Originating with the introduction of the Mazda 121 in 1987, this B-segment small car was based

on the Mazda D-platform. Ford also used a version of the first-generation DA 121 known as the Ford
Festiva. Mazda later released the Autozam Revue in 1990 with the next generation of the D-platform
DB. It was redesigned for January 1993, still based on the same DB platform. Kia also built versions of
the DA and DB, both for itself and for Ford's sale as the Ford Aspire in the United States which Kia sold as
the Pride and Avella. The name "Demio" is derived from Latin meus to show possession, which in many
Romance languages has become "mio."

Chinese version

The Chinese model of the Mazda2 in five-door hatchback body style was unveiled at the 2007
Guangzhou Motor Show.[25] A Chinese four-door sedan model of the Mazda 2 was unveiled at the same
event,[26] with sales beginning in January 2008.[27] Another variant called the Haima 2 was produced
by Haima. A 1.3 or 1.5 litre engine was available paired to a 5 speed manual or a 6 speed Getrag
automatic gearbox.

Equipment

A digital fuel gauge has been introduced. Stability control will not be standard in the Mazda 2
range but is available (except it is standard on all models in Australia). There are three trim levels
available for the new 2 range, the first is known as the Neo which is the base model. It comes standard
with air-conditioning and 15-inch steel wheels, though side air bags, 16-inch alloy wheels and a sports
body kit come as standard on the range topping Genki.[31]

Reports of a new generation of the Mazda Demio emerged in 2013[59][60] for a 2014 launch,
with some manufacturing at the new Mazda plant in Mexico.[58][61] The Mazda Hazumi Concept model
(designed to preview the future Mazda 2 models) was unveiled at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show[62] and
in April 2014 the development mule of the new generation Demio was undergoing testing in Germany,
covered in camouflage.[63][64][65]

In July 2014, Mazda officially revealed photos of the fourth generation Demio hatchback,[66]
and production began at Mazda's Hōfu plant.[67] The sedan version debuted at the Thailand
International Motor Expo in November 2014.[68][69]

The fourth generation is based on a variation of Mazda's CX-5 platform, rather than Ford's DE
platform used on the Ford Fiesta[70] and features greater length, wider front and rear tracks, decreased
interior room for rear-seat occupants and less front head and legroom.[71]
 In October 2014, the Demio was awarded the 2014–2015 "Car of the Year" by the Japan Car of
the Year Committee.[2]

Consequently, it is a little bigger. The new platform, shared with the CX-3, upgrades the 2 from
dinky runaround to a more substantial-looking five-door hatch. The three-door version is no more.
Mazda also says the refinement, handling and equipment have all been enhanced.

Buyers choose from either petrol or diesel versions of the Skyactiv 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine
and, in the UK, from a trim line-up that starts at £12,495 for an SE and ends at £17,395 for a diesel Sport
Nav.

We’ve stayed faithful to the middle and tested a mid-range petrol SE-L Nav, which, at £13,995,
probably represents the 2’s best chance of finally putting its sibling rivalry to bed.