Mazda Working on Small Roadster Model Based on the Mazda2

The latest gossip from the Japanese front is that Mazda is working on a new two-seater roadster model based on the underpinnings of the current generation Mazda2 supermini (see gallery after the jump) which is sold in Japan as the Demio. If true, the roadster would fit right under the MX-5 / Miata in Mazda's sports car range competing in Europe against the likes of the forthcoming Renault Twingo CC, the Opel Tigra and the Peugeot 207 CC.

No word on the roadster's top, but we gather that a retractable metal roof is the most obvious choice for a model of this sort.

The proposed two-seater is said to use the same front-wheel drive layout as the Ford Fiesta-sized Mazda2 with power coming from a similar engine line-up that in Europe includes 1.3-and 1.5-liter gasoline units as well as 1.4- and 1.6-liter turbo diesels.

Japan's Best Car magazine also came up with a preliminary computer generated rendering of the proposed roadster model which looks quite interesting sans the quirky headlight arrangement.

And while we have no way of confirming the report from Best Car, we believe that a roadster version of the Mazda2 is not only plausible but it also makes sense for Mazda to add such a version in its range.

Via: Best Car

Mazda Refines the Verisa for the Japanese Market

The Mazda Verisa is a subcompact car based on the previous generation Demio / Mazda2 that was launched in 2004 and is available exclusively for the Japanese market. For the 2010MY, Mazda has 'polished' the Verisa by refreshing the hatchback's interior trim with new upholstery options and upgrading the car's standard equipment while there are also three new exterior body colors including the Lilac Silver Metallic, Metroplitan Mica and Sparkling Black Mica. The 2010 Verisa goes on sale in Japan today with prices starting from 1,560,000 Yen or about $15,700.

New Mazda2 1.6 Sport Diesel for UK Market

Mazda is enhancing its UK market Mazda2 citycar lineup with the introduction of a new 1.6D Sport model that is available three-door and five-door hatchback body styles. The new Sport models are powered by a 1.6-liter diesel engine producing 90HP and 215Nm of torque launching the citycar from standstill to 62mph or 100km/h in 11.4 seconds while returning a 67.3mpg UK or 56mpg US on the combined cycle.

Priced from £12,817, the new Mazda2 1.6D Sport benefits from new projector type headlamps, a rather discreet bodykit, 16-inch alloy wheels as well as dark cloth door trim inserts and black-out instruments, Dynamic Stability Control, Traction Control System, dusk sensing auto-lights, rain sensing auto-wipers, and climate control air-conditioning.