New-look Mazda2 breaks cover at Geneva

It was called the Hazumi concept, but everything about this car showcases the new-look Mazda2, apart from the large alloys and small mirrors.

The new supermini will go into production at the end of this year, arriving in Irish showrooms in January 2015.

It takes its cue from the striking Mazda6, but the big grille actually sits this little car closer to the Alfa Romeo MiTo, with which it shares a similar profile and rear.

Lightness remains the theme, but the firm has confirmed that a new 1.5-litre diesel engine is on the way for all new cars, and that means it will play a big part in the Mazda2, alongside the smaller 1.3-litre petrol engines favoured by Irish buyers.

Mazda claims the new diesel will achieve emissions of just 89g/km, which means low motor tax and better fuel economy. This should benefit the Mazda2, but there is also a great deal of interest in seeing the engine fitted to the recently launched Mazda3, which is in some way hindered by an engine range larger than those of rivals. For now, though, Mazda will not confirm a 1.5-litre diesel Mazda3.

Mazda is preparing for something of a product onslaught over the next two years, with a small SUV, the CX3, and a new MX-5 due at the start of next year, followed by facelifts and upgrades to the range.

According to Irish boss Tony Howarth, this should see the brand rise from its 2 per cent market share towards a 3 per cent target by 2016, provided the economy continues to recover.