U.S. Mazda2 to Debut at 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show

Having won upwards of 48 awards, and named Car of the Year in more than 20 countries, the Mazda2 is a globally acclaimed small car. Perhaps it will find similar accolades in North America. Not only is the car destined for our market, but it will be launched at the 2009 Los Angeles auto show in December.

“Bringing the Mazda2 to North America completes the bookends in our lineup,” said Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO of Mazda North America. “With the seven-passenger crossover CX-9 at one end and the subcompact Mazda2 at the other, Mazda’s lineup now spans the most significant product segments in the industry, and is the strongest, best-designed, best-built we have ever offered.”

One of the key reasons to bring the subcompact Mazda2 to the U.S. is fuel economy. In other markets it’s available with various fuel-sipping gasoline and diesel engines, but will likely use the same 1.6-liter four-cylinder found under the hood of the U.S. Ford Fiesta, a car based on the Mazda2, in the U.S. Even with this four-cylinder, the car should be capable of some impressive fuel economy numbers.

Automobile’s design editor Robert Cumberford had a Four Seasons Mazda2 in Europe and came away very impressed by the little car, as did web producer Evan McCausland when he had a chance to drive the car in Switzerland.

“Mazda2 will be true to everything that makes our cars stand apart from the competition: it will be stylish, fun-to-drive, and a heck of a value. In short, it will be the definition of zoom-zoom,” said O’Sullivan.

Mazda’s released only this teaser image of the U.S.-spec 2, which seems to feature revised taillights and what may be a thicker rear bumper. We’ll know for certain come December 2, when we see the car live in Los Angeles. Stay with Automobile Magazine for the latest news on the L.A. show.