Mazda 2 caught in the US [Archive]

Zoom49

05-24-2008, 11:28 PM

Seriously? Does this mean it's coming?

This was not taken at a dealer but at the Mazda USA techinical center. This is were they perform a lot of the driveability and emissions work. The car had the steering wheel on the correct side that means anything.

ForceFed

05-24-2008, 11:32 PM

Hmmm..What motor is thing thing planned to get?

TinmanMS6

05-24-2008, 11:35 PM

Seriously? Does this mean it's coming?

It doesn't necessarily mean anything. Foreign market cars are often spotted in Cali for testing and photo/commercial shoots.

ForceFed

05-24-2008, 11:37 PM

With todays gas prices..that tiny little thing is coming..for sure.

TinmanMS6

05-24-2008, 11:39 PM

I've got the feeling it is coming, but a car being spotted in Cali is not concrete evidence.

Antoine

05-25-2008, 12:14 AM

WE'VE GOT A SCOOP...Send a tip to AUTOBLOG! (2thumbs)

I've got the feeling it is coming, but a car being spotted in Cali is not concrete evidence.

First reaction...OH SH*T! That would be awesome for you guys back in the States & Canada...After calming down...I agree with Tinman...it's a good sign but we can't be sure just yet...I really think the Mazda2 could grab serious sales away from Honda, Suzuki and Toyota etc...

Mazda is thinking about it as they watch gas prices climb...;)

Ps...I'm going to setup a domain & forum ASAP...Just in case...:p

Antoine

05-25-2008, 12:20 AM

Sent a tip to Autoblog...Gave credit of course to Zoom49 for the find! (thumb)

Mazda3

05-25-2008, 12:35 AM

My understanding from my Mazda Canada sources is that the 2 is coming to Canada, but not the US. At the dealer meeting last month in Colorado the Canadians were pulled aside in a private room and given the details on the 2. Looks like a 2010 model will be released in Canada only. It will be bulit in China in the new Mazda factory. Apparently some of the US dealers found out about this "secret" meeting and were really pissed!!!

TinmanMS6

05-25-2008, 12:40 AM

Mazda3

05-25-2008, 12:51 AM

That wouldn't make much sense at all. The emissions and safety standards for the US and Canada are virtually identical. If they have a product that could already be sold in the US that they're shipping over to North America already, why not send whatever you can sell to the largest auto market in the world, especially when it wouldn't cost you anything?

My understanding is the Mazda Canada has been trying to get this car for awhile and Mazda wouldn't give it to them because the US didn't want it. Mazda has finally broke down and given it to them without the US. Apparently most of the US dealers didn't think the 2 would sell enough to justify it. What are the Fit, Yaris, and Versa sales numbers in the US?

The other issue for Mazda is that they didn't have any capacity to build this car for NA in their Japanese factories. Which is why it's going to be built in China. Maybe they don't have the capacity to build enough for the large US market at this point. Could be they will send it to the US when the production level is there.

Regardless, the info about the dealer meetings is a fact and not hearsay.

clicknext

05-25-2008, 03:47 AM

coolmazda5

05-25-2008, 08:04 AM

Don't forget Mazda Motor de Mexico. There are many models there that we never get here (Ford Focus ST, VW Lupo, Nissan Aprio). If I'm not mistaken Irvine CA is the HQ for Canada, US and Mexico

coolmazda5

05-25-2008, 12:52 PM

We got beaten to it it seems. It looks like the same one but different location...

Screw the Fiesta, bring this one instead :D

Although we've seen the Mazda2 before in 3- and 5-door configurations overseas, the presence of it at a local car meet in Southern California had us once again speculating about its sales potential in the States. The fact that the meet was held at Mazda's SoCal HQ means that the car could simply be undergoing evaluation, but judging by the reaction of the crowd, we think this has better sales potential than the 2009 Focus that was parked at the other end of the lot. While the exterior looked pretty spiffy, the interior looked cavernous. Smart design, and a worthy competitor for the Yaris, Versa and Fit. While we've heard that Ford's version of this car, the Fiesta, will make it to our shores eventually, we still don't know for sure about this lovely little Mazda. Mazda keeps waffling. We'll keep our fingers crossed, especially knowing there's that Mazdaspeed2 in the mix, at least overseas. But that's where all of the magic seems to start nowadays so there is hope.

