda's SkyActiv platform will presumably come with a choice of three powerplant options: a 1.3-liter SkyActiv-G petrol, a 1.5-liter with 100 horsepower on tap and a brand new 1.5-liter SkyActiv-D oil burner that delivers 105 PS (77 kW) at 4,000 rpm and 250 Nm of torque from 1,500 to 2,500 rpm.
If you put the funky Angry Birds front fascia styling and technology jibber-jabber aside, most gearheads will be left with one big question: "What about the interior? Will it be the same plasticky job as before?" Well, we're happy to report you that's not the case, not by a long shot. From drive.com.au's first drive video review, we can tell you that the upcoming Mazda2 will get a quite gorgeous cabin design with great materials and finish.
This particular almost-production prototype filmed by the Aussies is fitted with the same 7-inch infotainment screen like the 3, as well as a very similar instrument cluster and air conditioning controls. Heck, even the gear knob looks like it's borrowed from the bigger compact brother.
Furthermore, cool and premium looking circular air vents like those on the Audi A3 are also on the menu. There's only one lousy detail that caught our attention: the third rear seat passenger won't have too much room for his or her feet because of the intrusive transmission tunnel protruding from the floor of the Mazda2.
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