Mazda busts out a trio of tarted-up 2s

Mazda has used the Los Angeles motor show to trundle out a trio of concepts based on the 2 hatchback and, truth be told, we like what we see.

The 'slammed' grey hot-hatch pictured alongside has been fittingly dubbed the 2Evil Special Concept, and it's essentially an unofficial 2 MPS, given that it's billed as a "weekend track car that can function equally well as an urban commuter".

The body mods include a more aggressive front spoiler, deeper sidesill extensions and a rear bumper diffuser with a cutout for the single tailpipe. Meanwhile, the rear upper spoiler was redesigned for additional downforce and a "race appearance".

The Ceramic Grey paintwork is festooned with motorsports-inspired graphics, and the number 55 is a tribute to the 1991 Le Mans-winning Mazda 787B race car. Adding to the car's in-yer-face credentials, the wheels, mirrors and other details are accented in 'Spirited Green'.

The wheel/tyre package has been suitably beefed up via 17-inch alloys shod with 215/45 R17 Yokahama Advan tyres, while ride height is lowered by coil-over suspension provided by H&R.

Mazda has said nothing about the car's powertrain, which suggests there's been no action in the engine room. If it were up to us, we'd slot in the 190kW 2.3-litre turbo donk from the larger 3 MPS...

Getting back to the LA show, Mazda also used the occasion to wheel out the Active2 Surf and Snow Special Concepts.

The Active2 Surf sports a more aggressive front bumper and rocker and it, too, gains 17-inch rims, 215/45 R17 Yokahama rubber and H&R coil-over suspension. The sheet metal is finished in Spirited Green and is detailed with Active2 graphics.

Justifying the Active2 Surf's moniker, the car is equipped with a Thule roof rack system and a matching carbonfibre surfboard.

The Active2 Snow concept is much the same, except that it's finished in Frozen White and its Thule roof houses matching snowboards in lieu of the surfboard.