2005 Mazda 2 Reviews

Ewan Kennedy road tests and reviews the 2002, 2005, 2007 and 2016 Mazda 2 as a used buy. While the Mazda 3 and CX-3 have been grabbing all the headlines in the sales race, the smallest model of all, the little Mazda 2 hatchback has been quietly working away in the background and keeping its end up. The Mazda2 is quite

Ewan Kennedy road tests and reviews the used 2002-2013 Mazda2.

IT wasn't too long ago that the cheapest class of new car was something of a driveaway then chuckaway choice.Hyundai's Excel was a game-changing device that appealed not so much for its compact, urban-friendly size, but because here was a functional new car for $13,990 with five years' warranty coverage. If it was a rudimentary device, it was also less than half the price of a new Commodore or Falcon -- the default choices in those days. Great numbers of these were used, abused (many a bonnet was never so much as opened, let alone routine maintenance performed) and, yes, chucked away for whatever trade-in or private buy could be eked. Much has changed.While still driven by price -- a new Suzuki Alto has an $11,790 starting price -- the city car segment is no more driven by that than any. These are proper cars, stuffed with the technical, safety and feature comfort equipment of anything bigger and more expensive -- think the full outfit of airbags, the latest engines and Bluetooth streaming.At least the most recent are, which is why those you see on this page are no more than five years old. Competition is feverish for the 130,000-odd annual sales in this segment.As the weekday traffic conditions of Melbourne and Sydney have increasingly come to resemble those of Rome or London, it's started to dawn on us that small of size (less than 4m long) and frugal of thirst (under 6L/100km) is just what's required for a commute that's typically less than 15km.They're also sound family second cars, useful for a dash down the shops, and ideal for the leaner driver in your clan. Being small and not over imbued with power, a city car is a great starting point for the L-Plater to acquire the basics.HOT TIPSManuals almost always work better with small engines.Cheap cars aren't always maintained so buy from a dealer.Ensure your selection has the latest safety upgrades -- they used to be optional on city cars.2011 Honda Jazz GLI GEEngine: 1.3-litre 4-cylinder petrolTransmission: 5-speed automaticThirst: 6.6L/100km CARSGUIDE SAYSThe spacious and practical Jazz is a favourite for its use of interior space. The 2011 safety upgrades bring it up to class standard.2007 Toyota YarisEngine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrolTransmission: 5-speed manualThirst: 5.8L/100km CARSGUIDE SAYSThere's been a new generation Yaris since but it retains much of this car's hardware. Indeed, some argue the interior fit and finish is superior on the older car. If this automatic sedan is about to see 100,000km, we know owners who are happily north of 150,000 with nothing to complain of.2008 Mazda 2 GenkiEngine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrolTransmission: 5-speed automaticThirst: 6.8L/100km CARSGUIDE SAYSThe first of Mazda's jellybean 2s still sells on looks alone five years after it replaced the staid, boxy first generation model. The 100K on the clock is generally no big deal. Against the high klicks is the kit of the top spec Genki, which came with the full complement of safety kit airbags which were originally optional on the lesser variances.

It's hard to believe given its strong recent performance that Mazda was struggling to survive in the Australian market just a few years ago. That was before a remarkable rebirth following the launch of a whole new range of models and a catchy "Zoom Zoom" theme.NEWIn the last 10 years or so we have seen the 3 become one of the most popular cars on the local market and other models, such as the 2, also grow in market acceptance. The 2 launched here in 2002 and won over the small car crowd with its style, quality and economy.An upgrade in 2005 added to its appeal, and a new model in 2007 cemented its place on the pop charts. Initially launched as a five-door hatch, a three-door hatch was added in 2008, but that was replaced in 2010 by a four-door sedan. Three models made up the offering, starting with the Neo as the base model, then the sporty Maxx and the range-topping Genki.Mazda optimised the cabin to make it as roomy, and as comfortable as possible given the 2's modest exterior dimensions.  With its upright seating positions and high roofline it could accommodate four adults in acceptable comfort.There was plenty of scope for moving the front seats back and forth to find a comfortable position for the driver and front seat passenger, and the rear seat occupants could also adjust their seat fore and aft as well as being able to adjust the rake. The boot is small, but given the size of the 2 it still holds a reasonable amount of gear.The performance is quite strong across all situations with its 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine showing plenty of pulling power and response across a broad range of engine speeds. Buyers could choose between a four-speed auto and a five-speed manual.The manual was the one to go for if you wanted the best get up and go, but the auto was the best overall choice even if it dulled the performance a little. The 2005 upgrade brought manual shifting to the auto, which made it a much more attractive option.On the road the 2 was highly rated for its ride and handling. Its roadholding and cornering were exemplary and the ride was firm but comfortable. The new model in 2007 brought bolder lines that made the 2 more appealing, the only downside being the slightly restricted rear vision with the revised beltline.NOWThe low complaint rate at Carsguide is an indicator that Mazda has got it pretty right with its new generation models. It's a solidly built car with a sound mechanical package and little seems to go wrong with it, at least of a serious nature.That's a good starting point, but that's all it ism as each cars needs to be thoroughly inspected before any money changes hands. The 2 is still relatively young, the earliest cars have only done 150,000 km or so, and later ones have yet to reach 50,000 km, but it's important to check the service history of any car under consideration.Oil changes are scheduled for every 10,000 km and it's vital that this routine is kept up. For some owners, the reliability of the 2 is an invitation to skip services and rely on the next owner to catch up. It doesn't work that way; only buy a car with a service history that stacks up.SMITHY SAYSIt's a keeper and you can buy with confidence. 