Revamped Mazda2 Coming To Europe In Early 2020 Without Diesel, AWD

BY Dan Mihalascu | Posted on 2

Unveiled in Japan a week ago, the facelifted Mazda2 will not remain restricted to its home market, obviously.

Mazda was quick to announce that the refreshed supermini will go on sale throughout Europe in early 2020. However, the engine lineup will be completely different on the Old Continent. The most obvious change is that the Skyactiv-D 1.8 turbo diesel available in Japan will not make it to Europe.

That’s not a big surprise, however, since the current version of the Euro-spec Mazda2 does not offer a diesel engine either. European markets will only get the Skyactiv-G 1.5 naturally aspirated four-cylinder gasoline instead, available in two states of tune, one of which offers two transmission choices.

The standard choice will be a 75 PS (74 hp) unit offered exclusively with a six-speed manual, while the more powerful 90 PS (89 hp) version will also offer an automatic option. Both engines will feature the Mazda M Hybrid system as standard.

According to Mazda, the 24-volt mild hybrid system uses assistance from a small electric motor and from the i-Eloop brake energy recuperation system to boost engine torque and improve fuel efficiency — all while enabling a smoother driving experience. The company promises fuel economy comparable to a full-fledged hybrid car.

Engine differences aside, Europe’s 2020 Mazda2 will feature all the updates that debuted on the Japanese model earlier this month, including the revised exterior and interior styling, quieter and more comfortable interior, updated Mazda Connect infotainment system which now offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and enhanced i-Activsense safety pack.

The latter now includes standard LED headlamps across the range and new optional features such as Adaptive LED headlights, a Lane-keeping Assist System (LAS), TSR (Traffic Sign Recognition) and a 360-degree monitor.

Mazda also promises a more comfortable ride courtesy of a revised suspension as well as safer, more stable handling thanks to the adoption of G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus). Unlike Japan’s version, hothough wever, the Euro model will not offer AWD as an option and will be front-wheel drive only.

Note: Japanese-spec 2020 Mazda2 pictured

Cupra In Talks To Replace Audi As FC Barcelona Automotive Sponsor

Audi allegedly grew uncomfortable with sponsoring Barcelona because players kept showing up in other cars.
Jaguar XE SV Project 8 Beats Its Own Nurburgring Record At 7:18.36

The Jaguar XE SV Project 8 is limited to just 300 units worldwide and production will end this year.
2020 Corvette Stingray’s 6.2L LT2 V8 Engine To Be Made In New York

The 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 engines will be shipped from Tonawanda to the Corvette’s Bowling Green Assembly plant.
Revamped Mazda2 Coming To Europe In Early 2020 Without Diesel, AWD

European Mazda2 buyers will only get two 1.5-liter gasoline engines with 75 PS and 90 PS, respectively.
2020 Seat El-Born Will Attack The EV Market Next Year

Named after a district in Barcelona, the El-Born uses VW Group’s MEB platform and a 201 HP electric motor.
2020 Kia Sportage Looks Even Better As An SUV-Coupe

Kia’s updated Sportage crossover has been rendered with a sloped roof and a new rear end design.
BMW Shows New 2-Series Gran Coupe With Colorful Camo

The BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe will include an M235i xDrive variant with 306 hp.
Lamborghini Centenario Roadster Costs A Cool $4 Million

As is always the case with ultra-rare exotics, this Centenario’s asking price is roughly double its initial tag.
Watch 473 HP BMW X3 M Competition Take To The Big Apple

The X3 M Competition is powered by a new twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six with 503 HP.
Bentley Mulsanne W.O. Edition By Mulliner Case Is A 1 Percenter’s Key To Luxury

Each of the 100 special edition Mulsanne owners will get the commemorative key case upon delivery.