New Mazda Hazumi Concept Is New Mazda 2, Next Toyota Yaris Too

With the new Mazda3, Mazda6 and CX-5 crossover launched over the last few years, you might have forgotten the smaller Mazda2 subcompact even exists.

Mazda hasn't forgotten the 2 though, and will unveil a new subcompact concept car at the Geneva Motor Show to point the way to its replacement.

Mazda calls it the Hazumi, which means "bound" or "spring up" in Japanese, a reference to a small car that's apparently "bursting with energy".

Styling will echo that of Mazda's larger models, part of the firm's 'Kodo, soul of motion' design language. That much is clear even in the teaser image, which shows a front light cluster, grille edge and curving flanks very like that of the Mazda3 hatchback.

The car will be a vital one for Mazda in the U.S, as its underpinnings will also be found under the next-generation Yaris.

Toyota revealed back in late 2012 that the next-gen Yaris will sit on the next Mazda2 platform, and both cars will be produced at Mazda's facility in Salamanca, Mexico.

Up to 50,000 cars per year will roll out of the factory, giving both automakers a stronger presence in the subcompact sector. Mazda, a relatively small independent automaker, will gain from economies of scale, while Toyota will help protect itself from fluctuations in the Yen with Mexican production.

As well as the Hazumi concept, Mazda is also bringing a brand-new 1.5-liter Skyactiv-D diesel engine to Geneva. Few details are known at this time, but Geneva will mark the engine's worldwide debut.

Mazda is also planning a celebration of the MX-5 sports car's 25th anniversary at the Swiss show.

Head over to our Geneva Motor Show hub page to discover more news and launches from the show, which opens to the press on March 4.

Publish at : Green car reports