Mazda has unveiled the brand new version of its ‘2’ sub-compact car, and it’s quite the looker.

Mazda 2

The new Mazda2 makes good use of Mazda’s Kodo design philosophy

Redesigned for the first time in seven years, the new Mazda 2 is the fourth model in its line up to incorporate Mazda’s ‘Kodo’ design philosophy – supposedly representing the ‘soul of motion’ – it has impressed many, particularly on the highly acclaimed Mazda 6 saloon.

The new Mazda 2 will also get the full range of Skyactiv technology now seen in the majority of the Mazda range. For those of us who don’t speak Mazda, Skyactiv is Mazda’s special term for its safest and most efficient technologies. Mazda claim its 1.5-litre Skyactive-D diesel engine will deliver torque equivalent to that of a 2.5-litre petrol engine, but sub-compacts always feel a little more fun with a small petrol engine, and so there are also 1.5-litre and 1.3-litre Skyactiv-G petrol options for buyers to choose from.

In car technology is obviously a crucial part of any car sold now, and so the new Mazda 2 will get the very latest version of the Mazda connect car connectivity system and Mazda’s i-activsense safety features. Mazda says that i-activsense helps drivers recognize and respond to potential danger and hazards, and any modern car worth its salt now comes equipped with a system such as this.

The Mazda 2 (also known as the Demio on Japanese soil) has long been one of Mazda’s most popular cars and it is undoubtedly of its most important products, but it has never quite been able to duel it out with some of its rivals. Mazda will be hoping the 4th generation 2 will be the turning point for the model and the eye-catching new shape is a very fine start indeed. We await it eagerly.