Refreshed light hatch facelifted and renamed in its domestic market, with an upgraded cabin, infotainment and technology.

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The Mazda 2 has been given a facelift in its home market of Japan, ahead of its launch Down Under by the first quarter of 2020. Renamed from 'Demio' to Mazda 2, the revised five-door light hatch has been given a new badge to "emphasise the brand", with other updates made to raise "visual and tactile quality in areas such as design and craftsmanship". Mazda says the new 2 has been enhanced in the areas of handling stability, ride feel and cabin quietness. Externally, the revised hatch can be distinguished by its new frontal treatment which incorporates grille and bumper treatments inspired by other models in the range like the CX-5 and Mazda 6.

Japanese models also get a revised alloy wheel design with high-gloss finish, and the headlights are now available with adaptive LED internals and a new LED daytime running-light signature. In fact, there's 20 individually controlled LED blocks within the headlights for enhanced illumination and visibility at night. Inside, new materials and trims have been "carefully chosen" to "balance quality and playfulness" – such as the blue leather and suede combination upholstery you can see here.

There's also an available six-way power adjustable driver's seat with memory, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, and an updated version of the MZD Connect infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. Mazda adds it has made adjustments to reduce noise in the cabin, a main complaint about various older Mazda models for some time, though the company hasn't exactly detailed what those measures are. The updated Mazda 2 now offers the brand's latest driver assistance and active safety technologies, too. Available features include adaptive cruise control with stop&go function, and lane-keep assist. Both petrol and diesel versions are now available with the 'i-Eloop' brake energy recuperation system that claims to improve real-world economy.

Finally, Mazda has added the G-Vectoring Control Plus system for "more stable" handling at high speeds. Australia Speaking with CarAdvice, Mazda Australia indicated the revised Mazda 2 should arrive by the first quarter of 2020. Further details like pricing and specifications will be revealed closer to launch. Mazda Australia last updated the 2 back in 2017, though there hasn't been a major upgrade since the current generation first went on sale in October 2014.

Stay tuned for an update, and let us know your thoughts in the comments! MORE: Mazda 2 news, reviews, comparisons and videos

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