Mazda 2 a way with style

Losing its bread-van looks and some of its load-lugging practicality and weight, the new Mazda 2 is tipped to lure a new class of buyer when it goes on sale in October.

Shedding about 100kg in weight over its predecessor, Mazda says it has improved fuel economy by up to 15 per cent over the current car. Using high-tensile steel, Mazda says it has has been able to slice out weight without compromising safety, body rigidity and noise, vibration and harshness.

Though he would not confirm pricing, Mazda spokesman Alastair Doak says buyers could expect the new Mazda2 to be comparable in price to the current car, which starts at $16,335 for the Neo and rises to $20,290 for the top-line Genki model.

The car's styling brings it into line with the rest of the Mazda line-up, he says.

“Mazda has always established a reputation as being a style leader and the 2 should do so in the light-car segment,” Doak says.

Mazda is also expected to carry over the existing three model names — Neo, Maxx and Genki.

But unlike some of its rivals, which offer 1.3-litre entry models, Doak says the Mazda2 would be available only with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine.

“I don't think there is a lot of benefit going to a 1.3. Certainly there isn't that much difference on cost,” he says.

Nor is the 1.4 turbodiesel likely to be offered.

Doak says the Mazda2 is a vital part of the overall line-up, with the light car running in third sales spot behind Mazda3 and Mazda6.

“It's fair to say we'd be looking to improve our sales with the new car,” he says.

“Having said that, the current Mazda2 is doing record numbers, which is encouraging.”

The current car has been on sale since December 2002.

So far this year Mazda has sold 3045 examples, up 30 per cent over the same time last year.

Safety has been at the forefront of the car's appeal, with the option of curtain and side airbags and ABS in the current model.

The newcomer is expected to carry on this tradition and dynamic stability control is likely to be added to the safety kit.

The 60/40 split rear fold seat carries over, but luggage space is now 250 litres, compared with 280 litres for the current car.

The 1.5-litre develops 76kW at 6000 revs and 136Nm at 4000 revs, down from the present model's 82kW at 6000 revs and 141Nm at 4000 revs.