2021 Mazda2/Mazdaspeed2
The Mazda2 hits the entry-level market with a freshly molded composite body that helps hold the curb weight at less than 2000 pounds. Strong development and competitive pricing in the aluminum market means the little Mazda's chassis and suspension is mostly aluminum, with high-strength steel and some small magnesium castings thrown into the mix. A revised and efficiently packaged MacPherson strut design continues to guide and drive the front wheels, while the refined torsion-beam rear is again summoned for service. Shades of 2011, anyone?
The Mazda2 hits the entry-level market with a freshly molded composite body that helps hold the curb weight at less than 2000 pounds. Strong development and competitive pricing in the aluminum market means the little Mazda's chassis and suspension is mostly aluminum, with high-strength steel and some small magnesium castings thrown into the mix. A revised and efficiently packaged MacPherson strut design continues to guide and drive the front wheels, while the refined torsion-beam rear is again summoned for service. Shades of 2011, anyone?
Now offered as a three- or five-door hatchback, the '2's lone engine is the recently debuted all-aluminum SkyActiv 1.4-liter double-overhead-cam inline-four developing 140 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque. The engine is easily capable of 50 mpg highway with either a throwback six-speed manual or economy-optimized seven-speed automatic. A radically shaped piston crown works in conjunction with precision-calculated ignition and timing control to empower Mazda's spray-guided direct injection, promising the engine series' greatest thermal efficiency yet.
Although the 2021 Mazda2 can run a stratified charge deep into the powerband, it's also a perfect candidate for the now-standard i-stop auto stop-start feature. Inside, there's the option for unconventional gel seats that weigh around 5 percent less than comparable cloth buckets and feature limited firmness control.
But the big performance news comes in the form of a five-door hot hatch ably called the Mazdaspeed2. In response to overwhelming owner and dealer requests, and with favorable market research to back the outstretched hands, Mazda has thrown the enthusiasts a small bone. The SkyActiv 1.4-liter was given a lower compression ratio before it was turbocharged in the Mazdaspeed spirit. A quick-spooling, variable-geometry turbo teams with retuned injection and additional engine friction reduction to produce 205 horsepower. The six-speed stick with limited-slip is the only transmission choice, and it's assisted by a lightened flywheel.
Handling-wise, higher-rate titanium springs supplant the stock Mazda2 pieces. There's added damping to control suspension movement; a lower center of gravity; and sharper electric steering. Standout 16-inch magnesium wheels (the regular Mazda2 has 16-inch aluminum alloys) provide an advantageous footprint for handling excellence. - Benson Kong
2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata
A light weight and high efficiency will be key in the design of the fifth-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata, as the brand's purest sports car builds on the success of the upcoming, back-to-basics fourth-generation car. Weight will be pared down from the fourth-gen's 2200 pounds to an even ton, and a small 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine will be found below the hood. Don't let the diminutive size fool you, this Miata will push out just over 200 horsepower in top spec.
A light weight and high efficiency will be key in the design of the fifth-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata, as the brand's purest sports car builds on the success of the upcoming, back-to-basics fourth-generation car. Weight will be pared down from the fourth-gen's 2200 pounds to an even ton, and a small 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine will be found below the hood. Don't let the diminutive size fool you, this Miata will push out just over 200 horsepower in top spec.
To keep weight down, thin-gauge high-strength steel will be employed by the chassis and aluminum will be used in greater quantities than ever before (both in suspension components and body panels), helping to push the Miata's sticker price up into the $30,000 range. Still, the Miata will be among the more affordable cars on the road, especially when taking into account starting prices for competing sports cars. While Mazda will continue to offer a manual transmission in what will continue to be one of the purest sports cars on the market, a paddle-shift-equipped dual-clutch gearbox will replace the conventional automatic transmission, bringing the car firmly into the new century.
We expect new trim levels that go beyond those currently available. Mazda will finally capitalize on the Miata's broad appeal by offering a car for the daily driver and weekend track junkie - along with a few stops in-between. A Mazdaspeed variant will return as the flagship model and will be tauter and stiffer than base models. Opt for the track package and one-piece race seats, a roll bar, and a hard top will all be included, giving a factory option to those who want to race on Sunday, but still commute to work on Monday. - Rory Jurnecka
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