Mazda's new model, which will come with a slightly reworked design in the United States - minor modifications to the front fascia are very likely - is based on the same platform with Ford Fiesta, which will also go on sale in the country next year.
As for the engines, it's still unclear whether the parent company plans to bring in the United States all or at least some of the units currently offered on the European-spec flavor. Mazda2 is offered with several gasoline and diesel engines in Europe, but sources are hinting that the Japanese manufacturer will debut a single gasoline-powered 1.5-liter four-cylinder version in the United States. The European configuration generates 103 horsepower and 101 lb-ft of torque, helping the car to accelerate from 0 to 62 in 10.4 seconds.
In Europe, Mazda2 is sold with a five-speed manual transmission but the car will be offered in the United States with a five-speed automatic unit.
Pricing and the full list of specifications is yet to be unveiled but more information is expected to be revealed in a few weeks. The car will be officially unveiled in the United States at the Los Angeles Auto Show in December.
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