4 stars.Mazda 2 2002-2011Price new: $6500 to $20,000Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder, 82 kW/141 NmTransmission: 4-speed auto, 5-speed manual, FWDEconomy: 7.0 L/100 kmBody: 3-door hatch, 4-door sedan, 5-door hatchVariants: Neo, Maxx, GenkiSafety: 4-star ANCAP  

On a tight budget, you had four options: unsafe cars, unreliable cars, really boring cars or cars that combined all three characteristics.  In the past decade, though, it's become easier to find a tidy, safe, cheap used car, for several reasons.Firstly, used cars don't hold their value like they once did. New cars have become cheaper in real terms, and sales have boomed, so there's a lot more used cars on the market.Cars are also much safer than they used to be. Government legislation and independent crash test programmes like NCAP, (which publicises the results of its tests, much to the annoyance of the industry) have forced car makers to improve safety. A 2005 car, no matter what make it is, will be safer than a 1995 car. At the minimum, you want two front airbags and anti-lock (ABS) brakes.Unless it's French or Italian, in which case a weekly dummy spit is part of the "ownership experience," most cars from the last 10 years will be pretty reliable, as long as servicing has been done by the book.We are talking about ordinary, everyday cars here, that haven't been thrashed. If you're looking at some dude's slammed, chipped Subaru WRX and the price seems too good to be true, chances are it will self-destruct before you make it home. You pay your money and you take your chances.Immaculate, low kilometre cars owned by little old ladies do exist, and they are gold. So is a complete service record, especially if it's from the dealer who sold the car new.  Let's see if we can find a few to recommend. Bottom dollar in our search is $5000.There's not much joy at this money, but the last of the Mitsubishi Magnas, from 2004-2005, are great value and reasonably plentiful. Many will be ex-renters. That's not necessarily a bad thing, because serving will have been done to schedule. The 3.5-litre V6-four speed auto ES has four airbags and ABS.Another Mitsubishi, the Lancer, is the best small car we can find at this price. Toyota Corollas are fine too, though they're more expensive.  The Lancer's as sexy as a can of baked beans and completely bulletproof. Pay about $7000-$8000 or so for a 2005 model. Find one with optional ABS and six airbags.If you've got around $10,000 to spend, you have much more choice.  In 2004, Mazda made six airbags and ABS available across its entire range, as options or standard, so any Mazda2 or Mazda3 from 2004 on will be worth checking out. Mazda does blue chip quality, and if you find a good one, with a service book, buy it. You'll pick up a 2 for less than $10,000; a 3 will be $10,000-$12,000.If you need something bigger, this sort of money will also get you into a 2004-2005 Subaru Liberty, another top car from Japan's A league. All wheel drive, excellent handling and Subaru's class leading NCAP scores are pluses. The 2.0-litre four won't rip your arms off, but it will do the job. Wagons cost a little more.You might prefer a small SUV wagon instead, so look for a 2004-2005 Subaru Forester, or Toyota RAV4, at $12,000-$15,000.  If you need a big car for a big country, the Aussie six is hard to go past.You'll pay $10,000-$13,000 for the first of the VE Commodores from 2006. The 3.6-litre V6 sounds like 1000 leaf blowers on maximum thrust, however it's durable enough. Holden got serious about safety with VE, so you get stability control as standard.  It might take a while to find the right car, but in the end, it pays to be fussy. Second hand doesn't have to mean second best.WHERE TO BUY?DealerPros: On cars under 10 years old, most states require a warranty, typically 3 months or 5000 kilometres. You also get guaranteed title. Franchised dealers (ie those who also sell new cars) usually have the best selection of used cars; the trade-ins they don't want are unloaded to non franchised dealers or auctions.Cons: Can be more expensive than a similar car bought privately. Beware of non-franchised dealers selling flood damaged or rebirthed (ie cars written off by insurance companies but then repaired) from Queensland.PrivatePros: The best way to find a bargain.Cons: You have to do plenty of legwork, and finding the right car, in a place that's close to where you live, can be a time consuming process. There's no guarantee of title or provenance, and no comebacks if it drops its guts on the way home. Buyer beware.AuctionsPros: Ex-government or fleet cars, usually properly serviced, with low kilometres. Guaranteed title. Many dealers buy cars at auction, take them to their car yard, and jack the price up by thousands of dollars. Buy it yourself, and pocket the difference.Cons: You can't test drive the car before you bid. It's also easy for an amateur to pay too much, so go to a couple before you buy to get an idea of prices and how it all works.

