Word has come that the folks over at Hiroshima are currently considering a hotter version of the new Mazda 2 Hatchback. The Mazda 2 MPS, as it would be called, could take on the recently-rejuvenated compact hot-hatch market, which is currently contested by the Ford Fiesta ST, Renault Clio RS 200, Peugeot 208 GTi and Volkswagen Polo GTI.
Speaking to CarAdvice from Down Under, Mazda's global sales and marketing general manager Yasuhiro Aoyama said more model variations could boost the 2's competitiveness throughout its lifecycle, and that a sportier version (that is closer to the likes of the Fiesta ST than the Suzuki Swift Sport) is "definitely one of the considerations."
Looking at the stiff competition, the up-tuned Mazda 2 would need close to around 200 hp to have any chance to shine. That, then, brings up the question of what engine it could have. Mazda has so far gone against the force-inducted trend, focussing instead on lightweight high-compression, direct injection engines in recent models.
Whatever the case, the thought of a hot-hatch-class Mazda 2 MPS (Mazda Hazumi Concept pictured above) should have all of us giddy with excitement. Let's hope it happens sooner, rather than later.
2015 Mazda 2 Hatchback
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