The Mazda2, which has been around for some 8 years now, has received a second facelift which could be the last one before a next generation arrives. The changes are cosmetic, with the most obvious being the front grille (on one variant) which looks blanked off as it is an EV.

However, there are no powertrain changes and the only engines offered are the 1.5-litre SKYACTIV petrol and turbodiesel units with direct injection. The high compression (14.8:1) SKYACTIV-G petrol engine now delivers 110 ps/142 Nm, while the SKYACTIV-D produces 105 ps/250 Nm. For some markets, the drivetrain is available with a 6-speed manual transmission and all-wheel drive.

With the transition to electromobility and, perhaps by the end of the decade, automated driving as well, car design will change much more than it has at any time in recent decades. Interiors, in particular, will be remodelled with the freedom given by new architecture developed specifically for electric vehicles. The inner space’ will thus become the core of new vehicle design.

Since 2021, Audi has been presenting a series of concept vehicles which show how the brand will design its future luxury cars, with much focus on interior design. The series is unified by the sphere concept and the latest activesphere model unveiled yesterday joins three others presented over the past two years.

As the fourth and final model in the series, the activesphere concept adopts a 4-door crossover coupe bodystyle, following on from the skysphere roadster, grandsphere sedan, and urbansphere people-carrier. Each concept model interprets the paradigm shift in design differently, with the passengers’ needs and quality of experience at the very top of the priority list. To achieve this, technological innovations and the highest quality materials and workmanship have been used.