Normally, news of sub-compact cars is of little interest to motorsports enthusiasts. However, with the growth of the B-Spec racing segment in SCCA Club Racing, Pirelli World Challenge and other places – even stage rally – a new version of a popular model becomes a matter of more curiosity.

Known as the Demio in Japan, the latest version of the Mazda2, which will go on sale as a 2016 model, has been unveiled. Although it’s the fourth generation of the Demio, it’s the first full redesign of the car since it became available in the U.S. as the 2011 Mazda2.

Based on the HAZUMI concept revealed at the Geneva Auto Show in March, the new Mazda2 incorporates the “KODO: Soul of Motion” design language already seen on the Mazda3, Mazda6 and CX-5, and will feature a full suite of SKYACTIV technologies. In Japan, it will ship with either a 1.3-liter SKYACTIV-G gasoline engine or a 1.5-liter SKYACTIV-D clean diesel engine. The specifications for the U.S. model will be released closer to the on-sale date.