Mazda 2 2004 Review

Mazda's light car arrived well before the Mazda6 and Mazda3 both of which have been a runaway success.

Although the Mazda2 continues to impress in terms of style, equipment and performance, it has never managed to equal the success of its larger brethren.

The light car segment is extremely competitive and price usually rules the day, no matter that your car might have five doors instead of three, a more powerful engine or longer equipment list.

Front runner is currently the Toyota Echo, followed by the Hyundai Getz and Kia Rio, based on the latest industry sales figures.

Mazda has continued to throw equipment at the car in a bid to jump start sales but with little effect.

As well as two airbags and airconditioning, our test car the base model Neo now boasts power windows and mirrors.

The five-door Neo is priced from $17,490.

The Mazda2 is powered by a lusty 1.5-litre four cylinder engine that delivers 82kW of power at 6000rpm and 141Nm of torque from 4000rpm.

It is a sweet thing that loves to rev and rev hard with rewarding results.

What's even better is that the car has the drive dynamics to match with one of the best handling packages that we have seen in this segment.

Flog it and flog it mercilessly and the Mazda2 just keeps coming back for more – it's a lesson from which others could learn.

A five-speed manual transmission is standard and combines beautifully with the car, with a short easy to use action.

Brakes are discs with drums on the back but do a good job of stopping the car nevertheless.

You don't get alloys with the Neo but the 14-inch steels wheels are adequate for the job.

A $1200 safety packs adds another four airbags as well as ABS brakes wth brake force distribution and brake assist.

Fuel economy is excellent at a claimed 7.6L/100km city and 5.2L/100km highway.

Inside the cabin is tall and airy with comfortable seating for four adults, five at a pinch and good legroom in the back.

The load space is nothing to write home about and it is unfortunate that Mazda did not opt for the two-tier rear shelf.

Standard equipment includes a CD player and a load cover.

The only thing we found really annoying with this car is the central locking system which is key operated and operates only from the driver's door.