"Smiley" Facelift for 2010 Mazda2 Supermini?

Today Mazda came out with an official release announcing that it has commenced production of the Mazda2 supermini -known as Demio in Japan- at its new plant in Thailand. But that's not what caught our interest. Along with the press release, the Japanese automaker published three photos of the Mazda2 showcasing the Ford Fiesta-sized hatchback with a new nose treatment.

More specifically, the Mazda2 shown here features a redesigned front bumper that incorporates much larger, vertical side air-inlets and a five-point lower grille that seems to be smiling at you and which has been employed on several facelifted or new Mazda models including the RX-8, the MX-5 / Miata Roadster, the Mazda 3 and the CX-7 Crossover.

Also, the upper front grille that houses the firm's logo is new and now features a beefy horizontal bar.

There is a possibility that this may be a special version offered in Thailand, but chances are that Japanese maker has subtly refreshed the "2" bringing it inline with the rest of the Mazda family.

2010 MAZDA2 FACELIFT (?)

________________________________________________________________

2009 MAZDA2