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/05/mazda2_450.jpg

Source:
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/25/mazda2-5-door-spotted-in-california/

Zoom49

05-25-2008, 01:19 PM

Sent a tip to Autoblog...Gave credit of course to Zoom49 for the find! (thumb)

Thank's Antoine, Better pictures are now up on Autoblog, these were not taken by me. Mazda is out showing this car to guage reaction.
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/25/mazda2-5-door-spotted-in-california/
Looks good in person!!

kickniteasy

05-25-2008, 01:27 PM

I'll take that thing in 2 door with AWD and a turbo.....thanks

Betelgeuse

05-25-2008, 03:07 PM

With todays gas prices..that tiny little thing is coming..for sure.

+1

This thing will sell like hotcakes right now.

techspeak

05-25-2008, 06:42 PM

SMART move (no pun) bringing this car to North America... what did the US say to mazda to piss them off ??

coolmazda5

05-25-2008, 06:50 PM

what did the US say to mazda to piss them off ??

I want a super Fiesta ;)

Mazda3

05-26-2008, 11:34 AM

SMART move (no pun) bringing this car to North America... what did the US say to mazda to piss them off ??

Some of the US dealers were mad at Mazda because the 2 is only coming to Canada. I'm not sure how many dealers we're talking about. If the US wants the car bad enough and will commit to an acceptable number of cars I'm sure it will happen. But originally MNAO didn't want this car and Canada has been begging for it for a few years.

autoxes

05-26-2008, 12:12 PM

How difficult is it to import a car from Canada? I'd really like one of these!

Mazda3

05-26-2008, 01:04 PM

How difficult is it to import a car from Canada? I'd really like one of these!

Probably not that difficult, but keep in mind our car prices are higher here.

coolmazda5

05-26-2008, 01:41 PM

Probably not that difficult, but keep in mind our car prices are higher here.

True, you may be able to get a US 2008.5 Mazda3i for the price of a CA Mazda2 (boom03)

Antoine

05-26-2008, 09:49 PM

I've sent a few tips to Autoblog over the years and it seems I'm either too late each time or they don't want to show us any "luv"...In anycase...I'm really excited to see Mazda showing interest in releasing the Mazda2 Stateside!

It will be interesting to see how this plays out...

LordWorm

05-27-2008, 07:47 AM

Out in Australia (has been for a little while now - we got the predecessor too)... the Genki (top trim package) looks pretty damned hot - powerplant across the australian range is the 1.5L MZR thingy.... and there is rumours that there MAY be a petrol turbo version soonish....

In japan I believe there is a 1.3L miller cycle supercharged varient for ultimate fuel ecomony....Antoine can probably verify this for us :P

clos561

05-27-2008, 10:50 AM

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/mazda2-mps-and-280-hp-mazda6-mps-on-their-way/

just found this. 170 hp lil 2 would be fun

zoomzoomnavarro

06-29-2008, 01:39 PM

I just wish it would get here already, as a mazda dealer we have alot of people calling and asking about the 2. somehow they end up at www.mazda.co.uk.

ALIEN3T

07-01-2008, 02:23 AM

There is 1 or 2 driving around irvine (work 1 mile from Mazda HQ, ) and the new body style rx-8 also.
usually when i see them driving around with the dealer plates. the model was out soon after.

EMPIRE

07-01-2008, 09:08 AM

Can't wait till these hit the market.

zoomzoomnavarro

07-04-2008, 04:59 PM

we have the 2009's already and i like the way they look alot. what was the time between when you saw them driving around and when they got shipped?

zoomzoomnavarro

07-04-2008, 05:28 PM

i'd trade my speed6 in a heartbeat! i love the 6 but its too big. and i like the sedan. if they made a mazda 2 sedan speed i would be the happiest girl alive

nazgul350r

07-19-2008, 09:25 PM

I dont think a sedan will happen with this small of car, you lose too much space.

mazdadude

07-24-2008, 09:28 PM

I sure hope they do this car.

