Rumour: All-new Mazda 2 to debut in 2024 with rotary-powered PHEV and 3-cylinder Skyactiv-X?

The current third-generation Mazda 2 has been on sale for a decade now following its debut in 2014. It has undergone numerous updates with the most recent being introduced in January 2023, thus prolonging Mazda’s entry model for a few more years.

Or could this update be only for a short while?

Mazda Japan has stated that it is no longer accepting orders for certain variants of the Mazda 2. Meanwhile, Japanese automotive media, Response, recently reported a scoop that the all-new fourth-generation Mazda 2 could be introduced around the third quarter of 2024 (Q3 2024).

The publication provided a rendering of what the all-new Mazda 2 could look like and it envisioned an aggressive-looking design up front reminiscent of the SUVs like the CX-60.

Not much info has been gathered about how the rest of the fourth-gen Mazda 2 would look like but Response mentioned that it is expected to feature the latest Mazda Connect infotainment system.

The most important information from this scoop would be the powertrains that were rumoured to be featured in the all-new Mazda 2. The 1.5-litre 4-cylinder units currently offered on the outgoing Mazda 2 are likely to be brought forward in the next generation which include the naturally-aspirated Skyactiv-G (90 PS/151 Nm) and the turbodiesel Skyactiv-D (105 PS/250 Nm).

Also read: New look for 2023 Mazda 2: Here are 15 photos why it's still relevant against the Toyota Yaris and Honda City Hatchback

Besides these units, it is also rumoured that two new engines could be introduced. One is a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder Skyactiv-X engine which might see its debut in the all-new Mazda 2. Despite praises by the automotive media over the engine’s fuel efficiency, sales for the current range of Skyactiv-X engines which are 2.0-litre 4-cylinder units offered on the Mazda 3 and Mazda CX-30 are low. Perhaps, Mazda still has faith in its expensive engine?

Also read: Did Mazda lose money on SkyActiv-X? Reduced variants for new 2023 Mazda 3 in Japan

Another rumour is the rotary engine for the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant. Reportedly, the 830-cc rotary engine used might be taken from the MX-30 R-EV range-extended electric vehicle. The single-rotor 8C engine produces just 76 PS but is merely used as a generator to extend the range on the MX-30.

Also read: After 11 years, Mazda restarts production of rotary engines, for Mazda MX-30 R-EV

Could this rumour of the all-new Mazda 2 be true? Besides Japan, the refreshed Mazda 2 is also launched in Thailand which is the origin of the Malaysian-spec model. Fully imported (CBU) from our northern neighbour, the outgoing Mazda 2 is priced from RM 103,000 for both the Hatchback and Sedan.

Also read: Nearly a decade on, Thai buyers still vote for Mazda 2 - 1,500 bookings in first 5 days of launch