2016 Mazda Mazda2 Named Car of the Year Japan

2016 mazda mazda2

The 2016 Mazda Mazda2 claimed a major international auto prize recently, when the Mazda Demio—as it's known in Japan—earned that country's 2014-2015 Car of the Year title. First presented in 1980, the Car of the Year Japan is chosen by an independent panel of automotive journalists and is considered one of the "big three" COTY prizes, along with its European and North American equivalents. 

In other words, it's kind of a big deal, and the Zoom-Zoom brand no doubt hopes U.S. customers will think the same of the 2016 Mazda Mazda2 itself. Expected to go on sale next year in this country, the 2016 Mazda Mazda2 has been completely remade with a sharp new "Kodo—Soul of Motion" design and the full armementarium of SKYACTIV technologies, and—at least in Japan—it will showcase both gas and diesel engines as well as available all-wheel drive.

Also in the mix with the 2016 Mazda Mazda2 are the brand's latest infotainment/connectivity system and its "i-ACTIVSENSE" safety measures, which bundle technologies like adaptive front lighting, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic alerts, lane-departure warning, forward obstruction warning and automatic braking.

Said Masamichi Kogai, representative director, president and CEO of Mazda: "We are both honored and grateful that the Mazda Demio has received such a prestigious award. This result is thanks to the enthusiastic support of all people who love cars. Inspired by this award, we will continue our quest to build cars that add a certain sparkle to the lives of their owners, and aim to become a one-and-only brand chosen by customers again and again."

Along with the 2016 Mazda Mazda2, four other Mazda vehicle have been named Car of the Year Japan:

• Mazda CX-5—2012-2013
• Mazda Miata MX-5—2005-2006
• Mazda Capella—1982-1983
• Mazda Familia—1980-1981