Mazda 2: In Depth

Press Release

Sports Car Genes

• Compact body with dynamic styling
• Controlled interplay of motion that is harmonious throughout
• The interior combines solidity and movement

The new Mazda2 looks extremely dynamic despite its compactexteriordimensions.Thenatural-seeminginterplay between soft forms and sharp contours, along with carefully modulated transitions, ensure a controlled variety of reflections across its exterior, which is manufactured with extremely high levels of build quality. Equally eye-catching are its striking wedge shape, its focussed placement of contoured edges and strong sculpturing in the area of the doors and fenders. Yet the Mazda2 not only looks good, it also has aerodynamic virtues: with a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.31, it is one of the most streamlined models in its class.

The goals set for the Mazda2 designers did not allow for any compromises. No variations of the predecessor model were permitted. A completely new, courageous and trend-setting design was obligatory for the second generation Mazda2. And its design would be executed with a lot of Zoom-Zoom spirit, strong individuality and a more clearly-defined Mazda DNA. Despite the newcomer’s more compact outer dimensions, the designers targeted high dynamism and solidity, a rhythmic interplay between soft surfaces and sharp contours , as well as subtle effects of light and shadow at points of intersection.

At the same time, the new design was styled to appeal not only to European consumers, but to customers around the world. Not an easy task, as B-segment vehicles are very popular among women in Japan, for example, who appreciate a soft, friendly design. In Europe, however – with a much more mixed target group – a significantly sportier and more confident design is preferred by many customers.

An important role in finally defining the new design concept was played by the Mazda Sassou, a design study shown at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show. With an eye to the future Mazda2, Mazda incorporated the positive Sassou feedback from motor show visitors during the last phases of work on the new production model. The solution for a dynamic design, with a clear Mazda identity, was the combination of sharply cut contours and soft transitions.

Forms with Subtle Beauty and Dynamism

The principles which directed the work of the new Mazda2 designers were ‘exquisite and dynamic’. Their main goal was to create the impression of athletic movement despite the car’s compact dimensions. ‘Exquisite’ stands for forms with a carefully designed, subtle beauty, as well as dynamism. Also important was the balance between the exterior design, a cabin laid out for maximum spatial functionality and the use of forms that appear especially simple and precise. By using extremely short overhangs and other stylistic details, the designers were also able to emphasise the compactness of the vehicle.

A second design theme for the exterior carried the name of ‘coordinated movements’ . Mazda2’s body lines, and the light effects created by them, combine to produce forms of expression that are many-facetted. As a result, even when parked Mazda’s new sub-compact seems like it might drive off at any moment. This impression of movement is further enhanced by the car’s wedge shape and by the character line that flows from the front fender to the rear of the car. And the swage line in the lower area of the doors that climbs as it moves towards the rear wheels, plus the front wings echoing the style of the Mazda RX-8 , contribute to giving the youngest member of the Mazda family power and dynamism.

A Natural Balance between Organic and Contoured Elements

For the team under Chief Designer Ikuo Maeda, achieving this lively impression despite the car’s limited exterior dimensions was a real challenge. It was achieved by emphasising forms that possess natural-seeming movement, and which also express high levels of build quality. The balance between organic and contoured elements is really only harmonious, because the designers consistently followed the primary objective of ‘coordinated movements’.

Seen as a whole, the Mazda2 looks both dynamic and solid , because it is free from unnecessary ornamentation or decoration. The design becomes a carefully conceived symbiosis between form and function that makes the B-segment car from Hiroshima appear as if it were cast from a single piece of metal.

4 per cent Aerodynamic Improvement over the Outgoing Model

The new Mazda2 not only looks good, its body is also optimally streamlined. Thanks to a generous underbody cover beneath the engine bay, to bumpers with aerodynamically optimised contours and reduced turbulence in the area of the A- pillar and side mirrors, the Mazda2’s Cd value was lowered from 0.32 to 0.31 . Even more significant is the result when multiplying the car’s Cd value by the frontal area, which reveals a 4 per cent aerodynamic improvement over the somewhat larger first generation Mazda2. To increase stability on the motorway, Mazda also reduced lift (inherent to all road car designs) at the front and rear axle. The new model’s front axle lift coefficient (CLF) is only 0.02.

