Just a couple of months ago, Mazda revealed its Hazumi concept at the Geneva Motor Show, previewing what is expected to be the next-generation 2015 Mazda2. The beautiful concept car was widely praised, and gained quite a lot of attention for a Japanese econo-hatch at an important European show. Now, new rumors are claiming that Mazda really plans to take on some leading European hatches, with the next Mazda2 spawning a Mini Cooper-battling variant.

Little is known about this rumored model, but some sources tell us that it may be called the Verisa, a moniker already used by Mazda for a highly-unfashionable existing model. The same sources say that the performance variant of the next 2 could be powered by a 2.2-liter SKYACTIV-D engine, which should allow it to take on competition from Mini, Citroen and other European brands. It is currently under development at Mazda Europe. For now, we only have some decent-looking renders from a site called Holiday Auto, although these have little in common with the Hazumi's design.