Mazda Hazumi Concept

Thank you, Geneva.

The sporty hatchback shown above is known as the Mazda Hazumi concept, and the car is making its anticipated debut at the Geneva Auto Show this week. What draws the collective thanks of Mazda drivers, however, is the likelihood that what is seen here as merely a concept vehicle may be a preview of the next-generation Mazda2 hatchback. If that is the case, America may have just found the most appealing subcompact sold on its shores in a long time.

The Mazda Hazumi concept displayed at the Geneva may be the car U.S. drivers will come to know as the new Mazda2.

A redesign of the current-model Mazda2 has been anticipated for quite some time, and photos of the car’s potential style cues have been leaked as early as late 2013. The Mazda Hazumi concept resembles those leaked photos in many ways, though its identity as a concept car does include some exaggerated lines and features.

Meaning “bound” or “sprung up” in Japanese, Hazumi communicates a mass of lively energy that is tightly organized in an efficient space. In other words, Mazda succeeds in bringing the spirit of its KODO design principles to an automobile the size of the Mazda2. The LED headlamp runners compliment that soul of motion effect, as Hazumi genuinely resembles an animal ready to pounce at any moment.

The interior of the Mazda Hazumi concept hatchback.

The interior of the Mazda Hazumi concept is equally impressive; however, much of what is seen in the car at Geneva likely only lives in Mazda’s concept world for now. If the Hazumi does end up coming stateside as the next-generation Mazda2, it is fair to expect that the interior will remain true to its value-priced subcompact nature while sprinkling in some of the advanced technologies that Mazda has come to be known for.

As U.S. Mazda drivers await further developments on the next-generation Mazda2, following new details coming out of Geneva will have to suffice for the time being. Stay tuned to the Mazda of Lodi blog, however, for the latest in the world of Mazda and SkyActiv engine technology.