Two very different cars are the newsmakers for Mazda—the Mazda2, which if not the most conventional car at the show, is certainly nothing out of the ordinary; and the Hakaze concept, whose unconventional shape is one of the most imaginative.

When it goes on sale in the coming months, Mazda2 will be up against the VW Polo and Vauxhall Corsa in Europe’s perennially crowded small car sector. Shorter but taller—and much more distinctive than the car it replaces, the Mazda2 has a smooth curvaceous profile, large teardrop headlights and tapered side windows. Short overhangs, thick C-pillars and a rising waistline give it the look that Mazda calls “zoom-zoom.” They claim the driving experience will make you feel “zoom-zoom” too.

By using high-tensile steel components and computer-aided optimization of structural design, Mazda has cut the weight of the new car by 100 kg (220 lbs), despite improving rigidity, strength, vibration resistance and safety. Achieving that in a bodyshell that’s also shorter is a rare achievement—it’s not often that a new-generation model has smaller dimensions than its forebears.

The lower weight helps economy too, and therefore the car’s environmental credentials, as Mazda is quick to point out. Initially the Mazda2 will be offered with two gasoline engines of 1.3 liter and 1.5 liter; both have variable value timing while the larger engine also has variable induction system for smoother torque delivery. A diesel option will be added for Europe some months after launch.

Hakaze Concept

The Hakaze (said “hah-kar-zay”) is the last of three concepts in Mazda’s Nagare series. The first concept was shown at Los Angeles last November, the second was the Detroit show’s Ryuga. This version was finished at Mazda’s European design center. Its name means “leaf wind” in Japanese and reflects the design team’s focus on outdoor activities and the design brief of “coupe crossover with roadster feel.” Such activities “give us the sense of freedom and breaking boundaries.”

With scissor doors there are no B-pillars to impede access, while the lack of exterior mirrors (tiny cameras relay images) or door handles gives the car clear lines. It shares the seashell panel ribbing of the Ryuga, and its glass roof can be removed and stowed in a special compartment. Seats are fixed mounted on lateral bars locating in a central console running the full length of the floor.

Numerous features and ideas reflect the lifestyle aspirations of Mazda’s target customers. Hakaze is about [fulfilling] customer needs without the expense of a coupe, convertible or other expressive vehicle, the design team explained. It’s full of interesting details but somehow lacks the purity of the Ryuga. Nevertheless it will prove invaluable for Mazda’s strategists in setting the course for development of future production cars.