After a period of building solid, but less than thrilling models Mazda has undergone a transformation in the last decade and now produces cars like the Mazda 2 that have plenty of pizzazz.Mazda has always produced nice cars, but there was often little to get excited about. There were exceptions of course, like the MX5 and RX7 to keep you thinking there just might be an exciting sedan coming, but for the most part they were staid middle of the road machines that simply didn’t get the juices flowing.That all ended with the Mazda 6 and the Mazda 3, and the release of the small Mazda 2 in 2002 completed the transformation of the range from ho-hum to hallelujah.MODEL WATCH There was plenty of small car history that preceded the front-wheel-drive, five-door Mazda 2 hatch, and plenty it had to live up to. The 121 ‘bubble’ car was an adventurous design with cute styling that stood out in the rather bland small car crowd and became a favourite with some sections of the market. That was followed by the clever 121 Metro, which went in the opposite direction in terms of styling, and was bland in the extreme.The Mazda 2’s job was to re-establish Mazda’s credentials in the small car field after the disappointing 121 Metro, and it did it well. So well, in fact, that it was hailed as the best small car of its time by many motoring scribes. It was upright in the way of the 121 Metro, but had none of the 121’s boxiness. It had style much in the way of the 121 ‘bubble’ without being too adventurous.Its lines were clear and precise, giving it an athletic look that was the very antithesis of the rounded ‘bubble’ car and the boxy Metro. The 2 was a car with a clean shape and purposefully flowing lines. It looked good, and still does.Inside it was a small car masterpiece, the dash was rated the best in a car on the south side of $50,000. That’s some praise and it was justified as the dash was attractively styled and practically laid out. Like the 121 Metro the interior of the 2 was roomy and flexible. The seats were comfortable and supportive; the rear seat was a 60/40 split-fold able to be slid back and forth for more room. Likewise the boot was roomy with a low floor for good storage capacity.Ample power came from a 1.5-litre double overhead camshaft four-cylinder engine that generated 82 kW at 6000 revs and 141 Nm at 4000 revs to give the little Mazda a generous amount of zip on the road.While it had variable valve timing it did need to be revved to around 3500 revs to get the most out of it. Under that it felt like it was lacking in torque. If asked, however, it would respond by sprinting to 100 km/h in less than 13 seconds and account for the standing 400-metre dash in a reasonable 19 seconds.Buyers could choose between a five-speed manual gearbox and a four-speed auto, the latter a little soggy in use and not as smooth and flexible as some other small cars.There was nothing soggy about the Mazda 2’s on-road performance; however, it was well balanced, agile and responsive. Few small cars were thrown around on the road, they were mostly conservatively driven around town by people who couldn’t care less about handling, but there was fun to be had in the little Mazda if you cared, or dared, to explore its limits. The ride was also commendable. Well controlled, it was supple and very comfortable.All round, the Mazda 2 approached, and sometimes, exceeded similar sized European cars for its on-road sophistication. That was something few Japanese cars can claim. There were three models released at the launch of the Mazda 2: the Neo, Maxx and the Genki.The Neo opened the range and came with plenty of equipment, including a full array of dials, halogen headlights, air, central locking, a vast assortment of pockets, bins and holders to stow just about anything you might to carry, tilt-adjustment on the steering column, AM/FM radio and CD player, rear centre lap/sash belt among a raft of features.Step up to the Maxx and you found it also had alloy wheels, remote central locking, velour/cloth trim, in-dash six-stacker CD system and the driver’s window was powered. For more there was the oddly named Genki that added front fog lamps, ABS antiskid brakes, electronic brake force distribution and brake assist to the list.IN THE SHOP Mazda build quality and design integrity means the Mazda 2 really only sees the dealer when it’s time for a service. Rarely does anything that go wrong. It’s worth checking for a service record to make sure it’s had regular oil changes... The all-alloy four-cylinder engine has a timing chain, not a belt; co there’s no call for a change.Other than that, test drive the vehicle and make sure the auto shifts smoothly, but positively. If it’s a manual make sure the clutch engages without slipping, it’s a little sharp in the take up so be aware that it’s normal. Make the usual checks for dings in the body, particularly at the extremities, which are the most vulnerable in parking lots.IN A CRASH Impressive primary safety performance was provided by the beaut chassis, its