Mazda is preparing to launch an updated Mazda2 (aka Demio) in Japan, and already there’s a flurry of interest. Although the Mazda2 isn’t all-new, it’s mid-life refresh brings new SKYACTIV powertrain technology to the subcompact, which significantly boosts its fuel economy. According to Reuters, pre-sale orders since June 9 are equal to 108 percent of Mazda’s monthly sales target for the model.
The Mazda2’s all-new fuel-saving SKYACTIV engines are able to achieve hybrid-like fuel economy without the added expense of batteries and electric models. That’s exactly why the new model has garnered thousands of pre-orders ahead of its official launch.
Mazda hopes to boost fuel economy on its cars by 30 percent by 2015 compared with 2008 levels. The automaker’s next-generation “SKYACTIV” engine and transmission technology will help achieve fuel economy goals, and will be added to its entire lineup by 2016. Although the automaker plans to add hybrid and electric vehicles to its lineup in the future, SKYACTIV tech will be an interim method for improving fuel economy.
The new Mazda2, which starts at 1.15 million yen ($14,240), achieves mileage of about 70 miles per gallon – which surpasses the fuel economy of hybrids like the Toyota Prius.
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