Mazda Hazumi concept presages next Mazda2

Fri, 21 Feb 2014

Looks like Mazda's big Geneva Motor Show debut is actually something quite small. Teased here, the Hazumi concept "points the way to the future" for the brand's subcompact offering, the Mazda2. Details are slim as of this writing, but from what we can see in the image above, the Hazumi will use the same Kodo design language found on the Mazda3, Mazda6 and CX-5. We're big fans of this styling direction, so we fully expect the concept to be quite an attractive little number.

Hazumi means "bound" or "spring up" in Japanese, with Mazda saying this nomenclature is "particularly well-suited to a small car that appears to be bursting with energy." In other words, say goodbye to the friendly faced Mazda2 we've enjoyed since it launched in the United States in 2010. Instead, prepare for something decidedly more assertive, hopefully improving upon the already-great driving dynamics of the current subcompact. If we're honest, we can't wait.

Mazda will also use the Geneva show to debut its new small-displacement, 1.5-liter Skyactiv-D diesel engine. The automaker hasn't confirmed that this new fuel-efficient powerplant will be part of the Hazumi concept package, but considering the two are debuting alongside each other, it would seem to make sense. As for whether or not this engine could come stateside when the next Mazda2 launches, we're not holding our breath for that, especially considering the company's current woes with US-spec diesel engines.

Scroll down for Mazda's official release about its Geneva happenings, and click the image above to see a high-res version of the Hazumi teaser.

MAZDA HAZUMI TO DEBUT AT GENEVA MOTOR SHOW

- Company's dynamic new subcompact concept points the way to the future
- Mazda is unveiling the Mazda HAZUMI at the 84th Geneva International Motor Show
- Geneva also hosting premiere of small-displacement SKYACTIV-D clean diesel

Mazda is unveiling the Mazda HAZUMI, a next-generation subcompact concept, at the 84th Geneva International Motor Show. In another world premiere at the upcoming event, the convention-challenging Japanese carmaker will also exhibit its new clean diesel engine: the SKYACTIV-D 1.5.

The name HAZUMI, which means "bound" or "spring up" in Japanese, is particularly well-suited to a small car that appears to be bursting with energy. Built with no compromises to Mazda's engineering principles, the HAZUMI expresses the ideal form for the company's next-generation subcompact.

Mazda will also present the SKYACTIV-D 1.5, a newly developed small-displacement clean diesel. Another Geneva exhibit, meanwhile, commemorates the 25th anniversary of the iconic Mazda MX-5, the all-time bestselling roadster.

The event is open to the public from 6-16 March with press days on 4 and 5 March. Mazda is holding a press conference in hall 5 on Tuesday afternoon (4 March) from 14:00-14:15 CET.

By Steven J. Ewing