Mazda2 Named Car of the Year in Japan

Mazda Motor Corp.'s Demio (Mazda2 in other markets) five-door hatch has been named the 2014-2015 Car of the Year Japan.

The car is the fifth Mazda model to win the award, which is bestowed annually by the Japan Car of the Year Committee. Mazda's CX-5 small crossover vehicle won the honor in 2012.

The redesigned Demio went on sale in Japan last month with a starting price of 1.35 million yen ($12,600). An all-wheel-drive version will debut next week.