Unveiled in Japan a week ago, the facelifted Mazda2
will not remain restricted to its home market, obviously. Mazda was quick to announce that
the refreshed supermini will go on sale throughout Europe in early 2020.
However, the engine lineup will be completely different on the Old Continent.
The most obvious change is that the Skyactiv-D 1.8 turbo diesel available in
Japan will not make it to Europe.
That’s not a big surprise, however, since the
current version of the Euro-spec Mazda2 does not offer a diesel engine either.
European markets will only get the Skyactiv-G 1.5 naturally aspirated
four-cylinder gasoline instead, available in two states of tune, one of which
offers two transmission choices.
The standard choice will be a 75 PS unit
offered exclusively with a six-speed manual, while the more powerful 90 PS version will also offer an automatic option. Both engines will feature the
Mazda M Hybrid system as standard.
According to Mazda, the 24-volt mild hybrid system
uses assistance from a small electric motor and from the i-Eloop brake energy
recuperation system to boost engine torque and improve fuel efficiency — all
while enabling a smoother driving experience. The company promises fuel economy
comparable to a full-fledged hybrid car.
Engine differences aside, Europe’s 2020 Mazda2 will
feature all the updates that debuted on the Japanese model earlier this month,
including the revised exterior and interior styling, quieter and more
comfortable interior, updated Mazda Connect infotainment system which now
offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and enhanced i-Activsense
safety pack.
The latter now includes standard LED headlamps
across the range and new optional features such as Adaptive LED headlights, a
Lane-keeping Assist System (LAS), TSR (Traffic Sign Recognition) and a
360-degree monitor. Mazda also promises a more comfortable ride courtesy of a revised
suspension as well as safer, more stable handling thanks to the adoption of
G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus). Unlike Japan’s version, hothough wever,
the Euro model will not offer AWD as an option and will be front-wheel drive
only.
