When the current Mazda2 was first launched late in 2007 it was nothing short of a revolution in the automobile industry.  Not only amazing to look at, it was also 100kg lighter than its predecessor bringing benefits – agility, speed, low consumption and emissions – and it was very safe.

It became a big seller for Mazda and this success story is about to enter its second phase at the Paris Show with the European premiere of the Upgraded Mazda2 featuring updates that will strengthen its position in the very competitive European small car segment.

For the upgrade, the Mazda2 gets the new Mazda family face and newly designed wheels, plus two new body colours.  The interior improves an already outstanding package with enhanced quality look and feel.  The instruments have new black faces, white numbers and silver rings, matched by new black steering-wheel switch bezels.  The audio panel gets new piano black surfaces with chrome-plated lines, while black mouldings are added around the air conditioning vents at each side and the hazard lamp button.  Completing the interior upgrade are higher-quality seat fabrics in black-based patterns and more durable materials for items that are touched on a daily basis.

Targeted bodyshell and suspension updates provide an even more comfortable and smooth ride. All powertrains have been upgraded to comply with Euro5 regulations.  A more powerful and economical 1.6-litre turbo diesel engine with 94bhp (up by 5bhp) and 151lb ft.  This uses just 4.2 litres of fuel per 100km and produces just 110 grams of CO₂ per 100km combined.

Upgraded Mazda2 2010 – Exterior Features

• New Mazda family face introduced for a sportier more dynamic look
• Two body styles – five-door hatchback and sporty three-door hatchback
• Two all new exterior colours: Aquatic Blue Mica and Burgundy Red Mica (range of up to 11 exterior colours available, depending on market)
• New dynamic 16-inch alloy wheels and 15-inch steel wheel cover designs
• Sport version including side skirts and a rear roof spoiler

Interior Features

• New instrument design with black background, white numeration and silver rings
• New piano-black mouldings in centre stack and dashboard for improved quality look and feel
• New durable materials introduced for surfaces of the centre stack used on a daily basis
• New, higher-quality seat fabrics and fabric colours

Bodyshell and Suspension Updates

• Bodyshell and suspension updates improve ride comfort
• New softer trailing arm bushes at the rear suspension
• Newly tuned front and rear dampers
• New shape of the rear wheel-house gussets and added spot welds at this location

Powertrain Updates

• MZ-CD 1.6 Euro5 compliant common-rail diesel engine that produces 94bhp (+ 5bhp) at 3,800rpm and 151lb ft of torque at 1,750 – 3,000rpm
• It uses approx. 2 percent less fuel than the outgoing diesel (4.2 l/100km combined) and produces less CO₂ (only 110g/km)