It is exactly what is missing in Mazda's lineup right now. (Besides a real Mazda truck)(rei)

techspeak

07-25-2008, 05:08 PM

I sure hope they do this car.

It is exactly what is missing in Mazda's lineup right now. (Besides a real Mazda truck)(rei)

so true! It so strongly seems like FORD is making this process go really slow for MNAO. They know the ORIGINAL, better "Fiesta" would seriously threaten Ford's version which is probably still having the badges and sheetmetal made. WHat gets m is that it's Mazda's car and engineering, they have a RIGHT to sell the damn vehicle here, well before Ford's Fiesta

z00mer

07-25-2008, 10:26 PM

I sure hope they do this car.

It is exactly what is missing in Mazda's lineup right now. (Besides a real Mazda truck)(rei)

Knowing MNAO, they're going to probably detune and tinker with the MPS 2 (MS2), just like they did with the MSP, in order to cut costs.

Hopefully that won't be the case, if and when the MPS2(MS2) gets here... if ever.

sureshot324

08-04-2008, 09:11 PM

Same reason you would sell Smarts to Canada only, and same reason you would sell the Toyota Echo Hatchback to Canada only.

Add the Acura EL/CSX to that list (Acura version of the Civic). The Canadian market is much more receptive to small cars. Though I'm not sure why Toyota is still not selling Scions here.

pr5owner

08-23-2008, 10:24 PM

Hmmm..What motor is thing thing planned to get?

twin turbo renesis engine

johnny ro

09-16-2008, 09:22 PM

I would buy this right now for list price, if say $2000 less than Mazda3.

skylar2ups

11-06-2008, 10:49 AM

Okay so I'm confused the Ford Fiesta is going to be sold in the US and if I'm not mistaken is the Fiesta not a twin of the Mazda2?
I love the Fiesta but if that Ford is going to be sold here I don't understand why the 2 isn't and again I thought the 2 came out awhile ago and the market in the US is crazy about mini cars look how well the Mazda5 is doing and thats a mini mini van! Everyone is crazy about the Fit great car, but it's a boring ride. The Versa is an awkward little car but people enjoy it and then Toyota is going to sell the iQ which is a Smart car for thousands less.
Toyota was going to sell the iQ in the US as a Scion but then changed it's mind because they didn't think they would sell as well if they were badged Scion instead of Toyota... look at the now killed Scion xA... Maybe Mazda didn't think people would buy the 2 because it's a Mazda? But personaly I would much rather buy a Mazda even though it's owned by FMC.

coolmazda5

11-06-2008, 10:58 AM

Okay so I'm confused the Ford Fiesta is going to be sold in the US and if I'm not mistaken is the Fiesta not a twin of the Mazda2?

Nope, but I would get a Mazda in no time instead as well (naughty)

^^ Kind of the same design/concept/idea/platform, but very different looking if you ask...

http://www.myride.com/images/no-transform/myride/promotions/images/images/2009%20Ford%20Fiesta%20five-door-f3-4_400.jpg

http://cache.jalopnik.com/cars/assets/resources/2007/03/mazda2_sm.jpg

skylar2ups

11-06-2008, 11:07 AM

Yeah I see it now... I don't know which I would get if I had to pick!
The ford looks a little larger and I think I would lean towards that but the Mazda is a very cute car.
If the Ford wasn't from European hands I wouldn't even look at it.
The Fiesta looks like a chunky squished Mazda5 or the new Honda Clarity.

jimmysuite

11-27-2008, 01:15 AM

I'm in Okinawa, Japan on my honeymoon and the Demio/Mazda2 are everywhere! I really want one of these cars. Has anyone heard any updates if these are coming to the states?

PS. my new wife is doing her hair so I'm safe right now....

skylar2ups

11-27-2008, 11:47 AM

I don't think its comming here I know the Ford Fiesta is comming and I think Ford talked Mazda out of bringing over the 2 so that Fords sales would be better.

