With over 2.4 million Mazda 2’s sold worldwide since 2002, expectations for the company’s latest small 5-door hatchback are high. Unveiled today, the 2016 Mazda 2 features the same “Kodo” design language as the 3 and 5 series and will be offered with a range of engines including a 1.5 liter diesel SKYACTIV engine.

Looking remarkably similar and with only the nose exposed you’d be hard pressed to tell the difference between the Mazda 2 and its sibling the Mazda 3. The 2 now shares the same oversized grille work, angular headlights and sloping nose treatment as the 3 and 5 series, while along the flanks the new 2 shows design similarities to the Hazumi Concept unveiled in Geneva earlier this year. Where the C-pillar brings the roof and tailgate together is more angular than the previous model, but the car still manages to retains its visual presence.

The car's 1.5 liter diesel engine option will develop only 105 hp but twist out an impressive 184 ft. lb (250 Nm) of torque at only 1,500 rpm

Under the hood the new Mazda 2 will provide buyers a range of powerplant options, with a choice of gas or diesel engines. The cars will feature variations of Mazda’s highly successful, highly economical SKYACTIV powertrains. In Japan a G version of the engine with 1.3 liters of displacement will be available as well as a D version, which is the 1.5 liter diesel variant. The smallish diesel engine will generate only 105 hp but will twist out an impressive 184 ft. lb (250 Nm) of torque at a low 1,500 rpm. Transmission options will vary depending on the market as well.

Mazda says that new active safety features known as i-ACTIVSENSE will aid drivers in identifying and responding quicker to road hazards, while a next-gen connectivity system will enhance the infotainment experience.

More information on vehicle specifications for other markets, including the US, will become available as we get closer to regional release dates.

The 2016 Mazda 2 will start rolling out of Mazda’s Hofu plant this September.

Source: Mazda