Mazda Hazumi Previews Sexy New 2 / Demio Supermini in Geneva

This include the competitive nature of the subcompact market, the small size of the car, which reduces its practicality and the dated design. All these problems will soon be resolved by a brand new generation. We know this because we are staring their brand new concept, called the Hazumi, straight into its beautiful headlights.

Design

Its name means " bound" or "spring up" in Japanese and is fitting for something that's meant to rejuvenate the segment. The overall exterior design is very close to what Mazda will actually put into production, sans the minimalistic mirrors and the large alloy wheels. Inspiration is drawn from larger Mazda cars, like the CX-5 and the 6 sedan. It's a more serious look model we know.

Presented as a five-door hatchback, the Hazumi indicates our next Mazda supermini will still be a small car, which is important for the Japanese domestic market. All signs point toward a crossover version built on the same platform coming out this summer under the CX-3 moniker.

Diesel woes

Details about the actual engines on offer are as slim as the car's headlights. However, the Japanese automaker is using Geneva to display the next generation of its new small-displacement, 1.5-liter Skyactiv-D diesel engine, which could be offered with the next Mazda2. Considering their problems with launching US-spec diesel on the 6 sedan, we're unlikely to ever see that one on US shores. A far better fit for every Mazda2, no matter the market, is the 1.5-liter petrol engine, offered with 100 hp, 160 Nm of torque and Skactiv tech on the Mazda3 already. Transmission choices likely include a five speed manual, a four speed automatic, a CVT with simulated ratios in Japan and Hong Kong.

Ford and Mazda have officially split ways, so we're unlikely to see an EcoBoost-type turbo small engine offered with the next Mazda2. This Japanese automaker has been adamant downsizing is not the answer to better fuel economy and continues to refine atmospheric petrol engines using its Skyactiv technology.

The thrills and frills

"The name HAZUMI, which means "bound" or "spring up" in Japanese, is particularly well-suited to a small car that appears to be bursting with energy. Built with no compromises to Mazda's engineering principles, the HAZUMI expresses the ideal form for the company's next-generation subcompact," Mazda says in its press statement.

The outgoing model is one of the greatest cars in its class to drive, but Mazda has always said its design is more feminine than any of its other cars. While its still cute and small, the Hazumi makes a clear departure from this idea, with very large alloy wheels and a set of duel exhaust pipes. We can only presume that an even more engaging supermini experience is upon us.