The Mazda2, also known in some markets as the Mazda Demio, has come a long way since it entered the market in 1996. Indeed the Mazda2 has Ford to thank for its original production – originally it was sold as a small minivan with its origins taken from the Ford Festiva. It was redesigned in 2002 with the Demio name dropped everywhere but Japan in favour of the Mazda2 marketing name. However, the most radical reinvention of the Mazda2 came in 2007 when it was made lighter, faster and more fuel efficient – the practical boxy shape replaced with a funkier, sexier body. Indeed the Mazda2 has been marketed as a ‘lean, green driving machine’.