2016 Mazda Mazda2 Will Offer All-wheel Drive

2016 mazda mazda2

Some interesting news popped up on the global Mazda website recently, as the automaker announced that the standard 2015 Mazda Mazda2 is expected to go on sale in Japan on September 26—while "The all-wheel-drive model will go on sale in December 2014."

Now, that does refer to the Japanese-spec car, and the automaker has yet to confirm an AWD 2016 Mazda Mazda2 for this country, but such a setup would be a big-time product differentiator in the subcompact segment. In fact, the 2016 Mazda Mazda2 would be in a class of one now that the Suzuki SX4 is off the market, and it would be the second-smallest all-wheel-drive entry in the U.S. automotive marketplace behind only the Jeep Wrangler. That's even the case despite the 2016 Mazda Mazda2 growing a bit, to approximately 160 inches length.

For context, here's how the 2016 Mazda Mazda2 stacks up against some of the other small AWD entries in this country:

• Jeep Wrangler—152.8 inches
• 2016 Mazda Mazda2—160 inches
• Nissan Juke—162.4 inches
• Jeep Renegade—166.6 inches
• Buick Encore—168.4 inches
• Audi Q3—172.6 inches
• Subaru Impreza hatchback—173.8 inches
• Mercedes-Benz GLA250 4MATIC—173.9 inches
• Subaru XV Crosstrek—175.1 inches
• Audi A3—175.4 inches

The 2016 Mazda Mazda2, also boasting a full slate of SKYACTIV powertrain and chassis technologies, is expected to go on sale in this country some time next year at a price that's still to be determined.