According to a report from Goauto, Mazda is currently taking into consideration launching a new model to slip beneath the popular Mazda2. If it gets the green light, the Mazda1 will be sold not only in established markets but also in emerging markets around the world. However, the project is now just a feasibility study and would not be due until the latter half of this decade at the earliest.
The Japanese carmaker is working with two scenarios: a super-frugal city car like the Volkswagen Up or a low-cost transport option for emerging markets, but with some chances of reaching other territories as well.
Mazda’s CEO Yasuhiro Aoyama said the former would have to be eventually developed to help Mazda meet tough future European emissions regulations and would require low weight and downsizing technology.
The second option would allow Mazda to make headway in emerging markets in South-East Asia with an inexpensive model, such as the vehicles proposed by Nissan for its resurrected Datsun brand. Mazda could also collaborate with the Fiat Group and Ford to produce this potential entry-level model.
