Mazda2: Euro-look evident in first pics

Mazda's new light car has at last broken cover -- at least, in this heavily disguised form (pictured). Spotted during testing, the new Mazda2 has been heavily guarded by the company with little, if any, information leaking out on the new model.

What you can deduce from the pictures hereabouts is that the new model is close the same size as the current car but the wheelbase, width and height ratios have changed considerably from the outgoing model. While it retains its conventional five-door hatch configuration, the new car has a more purposeful, sporty stance befitting Mazda's Zoom Zoom credo.

It has been speculated that the car will feature a more European 'face'. Those who have seen the car describe it as a "whole generation ahead of the current hatch brigade."

The new Mazda2 is based on a next-generation platform that will also underpin Ford's next Fiesta. It's expected to be unveiled at the Geneva Show in a few weeks, with its first local showing expected late in 2007 -- at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney in October.

Meanwhile, Mazda will unveil the third of its Nagare concept car series (for more click

Dubbed the Hakaze (also pictured), the concept is a "four-seat coupe-style compact crossover SUV". According to its designers based at Mazda's European Design Centre, Hakaze is "aimed at people in their thirties and forties who lead active, adventurous lifestyles."

The concept features textured body panels "to give the impression of sand dunes rippled by the wind" and part of its roof is removable. The interior seat layout sees the rear seats slide forward and under the front seats for more load space.

Interestingly, the sketch of the new Hakaze does exhibit some common design 'language' with the Mazda2. Note the heavily sculptured flanks on both concept and real world cars as well as the shapely light clusters.

-- with Carparazzi

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