Mazda has revealed the first technical details of its next 2 supermini, which will go head-to-head with the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo. The new Mazda 2 will be powered by a selection of 1.5-litre engines, with three petrol versions of 74bhp, 94bhp and 113bhp, and one 104bhp diesel making up the range.
However, even the cleanest petrol model – the manual 94bhp version – will struggle in the emissions stakes with 105g/km – more than most rivals, which are now ducking below the 100g/km mark and, consequently, qualify for free-of-charge tax.
The diesel Mazda 2 offers better emissions on paper, though even its 89g/km is beaten by the cleanest Ford Fiesta.Mazda will be hoping that buyers will forgive the 2’s higher emissions levels – and its resultant costlier tax – if they fall in love with its styling, both inside and out.
It has to be said that the swooping lines and low nose of the 2 do make it look rather rakish, while the elegantly simple interior is a lesson in minimalism.
There’s no word on pricing just yet, so if Mazda can pitch the 2 correctly, it could go some way towards mitigating against those carbon dioxide figures. We’ll find out when it goes on sale early next year.
Source: Telegraph
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