Mazda today revealed the redesigned, flame-surfaced subcompact that is its new Mazda2, ahead of its unveiling at the Geneva show next month. Built on Mazda-Ford's new global B1 platform, the new two is rumored to be headed to the US to compete with the Nissan Versa, Honda Fit and that Toyota that looks like a doorknob. Possibly by 2008, but more likely by 2009. [Thanks to Stephan for the tip.]
[via Mazda, Auto Motor und Sport]
Press Release:
All-new Mazda2 to Debut at the
2007 Geneva International Motor Show
Hiroshima, Japan, 13th February 2007. Mazda Motor Corporation will showcase the world premiere of the all-new Mazda2 (known as the Mazda Demio in Japan) at the 77th annual Geneva International Motor Show to be held from Tuesday, 6 March through Sunday, 18 March 2007. Officially titled the Salon International de l'Auto de Gen ve, the Geneva Motor show press days are March 6 and 7, and the public days are March 8-18. Mazda will hold its press conference on Tuesday, 6 March at 14:15 CET.
The all-new Mazda2 is more than just a model freshening of the current Mazda2. In 2002, the Mazda6 heralded the arrival of Mazda's new generation of Zoom-Zoom vehicles, and now the Mazda2 becomes the first of these to evolve to the next level. As such, the new Mazda2 represents the progression of Mazda's Zoom-Zoom brand promise.
Related:
More on the Mazda2 [internal]