December 1, 2014

Thailand Motor Expo 2014: Mazda2 Sedan Makes Global Debut

Photos by Ulysses Ang and Mazda Press
Fresh from winning the Japan Car of the Year 2014-2015 award, the Mazda2 gains a new sedan form which debuts at the 31st Thailand Motor Expo 2014. The all-new sedan variant joins the hatchback in offering the most up-to-date Skyactiv technology in the Mazda line-up. In Thailand, the Mazda2 also brandishes a 1.5-liter Skyactiv-D clean diesel (Euro 5) engine good for a healthy 105 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and 250 Nm of torque from 1,500 rpm. It makes the all-new Mazda2 sedan the first vehicle to quality for Phase II of Thailand’s Eco Car program. It easily exceeds the requirements of doing 23.2 km/L and CO2 emissions not above 100g/km.

Like all other modern Mazdas, the Mazda2 features the contemporary KODO: Soul of Motion design that combines three key elements: speed, tension, and allure. Compared the Mazda2 hatchback, the sedan version has a much more formal three-box shape very reminiscent of the larger Mazda3 sedan. Inside, the Mazda2 has a sporty and premium interior loaded with various convenience features including: the MZD Connect next-generation car connectivity system, Active Driving Display, Touch Screen Center Display, and Center Commander.


Manufactured at the Autoalliance Thailand plant in Rayong, the all-new Mazda2 successfully defies conventional thinking of what sub-compact cars are supposed to be and offer unprecedented value for those who still enjoy the fun of driving. The Mazda2 features cutting-edge technology such as engine idle start/stop (i-Stop) and i-ELOOP. In the safety front, the Mazda2 benefits from dual SRS airbags, anti-lock brakes, and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC).

Orders are already being accepted for the all-new Mazda2 sedan with sales to commence starting early next year. In the Philippines, Mazda distributor Berjaya Auto Philippines is expected to bring in the all-new Mazda2 sometime in 2015 albeit possibly with a different drivetrain, perhaps a 1.3- or 1.5-liter version of the Skyactiv-G gasoline engine.


18 comments:

  1. No matter how great the technology, stubborn filipinos would still choose toyota and honda because of "reliability".

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    1. That myth about Toyota reliability no longer holds true today. I chose CX-5 over Fortuner (too noisy and crude since it is based on a pick-up chassis) and CR-V (exterior design is bland, Modulo is OTT).

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    2. Yes, but some people are still stubborn and will stick to their beliefs that brands like toyota and honda are more reliable than mazda. Same goes with isuzu fanboys, probably the very reason why the crosswind sportivo is still being sold today, because stubborn isuzu customers still want these old products.

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    3. If the Hondas and Toyotas are neither good nor reliable vehicles, then people wouldn't buy them would they? Fact is people have been buying these cars for generations now, and they've been buying Hondas and Toyotas more than the other brands for a good reason. But hey, it's a free country so to each his own. :)

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    4. It's that kind of mentality that makes fanboys feel justified in their heavily outdated, outmatched, ancient Hondas, Toyotas and Isuzus.

      The fact of the matter is, they have been matched or exceeded by the competition in all fronts.

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    5. Except reliability.

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    6. What good technology can give you if your car is not that too reliable in the the long run?

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  2. nowadays, toyota's so called reliability is just now a perception, and most of the time, deception...

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  3. Have you actually driven a Toyota? Do you even own one? I have an Altis, no problems so far. No engine sludge problems whatsoever. No suspension problems either. Saan ang deception doon?

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    Replies
    1. Most modern cars nowadays are also like that. It doesn't make Toyota that special anymore. My Hyundai has no problems too.

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    2. my accent has knocking issues when gased up with less than 95 octane fuel.. interior looks good in the showroom but feels cheap in actual driving.. lots of rattling... its starting to look old rather quickly too.. korean cars still have a long way to go.. im trying to sell mine now and honestly im having a hard time selling it.. thats not all, the resale value is also bad compared to japanese brands..

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  4. Some like it different. Mazda are for people looking for better alternative. I believe Mazda is not for everybody. Which I think is positive. For many, stereo type is safe option.

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  5. Mazda is a techy car. Suitable for teens. I have owned a Honda Civic but replaced it with a Mazda 3. For budget conscious people, Honda or Toyota is a "safe" option given its parts are everywhere and resale value is good.

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    1. So what you're implying is that you have the same taste, priorities and mindset as an young immature teenager? How old are you again?

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  6. Honda and Toyota are more reliable than Mazda. Check Consumer Report. Mazda`s partnership with Ford just ended a year or so ago. So basically the reliability of their cars has not really been tested. But most Mazda cars have better safety results compared to Toyota and Honda.

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  7. I was taking about cars with 6 airbags not 2 btw.

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