First look: New Mazda2 zooms into view

THE Mazda2 breadbox shape is gone! The Japanese car-maker’s newest light hatch, the redesigned Mazda2, has gone all curvy and funky - just like the 1.0-litre Sassou concept car unveiled at the 2005 Frankfurt motor show.

The all-new shape represents another progression of Mazda’s "zoom-zoom" styling philosophy that was evident in the MX-Crossport concept, which became the production CX-7.

The new Mazda2 makes its official debut at next month’s Geneva motor show and is expected to go on sale here late this year after its Sydney motor show reveal.

According to Mazda insiders, the car’s lower centre of gravity and sleeker design has delivered a crisp handling, more responsive car.

Initially it will be offered as a five-door, but a three-door is also expected.

Two four-cylinder petrol engines will be available initially in Europe, a 1.3-litre in two states of tune for Europe - 56kW/118Nm and 62kW/121Nm - as well as a 76kW/136Nm 1.5-litre. A 1.4-litre turbo-diesel is also on the cards.

The 56kW/118Nm engine is designed for economy, delivering 5.4L/100km combined.

The current Aussie Mazda2 is powered by an 82kW/141Nm 1.5-litre four.

The new Mazda2 shares its platform with the future Ford Fiesta but Mazda took the lead in engineering and research and development for the B-car project.

Mazda has used high-strength steels to slash the car’s overall weight by 100kg.

The new Two is 40mm shorter (3880mm) than the current car but has the same wheelbase at 2490mm. It is also 55mm lower and is 5mm wider at 1695mm.

Inside the cabin is roomier and takes some cues from the Mazda3 and Mazda6 with its flap-style air vents. The gearshift lever has also moved up to the lower part of the dashboard to allow more console room.

Luggage space has clearly been sacrificed for the car’s funkier looks with rear luggage room of 250 litres, or 469 litres with the back seats folded.

Globally, Mazda2 has attracted more than 410,000 customers in the four years from January 2003 and the light car has been a popular part of Mazda Australia’s line-up since going sale here in December 2002.