Mazda considering Mazda2 and diesel engines for the U.S.

[TinmanMS6]

http://www.egmcartech.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/mazda2_news_us_image.jpg

We’ve always been disappointed with reports of Mazda not bringing the Mazda2 to the stateside. But now, a few words by Mazda’s North American president, Jim O’Sullivan, Mazda may be considering the Mazda2 for the North American market along with plans of selling diesel engines in the U.S. market for the first time.

“We’re not ready to make the announcement but obviously we sell diesels in Europe,” O’Sullivan said during a lunch with reporters in Detroit. “The Mazda 2 is extremely successful in Europe and Asia. We’re continuing to watch that space in North America.”


He said that Mazda is currently dedicated to finishing the launch of the CX-9 and the launch of the redesigned Mazda5 and the new Mazda6.

Mazda previously said that it did not choose to market the Mazda2 in the North American market due to the brand’s overall perspective. Mazda also felt that there would be no room for the Mazda2 in the U.S. since the Ford Fiesta, which is built on the same platform, will be making its debut in late 2009.

[mountjonas]

i'd rock that.

[MakeMeGoFast]

Please, Please, Please

[TinmanMS6]

I'd hit an MS2 silly.

[downtube]

wow that would be awesome on both parts

[RODSCALIP5]

It's about time!!!!!! Great Car!!!

[coolmazda5]

[IMG]
He said that Mazda is currently dedicated to finishing the launch of the CX-9 and the launch of the redesigned Mazda5 and the new Mazda6.

Mazda previously said that it did not choose to market the Mazda2 in the North American market due to the brand’s overall perspective. Mazda also felt that there would be no room for the Mazda2 in the U.S. since the Ford Fiesta, which is built on the same platform, will be making its debut in late 2009.

Let's see if Ford lets Mazda do it, the Mazda2 will definitely will be a Fiesta pooper

Launch of the redesigned Mazda5? Hmmm, helloooo! I think Jim missed the news memo from Mazda headquarters... :D

[TinmanMS6]

According to an article I read today, we're only getting the Fiesta sedan, though. Bringing the Mazda2 hatches would make a lot of sense in that case.

[Kymerik]

Mazda 2 would easily be able to fight off the onslaught of Yaris/Fit/Versa sales. It's sexier than all above mentioned and it's got the zoom zoom stigma...i'd hit it

[clicknext]

Mazda's usually the first on the market with a hot trend (see Protege5 and Mazda5) but they're kind of late to the party with the Mazda2. Unlike their P5 and Mazda5 launches where they were the first ones out and other manufacturers followed, the small hatch market is already full of Yaris, Fit, Versa, so it will be hard for them to compete.

[Olestra]

The Mazda3 had similar timing.

[evilmonkeyMSP]

MS2 please, thank you!

[coolmazda5]

Mazda's usually the first on the market with a hot trend (see Protege5 and Mazda5) but they're kind of late to the party with the Mazda2. Unlike their P5 and Mazda5 launches where they were the first ones out and other manufacturers followed, the small hatch market is already full of Yaris, Fit, Versa, so it will be hard for them to compete.

IMO the perception of a Mazda2 according to the mainstream consumer in the region where is sold is the main problem:

Europe, Latin America and Asia
Compact, versatile, sporty, trendy, great on gas, easy to park in reduced spaces like downtown Milan or across the street. Owner to be would love owning a top of the line trim or a performance version.

North America
Sub-Compact, usually related to a cheap car, owner perceived as he(she) cannot afford a bigger car or cannot afford a bigger engine due to gas money. Potential owner, instead of buying a top trim, would actually prefer to buy a bigger car (i.e. Mazda3) on a lower trim. Bigger is better or, if with the same money the owner to be can buy a KIA Sportage SUV, it would be more "socially" acceptable than a Mazda2

Now, all this based on my idea that the majority of the members of this forum ARE NOT mainstream car consumers hence the love for the Mazda2

[TinmanMS6]

I'm pretty sure that most of the people here, if enthusiastic about Mazdas, until very recently, are more interested in the handling dynamics of a vehicle, rather than huge power.

[Dimitrios]

IMO the perception of a Mazda2 according to the mainstream consumer in the region where is sold is the main problem:

Europe, Latin America and Asia
Compact, versatile, sporty, trendy, great on gas, easy to park in reduced spaces like downtown Milan or across the street. Owner to be would love owning a top of the line trim or a performance version.

North America
Sub-Compact, usually related to a cheap car, owner perceived as he(she) cannot afford a bigger car or cannot afford a bigger engine due to gas money. Potential owner, instead of buying a top trim, would actually prefer to buy a bigger car (i.e. Mazda3) on a lower trim. Bigger is better or, if with the same money the owner to be can buy a KIA Sportage SUV, it would be more "socially" acceptable than a Mazda2

Now, all this based on my idea that the majority of the members of this forum ARE NOT mainstream car consumers hence the love for the Mazda2

We'll see how those perceptions change once fuel prices start to match the rest of the world (+$4/gallon).

