Mazda2 - Compact, lightweight and now diesel powered

Sharing centre stage at this year’s Frankfurt International Motor Show with the all-new Mazda6, is the all-new Mazda2 – the first model of Mazda’s acclaimed new-generation line up to be evolved to the next level. Engineered to appeal to young car buyers as Mazda’s “first Zoom-Zoom choice” vehicle, it has a dynamic exterior design, exceptional functionality, agile handling and improved fuel efficiency for less impact on the environment.

The evolution of Zoom-Zoom represented by the all-new Mazda2 is most obvious in its exterior design. Called ‘exquisite and dynamic’ by its designers, it uses sharp contours and soft transitions in forms chosen for their subtle beauty and soft dynamism. And it is one of the most streamlined models in the B-segment, with a lower drag coefficient, Cd 0.31, plus a four percent smaller frontal area and reduced lift, which contributes to lower fuel consumption and increased high-speed stability.

As they did for the new MX-5 roadster, engineers strictly controlled the new Mazda2’s overall vehicle weight compared to its predecessor. By using modern lightweight, high-tensile steel, by saving weight in such places as the exhaust and cooling systems, the cabling, and even the door audio speakers, and by slightly reducing the length (by 40mm), they were able to lower the car’s weight by nearly 100 kg. This contributes to a 15 percent reduction in overall fuel consumption compared to the outgoing model, together with significant cuts in CO2 emissions.

Making its debut in the Mazda2 at Frankfurt, the MZ-CD 1.4-litre common-rail turbo diesel is the same engine as used in the outgoing model, but now more fuel-efficient and cheaper to operate. It produces 68ps of maximum power at 4,000rpm and maximum torque of 160Nm at a low 2,000rpm for quick responses to the throttle pedal. Coupled to a precise-shifting five-speed manual transmission with special gear ratios for the diesel model to get the most out the car’s extra torque, this engine makes the new Mazda2 a truly fun car to drive.

The MZ-CD is also a lightweight, compact and low friction power unit. It uses an aluminium cylinder head, a die-cast aluminium cylinder block, a die-cast aluminium lower block, and lightweight alloy pistons. These are combined with small-diameter (45mm) main crankshaft bearings, low-friction piston skirts and piston rings, and roller cam followers. These engine technologies, and an approx. 100kg lighter vehicle weight, result in the new Mazda2 turbo diesel using less fuel than its predecessor – just 4.3 litres per 100km (an 8.8 percent cut) – while CO2 emissions are 114g/km, compared to 124g/km in the outgoing model. The MZ-CD 1.4-litre will be available for the all-new Mazda2 in the UK at the beginning of next year.

Three petrol models on sale now…

On sale in the UK now, the Mazda2’s petrol engine line-up features an MZR 1.3-litre petrol engine with a choice of outputs (75ps or 86ps) and a 1.5-litre engine that produces 103ps. The three petrol engines have a sequential valve timing (S-VT) system and optimized exhaust-valve timing. In addition to this, the new 1.5-litre adds a variable induction system (VIS) that raises torque across the entire rev range. With its engines optimised for low friction, and its excellent aerodynamics, new Mazda2 is one of the most fuel-efficient cars in its class. Both versions of the 1.3 litre engine can return more than 52mpg, which results in a combined CO2 emissions value of only 129 g/km.