Mazda Motor Corporation has refreshed its Demio model with increases in fuel economy of up to 9%, reductions in emissions, a new exterior and additional equipment. Known as the Mazda2 in overseas markets, the new Demio goes on sale today throughout Japan.

All Demio models—including the four-wheel drive version—exceed Japan’s 2010 fuel economy standard by 5%. The new 1.3-liter model offers combined fuel economy (Japanese 10-15 combined cycle) of approximately 44 mpg (5.32 liters/100 km), up from 40.5 mpg (5.81 liters/100km) in the older model.

All models are also certified as Super Ultra-Low Emission Vehicles (SULEV) to meet Japan’s 2005 emissions reduction standard of 75%.

Mazda achieved its reductions in fuel consumption and emissions through a number of powertrain tweaks.

Mazda has increased the volume of Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR), recovers some energy during deceleration from an electrical discharge control system, and reduces engine revolutions when idling through lowered resistance in the transmission. It has also overhauled the gear ratios in the automatic transmission to improve the balance between fuel efficiency and performance.

An electric motor handles steering assist. The company cut electric current consumption elsewhere by decreasing the load on the fuel pump and by adopting light emitting diodes (LED) for the brake lights.

Mazda’s Demio sales target for the Japanese market is 4,500 units per month.