Polymetal Gray Arrives for the 2020 Mazda2

Polymetal Gray Metallic finally comes to the smallest member of the Mazda family, the Mazda2, this April (at least if you live in Japan).

As a quick refresher, Polymetal Gray Metallic is specially designed to maximize Mazda’s new Elevated KODO Design. This new color expresses the “hard feeling of metal” at areas where light strikes and the “unique luster of resin” in areas where it doesn’t. This ever-changing light/shadow expression is what Mazda says gives this shade an entirely different personality compared to previous colors.

Originally developed for the all-new Mazda3, it’s since been made available in a wider variety of models such as the MX-5, and even the CX-5. Now, the Mazda2 gets it as well, but only as part of its new “White Comfort” special edition.

Available in Japan, and solely with the Skyactiv-D 1.5-liter diesel engine, the Mazda2 White Comfort slots below the Mazda2 100th Anniversary Special Edition in terms of hierarchy, and is purely an aesthetics package that’s evocative of the “crisp essence of the northern country.”

Aside from its aforementioned Polymetal Gray Metallic exterior color (it’s available in other colors as well), the Mazda2 White Comfort also gets “Pure White” leather seats combined gray cloth. This same white leather is found on the door panel and knee pads as well. White leather aside, it also introduces Grand Lux—a suede-like material on the dashboard (and door panel) akin to the Mazda6 as well as steel blue accents in place of the brushed aluminum ones.

With Thailand being the source of Mazda2 models in the Philippines, it’ll probably take a while for the new color to arrive locally. That being said, it might be a great idea for Mazda Philippines to introduce Polymetal Gray Metallic as part of its newest “Special Series” that previously included the Kabuki, Midnight, Katana, Midnight, and Java edition. The 2020 Mazda2 was launched for the Philippine market last December.

Mazda is Giving Its Entire Line-Up the 100th Anniversary Treatment

With Mazda celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, everyone was waiting as to what special edition model the carmaker would come out with. Well, we know that right now. And in a (pleasant but unexpected plot twist), the entire line-up is getting the treatment.

Available for pre-orders now in Japan, but to be rolled out globally (the photos reflect left-hand drive models, actually), the 100th Anniversary Special Edition series encompasses the Mazda2, Mazda3, Mazda6, CX-3, CX-30, CX-5, CX-8, MX-5, and MX-5 RF.

It’s purely an aesthetics package that hark back to Mazda’s first passenger car, the R360 Coupe. With that, it adopts a two-tone interior color scheme in white and burgundy. Moreover, it has various components such as the headrests, floor mats, key fob, wheel center caps, and special exterior emblems all emblazoned with the special 100th Anniversary logo. The sole color is the Snow Flake White Pearl.

In Japan, the 100th Anniversary Special Edition Mazda2, Mazda3, and CX-3 go on sale first with a target date of June, followed by the CX-30, CX-5, CX-8, MX-5, and MX-5 RF in July, and finally the Mazda6 in September.

With Mazda already confirming global availability of these models, it’s highly likely that Philippine distributor Bermaz Auto Philippines would be bringing in a handful as well. That said, it’s likely they’ll concentrate on the likes of the MX-5 and MX-5 RF, though enthusiasts will surely like to see them give the 100th anniversary treatment to more mainstream models.

Showroom Complexity Makes Car Buying More Difficult Says Mazda Philippines President

The subcompact car segment is the country’s largest in terms of sales volume. It’s so important that the major players here offer a dizzying array of variants to fit just about every budget—Toyota has 11 variants of the Vios, Honda has 6 for the City, and even Nissan has 5 for the Almera. With that in mind, what drove Mazda Philippines to offer just two variants—a hatchback and a sedan for its 2020 Mazda2?

Previously, Mazda Philippines offered 6 variants—a combination of two body styles, two transmission choices, and three trims. Now, there’s just one variant—the Mazda2 1.5 Elite coming in a 4-door and 5-door form. What gives? According to Steven Tan, President of Bermaz Auto Philippines, the answer is quite simple: the implementation of the revised new vehicle excise tax or TRAIN in 2018.

