A refreshed version of the Mazda2 has been revealed for the 2020 model year, one that gives the smallest member of the Hiroshima-based automaker’s line-up some new design updates and extra tech to keep up with its bigger siblings.
In its home market, the car has been renamed to reflect the moniker used in other regions, shedding the ‘Demio’ badge and bringing it into closer brand alignment with literally every other member of the Mazda family.
From its newly spruced-up exterior, it has clearly taken a few pointers from the all-new Mazda3 and Mazda6. Its front end is sharper and features a more pronounced muzzle that adopts the new grille style and slightly more recessed headlamps, which now house adaptive LEDs.
Add to that, there is also new sets of alloy wheels up to 16-inches in diameter, finished in high gloss paint for some pop while carving up boulevards or negotiating a traffic jam. The company still sees the car as the ‘gateway’ Mazda, so it needs to embody the traits its more premium offerings offer in greater quantity.
Speaking of premium, the new Mazda2’s cabin has been left largely unchanged in terms of layout. However, the package of trim material has been ‘carefully crafted’ for tactile quality and improved sound insulation for a more luxurious driving experience.
Power will, as before, be derived from a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated SkyActiv-G petrol four-cylinder. However, in the Japan, there is an option to have a 1.8-litre diesel as an alternative as well as the choice of all-wheel drive. Regardless, drive is funnelled through either a 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission.
Elsewhere, Mazda has outfitted the new 2 with a new suspension system with G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus), the company’s advanced vehicle traction and stability control system, to ensure smoother handling and improved stability, resulting in more a confidence-inspiring drive and less fatigue for all occupants.
The MZD Connect infotainment system has now been upgraded to support connectivity to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Again, to match the more expensive offerings in the Mazda portfolio, and a valuable feature addition on its own.
Though limited to sale in Japan initially, the updated Mazda2 should be making its way to the usual list of export markets around the world in due course, Australia included, following its on-sale debut in its home market in mid-September 2019.
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