Automobile Blog

Starting in 2013, Mazda will become the second manufacturer (after Nissan) to directly use Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive technology. Mazda has signed a licensing agreement with the hybrid behemoth that will see the smaller company get a supply of hybrid hardware – presumably including transmissions, power electronics (including software) and battery packs.

The drive components will be paired up with the new-generation, direct-injected Sky engines that Mazda displayed at the Tokyo Motor Show last fall. Mazda will build a new hybrid vehicle starting in 2013 using this equipment, the first it has produced on its own. The only previous Mazda hybrid was the Tribute, a re-badged Ford Escape.

Nissan has now produced its own in-house hybrid system and when the Altima is redesigned in the next few years it seems unlikely it will retain its current Toyota hybrid system. Click past the break to view the press release.

[Source: Toyota | Mazda]

The base Mazda2 Sport will start at $13,980, including destination and a five-speed manual transmission. Upgrading to the only other trim level, Touring, will cost you $15,435, which also features a manual transmission.
The North American Mazda2 version will get some minor changes, considered upgrades, in interior materials and revisions to the audio and climate controls compared to world market versions.
The Mazda2 will be powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder unit, good for 100 horsepower. A five-speed manual will be standard, with a four-speed automatic on the options list that will set you back an additional $800. Standard features include anti-lock braking (ABS), dynamic stability control (DSC) with traction control system (TCS), electric power assist (EPAS) steering system, 185/55/R15 all-weather tires mounted on 15-inch steel wheels with wheel covers, body-colored door handles and power mirrors, air conditioning, power windows and door locks, AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo with four speakers, audio auxiliary jack, tilt steering wheel, remote keyless entry system, rear window wiper/washer and 60/40 split fold-down rear seats.
“You’ve asked us for it for a while now, and we’ve been studying the market to make sure we can make a business case for it across North America,” Mazda CEO James O’Sullivan said. “As consumers’ tastes and attitudes toward small vehicles have changed, we now believe strongly there is a place in our lineup for a car below our current least-expensive car, the Mazda3. 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.”

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