“The implementation of TRAIN in 2018 pushed the price of the Mazda2 Premium Series above one million pesos,” says Mr. Tan. “This has caused a steep drop in demand.”

Admittedly, paying more than a million pesos for a sub-compact car is more of a luxury, making it niche. Instead, buyers in this segment opt for the mid-grade variants, as evidenced by the popularity of the Vios 1.3 E, City 1.5 VX, and even Mazda’s very own Mazda2 V+. With that, it’s down to a tale of simplification.

“With the introduction of the CX-8 and CX-30, we must reduce showroom complexity. Increasing showroom complexity stresses the sales consultant, and makes the buying decision more difficult for customers,” adds Mr. Tan.

Furthermore, Mr. Tan remains confident that the Mazda2 is speced right to compete in the subcompact car space. “Mazda2 customers are satisfied with the high-quality fabric seats, but they must have the Mazda Connect, so we included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for 2020. With the refreshed KODO design, improved NVH, and G-Vectoring Control Plus as well, the Elite model exceeds the previous Mazda2 Premium Series, and yet the price is kept below one million pesos.”

2020 Mazda2 Drops into Philippines with P995k Price Tag (w/ Specs)

Coming as a big surprise to wrap up 2019, Bermaz Auto Philippines, the official distributor of Mazda vehicles in the country, has finally brought in the refreshed subcompact Mazda2. It features the Evolved KODO styling along with a slew of enhancements for improved comfort and handling.

Despite its positioning as Mazda’s most affordable offering, the 2020 Mazda2 doesn’t scrimp on design or craftsmanship. In fact, just as the Mazda3 and Mazda6 has done in the compact and executive car segments, the refreshed Mazda2 brings a heightened sense of premium, typically absent in the sub-compact car category.

Outside, the refreshed Mazda2 gains a front clip reminiscent of its larger Mazda6 sibling. This Evolved KODO design brings the new trademark elements—the simplified LED lighting elements, large wing grille, and re-sculpted bumpers to the smallest member of the Mazda family. A new design for its standard 16-inch wheel complete the changes.

Inside, the 2020 Mazda2 brings more premium features such as new, more supportive seats derived from the brand’s Skyactiv-Vehicle Architecture technology. With that, it promotes an S-shaped spine that helps resist unnecessary head movement enhancing a driver’s sense of stability. The 7-inch Mazda Connect system also gains standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity as well.

Under the hood remains the 1.5-liter Skyactiv-G engine. With the same improvements found in in the Mazda3, it gains a bit more power and torque—110 horsepower (up 2 horsepower) at 6,000 rpm and 141 Nm of torque (up 2 Nm) at 4,000 rpm. The sole transmission for 2020 is a 6-speed automatic with Sports Mode and paddle shifters.

But while its powertrain is relatively unchanged, the Mazda2 features a re-tuned suspension for a smoother, more comfortable riding feel. It also adds several noise-fighting measures to realize a quieter cabin. It also gains G-Vectoring Control Plus. Part of Mazda’s Skyactiv-Vehicle Dynamics package, it builds on the original merits of GVC which uses engine torque to control a car’s swaying and pitching by lightly applying a brake force to the outer wheels for greater stability. This enables the car to better handle emergency avoidance maneuvers and offers more confidence-inspiring controllability in various situations, including high-speed lane changes and driving on slippery roads.

Fans of Mazda’s subcompact offering though will be surprised to know that for 2020, Bermaz Auto Philippines is bringing in a lone variant dubbed the Mazda2 1.5 Elite. For readers with sharp memories, this naming convention echoes the Mazda3’s. Available still in both sedan and hatchback flavors, it carries a P 995,000 price tag.

Sales of the 2020 Mazda2 1.5 Elite start next week.