The new model becomes the fourth member of the carmaker’s current model generation to feature the full range of SKYACTIV Technology and its KODO – Soul of Motion design language. It’s also said to bring a surprisingly spacious and comfortable interior with top-class rear legroom and using the intuitive interior concept first seen on the Mazda3.

Based on the SKYACTIV-Chassis, the Mazda2 is said to bring the linear sporty handling of its larger siblings. The model will also debut the new 150PS SKYACTIV-D 1.5-litre with maximum torque of 220Nm, which also brings fuel economy of 3.4l/100km and CO2 emissions of 89g/km.

The Mazda2 will also be offered with the petrol-powered SKYACTIV-G 1.5-litre in three variants producing between 75PS and 115PS and fitted with five and six-speed manual transmissions or as a six-speed SKYACTIV-Drive automatic, all of which are newly developed. Fuel economy ranges from 4.5-4.9l/100km with CO2 emissions of 105-115g/km.

Technology includes the Active Driving Display – said to be the first head-up display in this class – and a specially adapted human-machine interface.

The supermini also gains Mazda’s MZD Connect in-car connectivity system and the i-ACTIVSENSE active safety technology, which is said to be class-beating and includes the European debut of the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM). It also features the SKYACTIV-Body, which contains significantly greater quantities of lightweight high and ultra-high strength steels than the body of the current Mazda2.

As part of a new marketing strategy, the new Mazda2 will make its European press debut next month at the Mazda Space driving event in Barcelona and will feature at various events and motor shows in Europe in the run up to its launch early next year.