Redesigned Mazda 2 Will Debut in the United States;

The newly redesigned Mazda 2 will debut in the United States this August. It is the smallest and lowest priced model offering from Mazda. The latest 2011 model is the third generation, while the first two generations were not sold in the United States. Competing models include the Toyota Yaris which can be quoted on Toyota Prices websites, and the Ford Fiesta which can be found at a Cincinnati Ford dealer.

Other models such as the Honda Fit, Kia Soul, Nissan Versa, and Scion tC will battle for larger shares of the rapidly expanding sub compact car market in the United States and the rest of the world. The subcompact car market is expanding due to increased consumer concern about fuel efficiency. Subcompact cars are some of the most fuel efficient regular gasoline models available due to their small size and less powerful but more fuel efficient engines.

The Mazda 2 features a 1.5 liter four cylinder engine with 100 horsepower and 98 lbs per foot of torque. It features a comfortable ride and excellent handling. It is a 5 door hatchback that is very similar to the Ford Fiesta. Ford and Mazda have a partnership and sometimes borrow features from one model to another.

The major difference between the third-generation and second-generation Mazda 2 is weight. The latest Mazda 2 is a substantial 10 percent lighter than the previous generation. There were numerous weight saving measures implemented such as new materials that made the car body stronger and lighter, reduction in number of parts, and redesigned doors.

The Mazda 2 also features interior differences such as more room for front passengers, although it may be lacking in rear legroom. The major reasons that Mazda decided to do this is because of a study that found that the majority of subcompact car buyers were single or married couples without children.