First round finalist: One of the cars identified early as a contender for the prize.
The little Mazda2 is the second generation of Mazda's smallest car but it has all the good things the company's deserved reputation promises.
Interior quality is good with surfaces and inclusions that neither look nor feel cheaper than the car's sharp pricing.
Exterior styling is eye-catching, build quality good and - this is a real Mazda trait - the dynamics are superb.
The balance between ride quality and the ability to drive the car hard without upsetting it is a lesson to the makers of a whole range of far more expensive models. On the safety front, the car scores well for structural strength and comes standard with two airbags. Four extra bags and a stability program can be added for $1100 as it was on the test vehicle.
Snapshot
MAZDA2 MAXX
Price: $18,710 (as tested $19,810)
Engine: 1.5L/4-cylinder 82kW/141Nm
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Economy: 6.6L/100km
Do you think this is a worthy Car of the Year finalist?
For all the latest on the carsguide Car Of The Year each week go to www.carsguide.com.au/caroftheyear
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