Mazda 2 2005 Review

Instantly recognisable over the previous model from the front, the Mazda2's cosmetic surgery consists of an eye-lift, plumper cheeks, a reshaped nose and a redesigned grille. All this comes with a styling tweak to the bonnet.

The Mazda2's rear end also gets a bit of a tuck and lift with redesigned rearlights, a wider (but slimmer) LED high-mount stop light and a rear bumper that takes away from the car's previously boxy look. But, while looks do account for a lot, the Mazda2 incorporates a whole heap more.

Mazda2 is the first car in its class (under $18,250) to offer six airbags and ABS brakes across all models.

It is also the only volume-selling car in its class to offer automatic transmission ($1850) with manual shift available across the range.

Mazda expects the four-speed automatic will increase figures of automatic buyers from 54 per cent to 60 per cent.

The safety pack is standard on the Genki and an $1150 option on Neo and Maxx models.

In fact safety additions are numerous in the little car with dual front airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners with load limiters, anti-whiplash front seats and an intrusion-minimising brake pedal that reduces the chance of foot, ankle and lower-leg injuries standard across the range.

Both the Maxx and Genki models tested (automatic and manual respectively) feature steering wheel-mounted audio controls, plus an in-dash six-CD player, driver's seat adjustment and a retractable key.

They increase the price by $100 on the previous model. With the exterior makeover they also feature 15-inch alloys while the Genki gets new-look side skirts, a sports grille and driving lights in the front bumper.

On the road the Mazda2's 1.5-litre engine is zippy, even in automatic.

The engine has the highest power in its class with 82kW and impressive torque of 141Nm, while fuel economy hovers around 7.0-litres per 100km.

Modifications have improved torque delivery between 1500rpm and 3000rpm.

The addition of electric power-steering, a system that is based on the company's RX-8 flagship model, makes for easy manoeuvrability. But it does get heavier at speed for a more solid feel.

But it gives the Mazda2 a handy turning circle of 9.8m. While the stiffer body makes for better handling, ride comfort in the Mazda2 is not on the luxury side of the scale. It feels a little rough.

The view from inside the car is excellent. The large windows and windscreen allow for good vision all around the car and the big rear window helps when reversing.

The Mazda2 has a number of hidey-holes to keep things out of sight and two cup-holders located in front of the gear lever.

An automatic one-touch driver power window is usually a feature of more expensive cars but both the Maxx and Genki have it.

It is a dream at tollgates, parking lots or anywhere you are trying to juggle acceleration and (usually) changing lanes with a handful of change while being blown about until you can close the window.

The clutch on the Genki was on the light side, has a high take-up point and, in the test car, had a slight shudder.

Yet, once you got used to it the gear changes are quite smooth and no sore legs result from sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic.

The top of the line Genki's new-look body kit made it the sportiest looking of the bunch. Genki also gains a retractable key and has a starting price of $20,985.

With the recent facelift the Mazda2's nose has edged a little in front of closest rival, the Honda Jazz, but in terms of sales the Toyota Echo and Hyundai Getz remain top of the small-class tree.