2008 Mazda 2 Unibody Uses 40% HSS
- 40% high-strength steel in the unibody
- Lighter suspension and brakes
- 15% increased fuel efficiency over its predecessor
More than simply a model update, the 2008 Mazda 2 has been redesigned from the ground up and is the first of Mazda’s new-generation line to evolve. The new Mazda 2 features a 950 kg curb weight, which is 100 kg lighter than its predecessor. This weight reduction is credited in part to a redesigned unibody which is now made of more than 40 percent high-strength steel.
Mazda 2’s sleek new design was achieved through a “gram strategy” weight-reduction focus during its development in which every part was analyzed to save fractions of kilograms. The lighter weight high-strength steel unibody led to lighter suspension and brakes. Other savings came from, feature adjustments, shorter wiring loom and lighter weight accessories like the use of neodymium speakers instead of ferrite.
Even before full-fledged development of the car was under way a special team was busy devising weight-saving techniques using the latest computer-aided engineering technologies. The team incorporated these techniques into prototype vehicles and conducted evaluations of the resulting low weight on dynamic performance, ultimately achieving significant weight savings while maintaining the “zoom-zoom” driving enjoyment.
Through measures that included the body structure optimisation and increased use of high-strength steel, Mazda’s engineers not only made the new Mazda 2 lighter, they also achieved major improvements in terms of safety, body rigidity and noise, vibration and harshness—all attributes that conventionally mean more weight. With the additional benefits of enhanced powertrain technologies and aerodynamic performance, the new Mazda 2 delivers some of the best fuel economy in its segment—approximately 15 percent better than the previous model. The vehicle’s trim curb weight places it among the most fuel efficient vehicles in its class.
While many other carmakers have enlarged their small cars, Mazda was able to reduced the size of its B-car with the new Mazda 2 (-40 mm now at 3885 mm) and still meet the mainstream demands of sub-compact customers, while enhancing safety.
Based on Mazda's excellent driving dynamics, the all-new Mazda2 meets today's demanding regulatory requirements and customer needs for excellent styling, manoeuvrability and economy. The all-new Mazda2 European model was greeted with acclaim at its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2007 and again at its Asian debut during the Shanghai Motor Show in April.
