Mazda in Japan have released details on the updated Mazda2 or as it’s called in Japan, the Mazda Demio. The look has been given a slight sport facelift and it is the first vehicle to be equipped with Mazda’s direct injection 1.3 litre SkyAcriv petrol engine. The fuel economy has also been looked at and improved via a number of new features.

Improved efficiency for new Mazda2

These new efficiency figures are thanks to the world’s highest compression ratio of 14.0:1 as well as being equipped with Mazda’s i-stop, a unique idling stop system. The i-stop system has been improved and updated to operate more frequently and requires less fuel to restart. This has resulted in a fuel economy of 3.4 litres/100km, a seriously impressive stat.

Another new feature in the updated Mazda2 13-SkyActiv is the i-DM (intelligent-Drive Master), a driver aid system that encourages comfortable driving for the passengers as well as a driving style that will improve fuel economy. The system displays various statistics on the dashboard as the car is driven, providing real-time feedback on how the car is being driven and provides practical advice at the end of every trip. This is done by monitoring the movement of the steering wheel, the vehicle speed as well as the accelerator and the brakes.

Improved Ride Comfort

Ride comfort has also been addressed; the new Mazda2 has enhanced stability and ride comfort due to increased body rigidity, retuned dampers and improved bush characteristics on the rear-trailing arm mounts. The car also uses drive force control, which optimizes torque delivery from the engine and responds precisely to slight movements of the accelerator pedal to provide as smooth a ride as possible.

The new Mazda2 will be available in a choice of 11 exterior body colours, including Aquatic Blue Mica and Burgundy Red Mica. The Mazda2 is up for release in Japan at the moment. If it receives a local release, look for more information and details as they become available.