It's already been proven that the stigma can be changed though; Yaris, Fit, et al, all have been selling pretty well. I see tons of them.

[Roywhitep5]

a diesel mazda2 would be a great seller

[ZOOMit]

a diesel mazda2 would be a great seller

+1...well, a turbo diesel anyways (boom03)

[ZoomZoomH]

i'd hit that 5 door hatch Mazda2 in the picture right there

3 door hatch... not so much... the 2 extra rear doors would be nice for better accessibility

[clicknext]

i'd hit that 5 door hatch Mazda2 in the picture right there

3 door hatch... not so much... the 2 extra rear doors would be nice for better accessibility

The 3 door hatch does look better in my opinion, though.

[Foolish]

Let's see if Ford lets Mazda do it, the Mazda2 will definitely will be a Fiesta pooper


What Ford needs to pull their collective heads out of their asses and realize is that if Ford sells small cars in the U.S. they'll make money, and if Mazda sells small cars in the U.S. Ford will still make money! Either way, Ford needs the money. Now.

More importantly, Mazda has been known to make really good small cars in the past and present, including the Mazda3, and Ford can't sell a decent small car in the U.S. to save their lives!

Add to this the fact that the Mazda2 has just won "World Car of the Year" and Ford's failure to launch the Mazda2 here against the Fit and Yaris is just unforgiveable. That they're keeping the 2 away because they are planning to bring back the "Fiesta" name, which only 4 people in the united states remember fondly, makes it all the more ridiculous.

Morons. (smash)

[dmitrik4]

it occurred to me the other day that the CX-7 would be killer with a diesel. say a 3.2 liter, 220hp diesel. tons of torque, same sweet handling, same injector clatter, and 30+mpg.

(it also would be killer with either a manual transmission or the 3.7L V6)


+1...well, a turbo diesel anyways (boom03)

pretty much any diesel made these days is a turbo. actually, i can't think of any that aren't.

[Dan Gilbert]

I'd really like to see this car come to the US, especially the 4-door/hatch/diesel version.

I encourage everyone who wants one to contact Mazda and tell simply them:
http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/emailMazda.action?bhcp=1

Tell your local Mazda dealerships too. I believe with enough customer requests they'll bring it over. Sounds like they're on the fence already, they just need that final push.

[i12drivemyMP5]

I don't really see the benefit of diesel now days. what is gained in mpg is lost at the pump since it's at least a dollar higher vs. reg unl. Does the diesel get 50-60 miles a gallon? Not worth it if not.

[KZL_99ES]

thread revival!!!

so i got word from one of the dealers that they ARE bringing the turbo-diesel in this fall for the 2012 models! ...not 100% sure on this, but definitely excited for it!

and also because petrol is so high, the differnce for diesel is like getting premium...not that much more! and if you can get 20-30 mpg better in the diesel, it's definitely worth it!

still watching to see what happens! ...i just hope that the price stays below 20k... i fear it might be above that...

[ribowhntr]

That would be cool, I have always wanted a car similar to my first which was a 1983 ford escort two door hatch with a diesel motor, that car gave us 50mpg, we actually owned 3 of them. You cant find one today and if you did you wouldnt want to drive it, but to a kid with a license 5 bucks for gas not having power brakes or steering or AC didnt bother me back then,was just looking for a good time. I hope they bring the diesel here, i might not be able to get one but im sure it will make those that do real happy.

[KZL_99ES]

so doing some research for the overseas Mazda2's diesels, they are around $24k US...kinda pricy for that small of a car...i was hoping it'd be closer to the 18-20k range... :(

[Richard_rsp]

I seriously doubt that they would sell a diesel Mazda2 for so much more than the regular 2. With the Skyactive motors expecting over 40mpg, a 50mpg diesel wouldnt be worth a $7000+ difference in a car like this. I mean, Thats also in VW TDI territory, which is a WHOLE different category of car.
#1) I will be surprised if Mazda brings the diesel Mazda 2 to the US. It would be cool, but I would be surprised.
#2) If they do, it would not be able to be over about $18k; The mazda 2 is mazdas least expensive car and it would take it into another class at a higher price.

[njaremka]

you cant really compare pricing for models from europe to models in the states. they just dont convert correctly. i also feel a diesel mazda2 would not happen in the states, especially with the new sky-g engines being phased in. if the 2.0l sky-g can get 40mpg in the bigger mazda3, they should be able to squeeze 50mpg out of the mazda2 1.5 sky-g.

[KZL_99ES]

ahhh, all very good points i haven't thought of...it didn't make sense that they'd be more than a VW TDI...

and i'll have to do some research on the 'Skyactive' motor, sounds interesting!

[lovmyrx7]

I haven't heard any rumors of a diesel Mazda 2, however, I have seen a corp. woman driving a Diesel mazda 6 around ;) shhh...