2016 Mazda 2 Breaks Cover As Dashing Sub-Compact

Mazda has taken the wraps off its new 2016 Mazda 2, a jolt of slickly-designed sub-compact expected to go on sale this fall. Borrowing styling cues from Mazda's Hazumi concept from earlier in the year, not to mention the new Mazda 3 launched last year, the complete redesigned Mazda 2 keeps the family's distinctive teardrop grille and bold daytime running lights.

From the side, there are even more pronounced crease lines around the wheel arches than on the Mazda 6, while the sloping rear glass has a little of Alfa Romeo's hatchbacks to it, perhaps.

The Hazumi's oversized wheels are, unsurprisingly, absent, but otherwise the production car is fairly close to its concept sibling. As with other recent Mazda models, there's SKYACTIV for better fuel-economy as well as a more engaging driving experience.

In Japan, the Mazda 2 will get a SKYACTIV-G 1.3-liter gas engine, with a SKYACTIV-D 1.5 liter diesel as an option. Inside, there'll be Mazda Connect and i-ACTIVSENSE, the company's smartphone-connected dashboard display and its active crash avoidance, radar cruise control, lane-departure warnings, and more.

Engine options for the US, and a specific release date, have not been confirmed, with Mazda saying those details will follow on closer to launch.