LordWorm

11-27-2008, 05:12 PM

I don't think its comming here I know the Ford Fiesta is comming and I think Ford talked Mazda out of bringing over the 2 so that Fords sales would be better.

hmmm the fiesta is nice enough... we get one called the "XR4" - which is the fiesta with the 2L mazda 3/duratech engine ;) Pretty beasty little thing.

coolmazda5

11-27-2008, 07:57 PM

hmmm the fiesta is nice enough... we get one called the "XR4" - which is the fiesta with the 2L mazda 3/duratech engine ;) Pretty beasty little thing.

Nice

(google)

http://images.drive.com.au/drive_images/Editorial/2007/09/18/18CCFord_m_m.jpg

http://www.egmcartech.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/03/ford_fiest_xr4_main.jpg

LordWorm

11-28-2008, 01:27 AM

Also means, that its at least MECHANICALLY possible to slip the 2.3L under the hood of the mazda 2... if the 2L bolts in...hrmm.. or maybe even that high revving high displacement cosworth racing version of it :)

mgrinshpon

12-08-2008, 10:17 AM

They should smack a 2 rotor rotary under it or even the 2.3l from the Mazda 3s (or the turbo'd one from the speed3), stiffen the suspension, not have it be FWD (RWD or AWD, please), and call it a Mazdaspeed 2, because, quite honestly, small cars also deserve powerful engines, not just the mid-size and full-size cars that are the Mazda 6, Honda Accord, etc.

EDIT: The rotary would probably be better due to weight distribution.

skylar2ups

12-08-2008, 10:28 AM

They should smack a 2 or 3 rotor rotary under it or even the 2.3l from the Mazda 3s (or the turbo'd one from the speed3), stiffen the suspension, not have it be FWD (RWD or AWD, please), and call it a Mazdaspeed 2, because, quite honestly, small cars also deserve powerful engines, not just the mid-size and full-size cars that are the Mazda 6, Honda Accord, etc.

EDIT: The rotary would probably be better due to weight distribution.
The 3 is consided a small car, the 2 is on the verge of being a micro car.

mgrinshpon

12-08-2008, 10:35 AM

The 3 is consided a small car, the 2 is on the verge of being a micro car.

And? Nothing wrong with a small car that can go faster than highway speeds.

skylar2ups

12-08-2008, 10:38 AM

And? Nothing wrong with a small car that can go faster than highway speeds.
Well you said small cars should have powerful engines not just MID-SIZE of FULL-SIZE but the 3 is considered a small car and it has a powerful engine (SPEED) all I was saying is that the 2 would be a powerful MICOSPEED.

mgrinshpon

12-08-2008, 10:52 AM

Well you said small cars should have powerful engines not just MID-SIZE of FULL-SIZE but the 3 is considered a small car and it has a powerful engine (SPEED) all I was saying is that the 2 would be a powerful MICOSPEED.

The problem with the speed is that since it's FWD and produces so much power, the torque has to be limited at lower RPMs leading to less low end power to prevent torque steer. So, powerful engine, but a design shortcoming nonetheless. If it was a 50/50 AWD, I would definately like it a lot more although at that point, it's basically an Impreza WRX with a different style of engine. That's something that I think should be addressed although the MS3 people may vehemently disagree.

So, as I said, I think a MS2 should adopt AWD because of torque steer issues. More power to the road, baby!

skylar2ups

12-08-2008, 11:03 AM

The problem with the speed is that since it's FWD and produces so much power, the torque has to be limited at lower RPMs leading to less low end power to prevent torque steer. So, powerful engine, but a design shortcoming nonetheless. If it was a 50/50 AWD, I would definately like it a lot more although at that point, it's basically an Impreza WRX with a different style of engine. That's something that I think should be addressed although the MS3 people may vehemently disagree.

So, as I said, I think a MS2 should adopt AWD because of torque steer issues. More power to the road, baby!
Yeah the SPEED's love their cars lol but yeah I see what you're saying and I'm all for it! I would love a powerful engine in the Mazda2.

I'm moving to England soon too so I'll be driving one soon anyways.