Mazda updates the competition - redesigned 2016 Mazda 2

[Daox]

The Micra is going to have an updated competitor out later this year.

Mazda's redesigned 2016 Mazda 2 is headed for the showroom floors. Offered with a 1.5l Skyactiv engine, it'll be interesting to see how this car does. The current 2 is praised for its handling and being fun to drive. However, its fuel economy is sorely lacking compared to most of its competitors.

Full article: New Mazda2 unveiled at Montreal auto show

[MetroMPG]

Interesting that the North American debut is in Montreal. That's happened a few times now: Micra, Mirage, Mazda2.

I guess if your name starts with M, you begin in Montreal.

[neovision1981]

I thought the current two had similar fuel consumption to our Micra's. I took it out for a test drive and thought that our Micra was a bit more nimble and peppier.

[MetroMPG]

I thought the current two had similar fuel consumption to our Micra's.

It does. Both sit at the thirsty end of the scale for mileage. Comparison of Micra's fuel economy/mileage vs. competitors

I haven't driven a "2", but most gearhead reviews of inexpensive small cars have picked it as the most fun... until the Micra came along.

[aftica]

Ho hum...bigger, heavier, more ''adult'' stylings? Should sell great as that's generally what the peoples eat up. If I had to get a Mazda I would definitely pick this over the ''3'' though...pffft what a bloated over-styled POC that thing is.

I do like the move to put the mirrors back on the door panels though (where they always belonged). A retro trend that is gaining some traction the last few years and I hope it continues.

EDIT: and while I'm ragging on Mazda: it looks like they may have screwed up the Miata yet again too. Kind of an improvement over the last gen, but really getting way off what its supposed to be.
All ''IN MY VALUABLE OPINION'' of course

[MetroMPG]

Ho hum...bigger, heavier

Right you were! A few more specs trickling out:

-- 113 horsepower, up 13 from the current car

-- weight is up by 88 lbs to about 2400 lbs, about 100 more than a base Micra.

-- gains nearly 6 inches in length, 1 inch in height and 3 inches in wheelbase

Source: http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/201...debut-montreal

[aftica]

Right you were! A few more specs trickling out:

-- 113 horsepower, up 13 from the current car

-- weight is up by 88 lbs to about 2400 lbs, about 100 more than a base Micra.

-- gains nearly 6 inches in length, 1 inch in height and 3 inches in wheelbase

Source: http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/201...debut-montreal

LOL! What a joke. I won't ask ''what were they thinking?''... because I know the answer: most people will buy into all this hook line and sinker (and that's ok) it's just that I'm always hoping a mfg would build a car that purist nutter like me could really get behind.
1)So, other than this guy most people will not notice the car is so much bigger and if they do they will welcome the extra size...but why not just buy a bigger car and leave the small cars small, for those of us who like 'em that way?

2)Most people will not notice or care about the extra weight...88 lbs on something as large as a car? pffftt...but, next time you at the gym, grab two plates, 90lbs (heck you might even be able to grab a yoga girl that big) and toss 'em (or her) on the passenger seat, go for a drive and tell me now you notice no difference. (especially if you chose the yoga girl and she was non-compliant )

3)But they increased the power (by 13HP! OMG!) to try and mask all this bloat? well, @ 100lbs more than the Micra and only four more HP? That's easy math, still behind the Micra's power/weight ratio LOL

It's about time they just leave the airbags in the racing Micra, in order to sell them (street legal) to nuts like me.

[MetroMPG]

Mazda's been on a weight-saving kick for a few new model releases (including the next gen Miata which reverses the bloat trend). I'll be curious to see if this one was also put on a diet.

Also noteworthy: 6 speed transmission! Both auto & manual. That may be a first in this class of car, if I'm not mistaken.

[aftica]

Mazda's been on a weight-saving kick for a few new model releases (including the next gen Miata which reverses the bloat trend). I'll be curious to see if this one was also put on a diet.

Also noteworthy: 6 speed transmission! Both auto & manual. That may be a first in this class of car, if I'm not mistaken.

That is good to hear. On the Miata it is mostly the styling that bugs me...just looks too pretentious, like it wants to be a BMW.

On the ''2'', if it doesn't gain weight, that is obviously good... but still, I want a small car not something the size of a school bus, even if it does weigh-in light.

EDIT: I would like to see a ''Kei'' class car thing get going here in NA....give the mfg's some parameters and let them have at it to see who can do the most with it.

[MetroMPG]

Yes, Kei cars! I have been sorely tempted by the Honda Beat.