All-new Mazda2 wins Japan Car of the Year

• • New-generation subcompact aims to change the way people see this class of car
• • Mazda secures Japan's leading automotive award for second time in three years

The all-new Mazda2 (Mazda Demio in Japan) was named the 2014-2015 Car of the Year Japan yesterday (13 October). Mazda's next-generation supermini is thereby the second Mazda to capture the coveted award in three years after the Mazda CX-5 won in 2012-2013.

Recently launched in Japan, the all-new Mazda2 is the fourth new-generation Mazda equipped with the full range of SKYACTIV technology to go with its striking KODO – Soul of Motion design. It thus joins the Mazda CX-5, Mazda6 and all-new Mazda3. The European market launch is slated for early 2015.

Mazda aspired to build a subcompact that would shatter preconceived notions about B-segment cars, packing the all-new Mazda2 with a wealth of new technology and innovative design features. These include the SKYACTIV-D 1.5-litre, a brand-new clean diesel delivering generous torque together with CO2 emissions under 90g/km, and an extraordinarily ergonomic cabin including the first head-up display in this class and MZD Connect, Madza's remarkably safe and easy to use in-vehicle connectivity concept. The all-new Mazda2 also comes with the company's state-of-the-art i-ACTIVSENSE active safety systems.

All passenger cars with expected annual sales of at least 500 units and announced or launched in Japan between 1 November 2013 and 30 September 2014 were eligible for this year's award. The all-new Mazda2 is the fifth Mazda to win it.

"We are both honoured and grateful that the Mazda2 has received such a prestigious award," commented Mazda Motor Corporation's President and CEO Masamichi Kogai. "This result is thanks to the enthusiastic support of all people who love cars. Inspired by this award, we will continue our quest to build cars that add a certain sparkle to the lives of their owners, and aim to become a one-and-only brand chosen by customers again and again."

# # #

Your point of contact for this news:
Alison Terry
Senior Press Officer
Phone: 01322 622 713
Mobile: 07785 518 558
Email: aterry@mazdaeur.com