Refreshed 2020 Mazda 2 Shows Its Gorgeous Face In Japan

The Mazda 2 was first unveiled for the 2016 model year, and it was only a matter of time when the Japanese brand will give its popular B-segment vehicle a refresh. It seems the time is now as the refreshed Mazda 2 makes its Japanese debut.

Mazda’s popular hatchback still retains its overall shape, but it now wears the same gorgeous corporate face as the rest of the newer Mazda models, which is seen in the all-new Mazda 3, refreshed Mazda 6, and Mazda CX-5. The wider grille features the same intricate pattern as the aforementioned Mazdas and is now flanked by adaptive LED headlights for the higher variants. New alloy wheels designs, as well as new LED taillights further elevate the Mazda 2’s style quotient.

Another thing to note is the name. Whereas the Japanese-market Mazda 2 was called the Demio, Mazda has decided to bring it in line with the rest of the global portfolio, thus giving it the Mazda 2 name as well. This also signifies the brand’s intention to truly elevate Mazda as a more premium brand compared to its contemporary rivals.

Likewise, the interior has seen minor changes, including new, more plush materials, as well as an updated Mazda Connect infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For the Japanese market, the Mazda 2 comes with the brand’s i-Activesense suite of driver-assist systems, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, among other features.

Under the hood of the Mazda 2 is still the same 1.5-liter Skyactiv-G petrol engine, which produces 110 hp and 141 Nm of torque, mated to either a 6-speed manual or automatic. The other one is a 1.5-liter Skyactiv-D turbodiesel engine, producing 105 hp and 220 Nm for the 6-speed manual or 250 Nm for the 6-speed automatic. Additionally, the i-ELOOP regenerative braking system is now offered in the Japanese-market Mazda 2 for improved fuel economy. Lastly, revisions to the suspension and chassis have been made in order to improve the car’s ride without sacrificing its sharp handling.

The Mazda 2 is now officially on sale in Japan. Considering that the Philippine-market Mazda 2 comes from Thailand, it will take quite a while before the refreshed Mazda 2 makes its way into the Philippines.