The Mazda2 is a subcompact/supermini (B-segment) car manufactured and marketed by Mazda since 2002, currently in its third generation. An entry-level model of the brand in markets outside Japan, the Mazda2 is positioned below the Mazda3. The Mazda2 has also been marketed as the Mazda Demio (a name it kept in the Japanese market until 2019), while its direct predecessor was exported as the Mazda 121.
The second-generation Mazda2 earned the 2008 World Car of the Year title, while the third-generation model was awarded the 2014–2015 Japanese Car of the Year.
The third-generation model was sold in North America as the Scion iA and Toyota Yaris, Yaris iA and Yaris R.
A separate, petrol-hybrid version based on the Toyota Yaris Hybrid has been sold in Europe under the same Mazda2 nameplate since 2022 alongside the petrol-powered third-generation Mazda2.
Predecessor
When it came to redesigning the Revue, Mazda came up with a tall hatchback, minivan-esque package. Introduced in a time full of negative press coverage, the Demio became a surprise hit for Mazda in Japan, and also foreshadowed the current crop of B-segment minivans such as the Opel Meriva, Fiat Idea and the Renault Modus. Sold as the 121 in most export markets, the DW's replacement was called the Mazda2 in most of the world. The Demio nameplate, however, continued to be used in Japan until 2019.
The original Demio was introduced in July 1996 and replaced in 2002.
First generation (DY; 2002)
The second-generation Demio was redesigned in August 2002. The Demio name continued in Japan, while for export markets Mazda dropped the 121 nameplate and other names in favor of "Mazda2". Since its debut, the 2 has been well received by the market, pushing its Japanese domestic sale to as far as seventh place.
Mazda developed the model from the B-segment Ford B3 platform, which is shared with the fifth-generation Ford Fiesta along with components such as suspension design. The development of the model was led by chief engineer Kiyoshi Fujiwara, which also oversaw the development of the B3 platform at Ford's European R&D. Production of the car for European market was consigned to the Almussafes Ford plant in Valencia, Spain since 20 January 2003.
All models are equipped with ABS and EBD, and stability control was optional. An innovative feature offered in Japan is e-4WD, a hybrid car-type system which uses an electric motor to power the rear wheels of this front wheel drive vehicle when needed. In the Demio, this system is used only as a traction aid, not for increased fuel economy as in most other vehicles.
There is also a big difference in floor pan and pedal box. The European-exclusive version of Mazda2 (DY) uses a pedal box directly sourced from Ford Fiesta, with their own 4x108 bolt pattern instead of 4x100.
Three trim levels were available in Japan are Cozy, Sport and Casual.
In Europe, trim levels were S, TS and TS2. The TS and TS2 were renamed Antares and Capella in 2004. The Japanese 1.3 and 1.5 gasoline engines are not available, but Ford's 1.25-liter 16-valve Sigma engine is used, and Mazda's 1.4 and 1.6 gasoline, plus Fords 1.4 TDCi diesel are offered but called 1.4 CDTi by Mazda.
In New Zealand, the Mazda2 was sold with a 1.5 ZY-VE straight-four engine.
In 2004, Mazda introduced the Verisa in Japan. The Verisa is based on the Demio/Mazda2 but was targeted further upmarket.
Engines
The Mazda2 is sold with a variety of Z-family engines:
Mazda Demio
1.3 L ZJ-VE I4 at 6000 rpm, at 3500 rpm
1.5 L ZY-VE I4 at 6000 rpm, at 4000 rpm
Mazda2
1.25 L MZI I4 C2 at 5700 rpm, at 3500 rpm
1.4 L MZI I4 C4 at 5700 rpm, at 3500 rpm
1.5 L ZY-VE I4 at 6000 rpm, at 4000 rpm
1.6 L MZI I4 C6 at 6000 rpm, at 4000 rpm
1.4 L MZ-CDTi Diesel I4 at 4000 rpm, at 2000 rpm
Facelift
The Demio received its facelift on 13 April 2005.
Second generation (DE/DH; 2007)
The second-generation Mazda2 was launched at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show, and later at the 2007 Shanghai International Motor Show. It is built on the similar platform to the sixth-generation Ford Fiesta. It employs lightweight materials and reduces the overall dimensions of the car. This generation dropped the high-roof styling adopted by its predecessor, instead opting for a more conventional hatchback look. The lead designer for the second generation Mazda2 (or third generation Demio) was Ikuo Maeda, who was later promoted to Head of Design at Mazda in 2009.