agility and responsiveness providing plenty of capability of getting out of trouble when faced with a crash situation. Beyond the crunch the seat belt pretensioners and load limiters, along with the front airbags came into play for the final layer of protection. An added bonus came in the knowledge that the Mazda 2 was given a five-star NCAP rating in its homeland.AT THE PUMP Mazda’s official fuel economy figures say the 2 will do around 6.5-7.0 L/100 km on average, which seems to be borne out by owners who report similar fuel consumption numbers.OWNERS SAY Kenn Sellick doesn’t plan to trade out of his 2002 Mazda 2 Neo manual any time soon. In the 145,000 km it’s done he’s only had to replace tyres, wiper blades and a wheel cover. He rates the 7.0 L/100 km he averages as disappointing, and doesn’t like the fact that it has a space-saver spare wheel.After owning a Mazda 121, which was utterly reliable for 16 years Jennifer Harris bought a Mazda 2 three years ago. She has now done 32,000 km in it, and says it’s the perfect car for her use. The interior is versatile and has plenty of room for four adults, and the seat height means she can slide in sideways without having to lower herself into it. She also praises the performance in second and third gear, saying it has plenty of pull.Greg Dower has done 25,000 km in his 2005 Mazda 2 Maxx and says it is great, but a little under-powered. He says the air works well in summer, and he likes the steering wheel controls for the sound system, but criticizes the wind noise around the rear view mirrors, the space-saver spare, and the odd tyre size with the alloy wheels that are expensive to replace.Paul Rolands bought a Mazda Neo manual new in 2003. It has now done 130,000 km and he says he is more than happy with it. It copes really well with the twisty roads he regularly drives on and he says it’s head and shoulders above the 1998 Hyundai Excel it replaced, the gearshift is very good, and the fuel consumption varies between 6.3 and 6.6 L/100 km. There have been no problems apart from an erratic fuel gauge, the clutch feel, and he would like more torque at low range to improve the low-end performance.LOOK FOR • Stylish looks• Roomy and flexible interior• Good fuel economy• Low-end performance soggy• Brilliant handling• Good build qualityTHE BOTTOM LINE Small wonder, this little Mazda is a gemRATING 85/100

A little purple Mazda2 Maxx, that is. Mazda describes the colour as Iris Blue but purple is as purple does and so their week was perfect.They wanted to travel in the purple car, pat the purple car and own the purple car. Me? I just delighted in something that was compact yet spacious, easy to park, could fit all the shopping and, I admit it, was purple.OK, so the Mazda2 comes in colours other than Iris Blue but the truth is it would have lost none of its appeal in any other colour.Even the men of the house had to admit that the Mazda2 packs plenty into its little frame. And talking of small, the Maxx model manages to put an in-dash six-CD player, alloy wheels and a sporty rear roof spoiler in a car costing just $20,875 for the automatic.Even the next model up, the Genki, will set you back only about $22,000. My long-legged other half kept trying to tell me it was a perfect "girls' car". You know, the sort just perfect for a quick shopping fix, zipping around the city and avoiding other vehicles in tight car parks. Sounds perfect really and I noticed he was more than keen to take that little delight everywhere.The deceptively spacious design meant he had plenty of headroom and the back-seat drivers had plenty of space even behind his seat.And when they haven't come for the ride and you need extra space in the back, those back seats fold flat and move around – quite a snazzy little trick in a little baby built to please.But small doesn't mean lack of power. Mazda's long experience in building quality cars that just keep going has been put to good use. The Mazda2 comes with a 1500cc engine and is available as a manual or a four-speed activematic. Whatever that means. What it does mean is that even with a full load of passengers and picnic basket and Esky in the boot, we zipped up the Southern Expressway leaving bigger cars in our wake. Zoom-zoom goes the catchy tune and zoom-zoom we could.And popping in some fuel was a delightful surprise. Not many dollars pushed the fuel gauge on the 45-litre tank well up – and with economy on the automatic rated at about seven litres/100km, you can just keep driving that adorable little machine on and on and on.Mazda2 Maxx automaticCompact outside, but spacious insideZippy engineGreat choices of coloursLittle bit of engine noiseFamily daytrips OK but no room for a weekend awaySlightly boxy look that could date quickly

