The Mazda Demio is a supermini manufactured and marketed globally by Mazda since 1996, currently in its fourth generation. The Demio is marketed prominently as the Mazda2 and under previous nameplates including Mazda 121, Mazda Metro and Ford Festiva Mini Wagon. The fourth generation sedan is currently marketed in the United States as the Scion iA and in Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico as the Toyota Yaris.
The third generation Demio earned the 2008 World Car of the Year title,[1] while the fourth generation was awarded the 2014–2015 “Japanese Car of the Year”.
Reports of a new generation of the Mazda Demio emerged in 2013[52][53] for a 2014 launch, with some manufacturing at the new Mazda plant in Mexico.[51][54] The Mazda Hazumi Concept model (designed to preview the future Mazda 2 models) was unveiled at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show,[55] and in April 2014 the development mule of the new generation Demio was undergoing testing in Germany, covered in camouflage.
In July 2014, Mazda officially revealed photos of the fourth generation Demio hatchback,[59] and production began at Mazda’s Hōfu plant.[60] The sedan version debuted at the Thailand International Motor Expo in November 2014.[61][62]
The fourth generation is based on a variation of Mazda’s CX-5 platform, rather than Ford’s DE platform used on the Ford Fiesta,[63] and features greater length, wider front and rear tracks, decreased interior room for rear-seat occupants and less front head and legroom.[64]
In October 2014, the Demio was awarded the 2014–2015 “Car of the Year” by the Japan Car of the Year Committee.
