Next-Gen Mazda2 Will Return 70 MPG

[Sabre]

Green Car Report

The U.S. is just getting its first taste of the funky Mazda2, a car that has helped rewrite the rulebook on affordable hatchbacks by showing that cheap doesn’t have to mean drab and boring to drive. However, the next-generation of Mazda’s global small car is currently in the works and is set for debut in Japan as early as the first half of next year.

There’s no word on when this version of the Mazda2 will finally reach the U.S. but when it does we can reveal that it will return a fuel economy of 70 mpg--without the aid of any electric motors. This is because the car will feature Mazda’s next-generation of drivetrain, body and chassis technologies, dubbed SKYACTIV.

It will come powered by a SKYACTIV-G engine, Mazda's next-generation direct injection gasoline mill that achieves significantly improved fuel efficiency thanks to a high compression ratio of 14.0:1 (the world’s highest for a production gasoline engine). In addition to the improved fuel economy, Mazda also claims that the higher compression ratio enables more torque, especially at lower to mid-range engine speeds, which should make the car a whole lot more fun to drive around the town.

Very happy to see something like this! I'm shocked that no one has done this with a variable vein turbo. DI really makes some very interesting things possible.

[drwrx]

I saw this earlier and I have to say that I seriously doubt it will get 70mph.
However, I do believe that 50mpg is achieveable, and that alone is huge.

[complacent]

I saw this earlier and I have to say that I seriously doubt it will get 70mph.
However, I do believe that 50mpg is achieveable, and that alone is huge.

hybrid-what?

i'm excited.

[snaab]

This is the worst possible timing for this. I was literally thinking of trading in the Forest for a Mazda2 this week. -banging head-

[Mr Kleen]

If I were in the market for a Mazda2 I'd also have to look long and hard at it's twin, the Ford Fiesta.

[snaab]

I've testdriven both. The Mazda is noticeably peppier. Also, I prefer the hatch, and the Fiesta hatch commands a premium over the sedan. Not to mention, the Fords are outfitted with "SHIFT UP" lights, that drive me up the wall.

[zaxrex]

hybrid-what?.

Show me a hybrid that does not use electric motors.

Just remember, 70+ MPG is achievable, if you throw out crash safety regulations. Just look at the Progressive X-prize Edison 2 winner.
Other than that, I'm holding out to see what kind of Nissan Juke we can get here.

[boomee]

meh ill take a fiesta

[chicken n waffles]

If I were in the market for a Mazda2 I'd also have to look long and hard at it's twin, the Ford Fiesta.

any particular reason? most of the comparison reviews i've read give the nod to the 2, price notwithstanding.

[Mr Kleen]

If given the choice in identical products I'd take the "American" one. The only review I have read so far picked the Ford. And the Fiesta is cheaper with the same options. But I would drive both myself if I were seriously in the market for this type of automobile.

[snaab]

The Fiesta definitely has more features, but 30-seconds down the road, the 2 was more fun to drive. Plus, its cleaner exterior appealed to me.