The rationale behind that annoying zoom-zooming jingle is that all Mazdas have the soul of a sportscar. We can't speak for the Bravo ute or E-series van but the Mazda 2 - despite being an entry-level urban runabout lives up to the claim. The way its 1.5-litre engine turns raspy and urgent as you rev it to join a motorway, the way its automatic transmission batters against the rev limiter in manual mode rather than give up by changing up, the way it sniffs into corners like a puppy - or a Mini Cooper. Yeah, that's soul - not in James Brown quantities but more than you'd expect to find in a high-bodied $20,000 hatchback.The Mazda 2 first appeared in 2002, and was revised this year with bigger headlamps, a sports manual mode on automatic models and minor engineering changes including an electrically driven power steering pump.From the outside it now looks a little like a Ford Fiesta - which would be fitting because it shares its mechanical platform with that car. But perhaps the most significant change is a neat and appealing flick-knife style key, of the type used by Volkswagen, Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Holden in the Astra. Each key probably costs about $10 wholesale, if that, but it gives the feeling of a much more luxurious and expensive car - and it doesn't wear out your pocket lining.The 1.5-litre engine remains unchanged apart from now complying with next year's Euro 3 pollution controls. It keeps its pleasingly rorty feel, delivering its 82kW of power and 141Nm of torque, high in the range but never feels strained while puttering around at lower revs. Mazda says an electronic throttle, replacing the throttle cable of the previous model, increases torque between 1500 and 3000rpm.The four-speed automatic is one of the better examples of its kind. As mentioned, it delegates full control to the driver when the lever is pushed across to make it a four-speed manual - just like a sportscar. It's also calibrated to allow a lively launch for a small car, although a dash-mounted gear indicator shows it gets quickly into top gear if you're not in a hurry. Where many small autos feel wheezy and lethargic, the 2 is willing.Fuel use on test was a not particularly good 8.1 litres per 100km, making the point that if you want automatic in a small car you'll pay twice ? at the dealership and at the pumps.Safety is another hard sell on small cars with their price-conscious buyers. But to Mazda's credit safety equipment remains an affordable option across the Mazda 2 range with a package of side airbags, curtain airbags and ABS brakes available on all models for a modest $1150.In a refreshing change from the usual cynical practice of specifying media cars with as much optional equipment as they can stand, the test car had no ABS brakes or extra airbags. The screech that accompanied our routine 40km/h brake feel test almost made us nostalgic for the bad old days, but not something we'd tolerate when the alternative is so cheap. For what its worth, the brakes have a nice firm yet progressive pedal feel.Cabin decor lies in Siberia - halfway between Europe and Japan, in other words. Expanses of grey plastic and velour recall some dreary Mazdas from the company's lean years in the 1990s but the instrument display has a funky Italianate look, there's plenty of storage space and the controls feel substantial in use. What's more they are fully aligned for right-hand drive, a rare concession in these days of global manufacturing.The stereo looks classy and is easy to use - what more could you ask for? Actually a bit of peace and quiet to listen to it would be nice. At highway speeds the cabin of a Mazda 2 can be a lively place with the engine spinning at 3000rpm at 110km/h, a fair amount of tyre noise and the whole lot amplified by its van-like back seat and boot.That back seat can be moved fore and aft, depending on whether your priority is to transport passengers or luggage. Set fully back, the rear seat has room for adult heads and feet but is only wide enough for two full-sized people. With plenty of room around the front seats as well, the 2 is a genuine four-adult car. As well as having good space inside there's easy access through wide-opening doors.The boot is a little narrow but a serious drawback are the childseat mounting points - just inside the rear bumper. The top strap of the restraint cuts through the luggage compartment, making it useless for bulky loads - such as a pram. That pulls the pin for parents.But singletons looking for a practical yet perky little car are in luck. The 2's agility belies its wardrobe-like appearance. The steering has an immediate feel, with no ill-effects from the change from a belt-driven to an electric hydraulic pump.Handling exceeds expectations, with a flat cornering stance, impressive grip and no dramas over rough surfaces. It has something of the feel of the original Mini, which for those with long memories, is high praise indeed.It's matched with a ride which avoids the extremes of crashing and pitching that small cars are prone to. Controlled rather than cushy sums it up. Noise is more of a problem than bumping in the 2, but at least suspension doesn't contribute to the racket.If you're in the market for a small car check out this Mazda. You've nothing 2 lose.