Especially small gaps between body panels and neat rubber seals are details that underscore the very high build quality of the Mazda2. This can be seen, for instance, in the area of the headlamp housings and the rear light clusters. The rear lights have the appearance of LEDs when illuminated at night. To make the body seem as smooth as possible, the washer nozzles are hidden inside the cowl. A micro-switch on the liftgate makes the need for a visually-disruptive handle unnecessary. And last but not least, even the front grille structure is designed in such a way that the components behind it are difficult to see from outside the car. The result: the Mazda2 looks very neat and tidy from every angle.

Double Partitioning Reduces Instrument Panel Heaviness Significantly

In designing the interior, the guideline for the designers was ‘space that communicates movement’ . Well-contoured forms combine a confidence-inspiring solidity with strong visual movement. Despite the finite amount of space available, a cabin with a roomy spatial feel was created by skilful design. Visually, the dashboard panel is divided horizontally in two halves and thanks to this stylistic technique, the dashboard does not dominate the cabin and the interior seems enjoyably light. The upper dashboard is smooth and uncluttered, while the outer edges taper slightly away from occupants, so they do not feel cramped.

At the same time, the unique, slightly convex shape of the centre stack provides an interesting contrast to the dashboard. The gear shift lever is integrated here, mounted high and close to the driver’s hand, in front of minor switches and controls, as well as a central display for audio and air-conditioning information, encased in a silver-coloured bezel.

White Speedometer and Silver Accents Create Striking Contrasts

Even though Mazda2 does without flashy colours and strongly luminous surfaces in the interior, a very contemporary ambiance is created by the contrast between silver accents (in the area of the outer air-vents, the steering wheel, the speakers, the gearshift, the cupholder, the stereo, the speedometer and the door panels - depending on grade) and the dark keynote colour of the cockpit. Other fresh accents are created by the white speedometer and a repetition of ‘rounded’ elements. Circular forms are used for the four air-vents, the instruments, centre stack display and the controls for the heating and air- conditioning. These forms have become a true Mazda design signature and are reminiscent of those used in the Mazda3, Mazda6 and the MX-5. The Mazda2’s three-spoke steering wheel, with audio controls in the left spoke (depending on model and grade), also presents visual parallels to the wheel of the famous roadster.

All interior elements communicate high precision and craftsmanship – an example of this is the ‘invisible’ seamless cover of the front passenger airbag mounted in the dash top. Also the seats are slim and, with their vertical fabric bands and discreetly patterned materials, help to give the cabin a general impression of airiness and friendliness.

Final Design Decision on the Streets of Milan

December 2004: After 18 months of intense preliminary work, Mazda designers threw away all the submitted designs made until then by the three design studios in Hiroshima, Yokohama and Oberursel (Germany). According to Chief Designer Ikuo Maeda : “Looking for a significantly more dynamic starting point with an even sharper Mazda identity, we began working again with a blank piece of paper. Our goal was to create the maximum amount of dynamism in a length of 3.88 metres without sacrificing functionality.” In early 2005, two designs were competing to become the final design, when the decision was made in Milan, Italy. “I was there on a business trip and received a telephone call from a senior manager in Japan,” Maeda recalls. “He said ‘You make the choice!’ I spent a week walking around Milan imagining the two cars in the city’s streets and squares. After that, I had my winner. This car would be instantly recognisable as a member of the Mazda family, not only in Italy, but also in Tokyo and in every other city.”

Sports Appearance Package

With an available Sports Appearance Package (depending on market), customers can further enhance the sporty appearance of the Mazda2. Side skirts, a lower front spoiler and a trapezoidal front lower air intake, that is wider at the bottom than at the top, visually lower the vehicle’s centre of gravity. A special upper front grille design and a rear roof spoiler are other details of the Sports Appearance Package. The swage line that gently fades into the body contours of the normal Mazda2 and the length of the front overhang are more boldly defined. By focussing the Sports Appearance Package optics more towards the middle of the front bumper, the pack enhances the impression of speed and agility.