| September 3, 2002 |
Mazda Reveals First Model Produced and Engineered in Europe: 'Mazda2' and additions to Mazda6 at Paris Auto Show
| Mazda Motor Corporation will showcase the Mazda2 (Japanese naming: Mazda Demio) at the 102nd Paris Auto Show* to be held in France from September 26 through October 13. The Mazda2 will go into production at Ford of Europe's Valencia Plant in Spain from the beginning of 2003 as Mazda's first model produced and engineered in Europe. Mazda will also exhibit a diesel version of the Mazda6 (Japanese naming: Mazda Atenza), with the newly developed MZR-CD direct injection diesel engine. The Mazda6 MPS Concept shows just what the all-new midsize could be capable of. |
| The Mazda2 is the second of Mazda's new generation products, following the Mazda6. The vehicle was launched in the Japanese market on August 7 with the name of Mazda Demio. The Mazda2 is an entirely new vehicle developed to be a new benchmark in the small car class and offers dynamic exterior design, premium interior space one rank above other small cars in this class, class-leading driving performance, and enhanced safety features. |
| Mazda will also exhibit the Mazda6 with a new direct injection diesel engine, which will be introduced in the European market this fall. It employs the new common rail injection system and delivers superb driving dynamics, while fully considering the environment. |
| The Mazda6 MPS Concept, which marks another world debut for Mazda in Paris, is a high performance top-end concept model for the Mazda6 series, which was developed to show off the car's sophisticated high performance potential. Focused on even more driving pleasure, improved dynamics and enhanced stylishness and expression in exterior and interior design, the all-wheel-drive concept of a top-end Mazda6 is a contemporary proposition for an ultimate "Zoom-Zoom" machine. |
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| [Main Exhibit Features] |
| Mazda2 |
| Distinctive design |
| Inheriting the popular, functional 5-door layout of the first model and demonstrating Mazda's distinctive design DNA, the all-new Mazda2 offers distinctive, athletic styling from the front to the rear end, featuring the 5-pointed front grill in the center as Mazda's family face. The interior features a design based on clean and simple ambiance with comfortable atmosphere. The low, flat instrument panel provides an open feeling and superb visibility. The metallic center panel and overall interior reaches a quality level not available in previous small cars. |
| Exceptional driving dynamics |
| The exceptional driving dynamics and handling stem from a combination of a newly developed engine range, revised suspension and steering set up, enhanced chassis and body rigidity and a more responsive braking system. The Mazda2 offers a whole new range of engines, all are produced in Europe: 1.25L, 1.4L, and 1.6L. All engines meet Euro4 emission standard. A modern common rail direct-injection diesel engine 1.4L is also available. |
| The 1.4L engine (petrol and diesel versions) provides the innovative Automated Shift Manual transmission. It offers drivers the choice of sporty clutchless shifting, or a comfortable ride with automatic mode in stop-and-go traffic. |
| Large interior space |
| The Mazda2 offers a large multi-purpose cabin space that seats five adults comfortably in a compact body 3,925mm long, 1,680mm wide, and 1,545mm high (for the model equipped with roof rail). Adjusting the height of the driver's seat and the steering wheel enables up to 190cm to easily find comfortable driving positions. |
| The lower, wider clearance of the rear hatch opening allows easy usage of the cargo space and double-folding the rear seat will enable loading of two mountain bikes (24 or 26 inches). The front passenger seat folds completely flat and long cargo items can be transported. The rear doors open to class top level of 80 degrees, which allows easy egress and ingress to rear seats. |
| Top level safety features |
| All models employ Mazda's unique high-rigidity, high-safety upper-body structure which disperses/ absorbs the impacts from front and side collisions. In addition to the dual-stage frontal airbags for the front seats that are standard equipment, side and curtain airbags are also available as options on some models, offering among the highest level of safety equipment available in a small car. |
| The Mazda2 also offers active safety features that assist drivers in adverse driving conditions including optional 4W-ABS, brake assist EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution System), and DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) set for 1.6L and 1.4L diesel engine. |
| Mazda6 powered by direct injection diesel engine |
| Environment-friendly new generation diesel engine |
| The MZR-CD diesel engine featured on the Mazda6 is the common rail turbo diesel engine that Mazda developed while paying the utmost attention to the environment. The engine supports superb driving dynamics and delivers enhanced fuel efficiency achieved through new technologies, including the common rail system for injecting fuel under extremely high pressure. The engine delivers clean performance that complies with the very strict Euro III (D4) emissions standards. The 2.0 liter MZR-CD diesel engine comes in two versions; 136 ps/100 kW (134 hp) version and 120 ps/89kW (118hp) version at a maximum torque of 310 Nm/2,000 rpm. |
| Mazda6 MPS Concept |
| Sophisticated athletic design and functional, high-quality interior |
| To reflect an atmosphere of sporty sophistication combined with powerful dynamism, the front of the car bears a new version of the five-pointed grill as well as an air intake design similar to the one featured on the RX-8. Much more than a bold design statement, the enlarged front bumper and the rear spoiler both play an aerodynamic role in enhancing the overall appearance of the concept car, whilst also improving its dynamic stability. The sportiness of the car's body is emphasized by a new type of paintwork called "Silver Storm" to create a high quality feel with its subtle shine. |
| The interior has been designed with specific attention to material quality, having "genuineness" as its theme. Based on black, the speedometer combines deep blue and a metallic texture to express "functional beauty." The high quality leather seats in a fashionable black and white color combination give it an elegant flair. To improve convenience and to add to that sporty feel, the Mazda6 MPS comes with a keyless entry system and a simple button with which to start the engine. |
| Dynamic performance that provides a feeling of genuine high performance |
| The newly developed direct-injection turbo-charged 2.3-liter engine has achieved low emissions, excellent fuel efficiency, and high performance. Its total output of 206kW(280ps) at 6,500rpm and maximum torque of 360 Nm at 3,500 rpm qualifies the Mazda6 MPS concept car as a serious driving machine, while at the same time the engine meets all relevant low emission regulations. In Europe, the Euro IV levels are met; in the USA and Japan the respective ULEV standards are fulfilled. |
| An all-new traction system is employed, effortlessly transmitting the power of Mazda6 MPS concept car onto the road. The 4WD used in the Mazda6 is combined here with an active torque control. The result is an electronically controlled torque-split 4WD system that is suitable for high performance cars and gives precise tire-to-road contact even at high revs. |
| Major Specifications |
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Paris Auto Show: Officially called "Mondial de l'Automobile," the Paris Motor Show has a long history. The first show, which was the first motor show in history, was held in 1898. The 2002 exhibition will run from September 28 through October 13, following the press conference days on September 26 and 27. |