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.

It has just revealed the all-new MX-5 sports car and is working through updates to the Mazda2, Mazda6 and B-Series workhorses.The company's all-round health is reflected in the all-wheel drive MPS that will become the headliner for the Mazda6 range, in significant waiting lists for most models and in acceptance of its RX-8 hero car.Mazda's sales have set month-on-month records this year and its half-year showroom total jumped from 28,813 last year to 33,938.Mazda3 did most of the hard work and improved from 11,028 last year to 16,440.In contrast, the baby Mazda2 is up from 2285 to only 2473, partly explaining a mid-life update.The Two has been one of the class leaders, either alongside or just ahead of the Honda Jazz, since it arrived in Australia.It did the job with a driver-friendly chassis, perky engine, and the sort of surprise-and-delight features that had been a hit with Mazda owners for 15 years.Even the radio gave a friendly "Ciao" when you turned it off.So Mazda did not have to do a lot with the 2005 update, beyond the inevitable cosmetic changes, a quality boost and more equipment.Still, it added a new automatic gearbox and pushed a safety pack that gives four extra airbags and anti-skid brakes for $1150.The Mazda2 line-up is still three cars, from the Neo starter car at $15,990 with airconditioning to the Maxx at $19,025 and the fully-loaded Genki at $20,985.Its biggest rival is still the Jazz from Honda, but the Ford Fiesta has arrived to make life tougher and there are bargain buys in the Hyundai and Toyota showrooms to tempt people."The Mazda2 is the start of our facelifts. It's out first and the Mazda6 update is soon. There is nothing for the RX-8 in the short term and the Mazda3 is still only 18 months old," Alastair Doak of Mazda Australia says.The Mazda2 styling change is fairly minor, with some people – including one friend who owns one – saying it looks a lot like the latest Toyota Corolla. It is smoother and rounder at the front and there are six prominent lamps across the tail.The radio now says "Hello".Steering has electric power assistance, an electronic throttle and some engine work to certify the car for the coming Euro III emission regulations.ON THE ROADTo be honest, we were hard pressed to pick too many differences in the updated Mazda2.That's partly because it's been a long time since we drove one, partly because it was so good to begin with, and partly because the changes are relatively minor – no matter what Mazda says.The car still drives extremely well, with a nice sprightly feel, and it is as good as anything in its class for fit and finish.We could feel a little improvement in the refinement of the car, which could have come from the stiffer body or the suspension work, but our Genki test car had a few flaws that prevented any genuine judgment. It had a nasty shudder in the clutch, a vibration at 95km/h and a really annoying rattle from the back of the car at anything beyond 60km/h.None of these problems is typical of a Mazda, and we are sure any competent dealer could have fixed them quickly, but they spoiled our time with the Two.Even so, other members of the carsguide team have reported a no-change verdict after their time in the car.Again, that's not bad, but not as good as we had hoped.Yes, the new steering is sharp, the throttle gives good response and the 82kW engine is still pretty perky. We also got 7.1 litres/100km during some spirited driving, which is good news at the pumps and only a little up on Mazda's claimed economy for the car.But we have to come back to the Mazda's rivals, particularly the Jazz and Fiesta. The Japanese cars are much as they have been from the start, but the upper models of the new baby Ford are now an equal for the Mazda2.The Fiesta can be a cheapie if you're spending only $13,990, but the Zetec and Ghia models are winners. They feel just a touch more substantial than the Mazda and just as enjoyable to drive, though none of the Fords have the same practicality inside.The Two is still over and above the Echo and Getz but, based on our latest test, has to share the light-car crown with the Ford Fiesta.The Two is still one of our favourites, and definitely at the very top of its class, but has been run down from behind after a facelift that does not deliver as much as Mazda promised.