New Mazda 2 price, release date and rumours

The next Mazda 2 has not yet been officially announced, but the Mazda Hazumi concept has - it was revealed at the Geneva Motor Show and previews the new Mazda 2.

An image of the Hazumi was leaked online in late February, but now the newcomer was officially unveiled on Mazda's stand at the show. The name means to ‘spring’ or ‘jump up’ in Japanese, and the five-door is 4,070mm long, 1,730mm wide and 1,450mm tall.

Add a few millimetres in height, and the dimensions are expected to be close to those of the production 2, which is due next year – making it slightly bigger than the car it replaces, and similar in size to the current Ford Fiesta.

Clearly sporting a design inspired by the new Mazda 3, the Hazumi features a three-dimensional shield-shaped grille that links up directly with the headlights. A high waistline, narrow glass area and a prominent rear spoiler create a sporty profile, while the ridiculously oversize wheels in this sketch and the ground-hugging bodykit ensure an aggressive stance.

However, the 2,585mm wheelbase is much longer than either, with Mazda claiming the new car has been designed to give class-leading cabin space. The interior also features the firm’s new MZD Connect infotainment system, which aims to improve connectivity and smartphone integration.

The concept has been styled using the Kodo design language that’s already inspired the Mazda 3 and Mazda 6 family cars. Dominating the nose is a large trapezoidal grille that is flanked by slender headlights, while the side gets muscular creases and a shoulder line that climbs steeply towards the rear. Add flared wheelarches and 18-inch alloy rims, and the Hazumi looks sportier than its class rivals.

New Mazda 2 engines

Under the bonnet is a new 1.5-litre SkyActiv diesel – it’s the first time this engine has been seen. It’ll feature in the production car, too, where Mazda claims it’ll put out less than 90g/km of CO2 and meet forthcoming Euro VI emissions regulations. A 1.5-litre petrol engine will also be offered.

Mazda looks to double supermini sales

Mazda expects its new 2 to double its sales in the supermini segment.

Mazda Europe’s Chief Operating Officer Phil Waring told Auto Express: “We currently sell around 24,000 in the B [supermini] segment and we expect the new car to double that.”

And the model is expected to play a key role in a dramatic rise in Mazda sales Europe-wide over the next five years.

“From April to March 2013, we sold 126,000 across Europe. This year from April 1 to March it is likely to be just under 160,000,” continued Waring.

“And in the longer term we are looking at around 225,000.”