It will get a hot MazdaSpeed version. It is unlikely.
Mazda has been on a temporary hiatus. There are no plans to launch major launches before the first month of 2022. At least in Europe, this is when we’ll likely see a new generation Mazda2. But don’t expect an all-new car.
A new report by Autocar states that the Japanese automaker will launch a rebadged, slightly modified version the new Euro-spec Toyota Yaris. This report is about Mazda2 Europe and is based upon a recent Mazda financial results presentation.
According to the publication, the document mentions an “OEM-supplied model based upon Yaris THS [Toyota Hybrid System]”, which is scheduled for a launch in the next two years. This Mazda-badged hatchback will replace the existing Mazda2, which was on sale since 2014, but with no electrified motors. This will help Mazda comply with the EU’s stricter CO2 standards, and prevent additional penalties.
“As one the multi-solution measures we concluded that THS was the optimum solution for each region’s requirements and needs,” a Mazda official statement to Autocar reads. “This collaboration was the result of discussions that were based on our Toyota Mazdada partnership policy to efficiently use both companies’ resources while respecting each others’ brand and management independence.”
It is worth noting a few points. The US-spec Toyota Yaris, which was essentially a rebadged Mazda2 prior to its cancellation in 2020, is interesting. It’s also fascinating to see a vice versa collaboration on the other side. We are not certain that Mazda will offer a compression-ignition gasoline engine for the new Mazda2. Last but not least, we’ll be curious to see if Mazda will offer a new new GR Yaris hot-hat or a Yaris Cross crossover. The answer is probably negative.