2011 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

Mazda has been the standout performer over the last decade or so when its cars have gone from "who cares" to "must haves" in a very short period of time. New It began with the ground breaking 3, continued with the 6, and then followed on with the mini 2. Sales of small cars like the Mazda2 have soared as Australians

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  

It's hard to believe but the current Mazda 2 has been around since 2007 with a minor upgrade in between.PRICEThe kick-off point is the Neo manual hatch at $15,790, plus $1650 for the four-speed auto. We got hold of the little auto for a spin and can understand why it's a leading light in the tiddler class. This is despite being off the pace with a four-speed auto, no Bluetooth phone or audio streaming, drum rear brakes, no wheel controls, no lumbar support adjustment, no steering wheel reach adjustment and a temporary spare. It's a fair old missing list especially when compared with its competition.DRIVINGBut the little Mazda more than makes up for it in the way it drives, feels and looks, plus the salient point that it's a Japanese manufactured vehicle having reverted to this from earlier Thailand production. In short, it's a great little car to drive, perky, nippy, economical, with plenty of zip even with the four speed auto, it's all you need. The handling is sporty, helped recently by the adoption of 15-inch wheels and minor suspension and brake tweaks.ENGINEThere's an economical 1.5-litre twin cam petrol engine driving the front wheels that's good for a hearty 76kW/136Nm output while consuming around 6.5-litres/100km of 91 RON petrol. It scores an EU4 emissions rating.SAFETYIn higher spec' models, Mazda2 gets a five star rating but Neo buyers will have to pay an extra $450 for front side and curtain airbags to get five star crash protection. Even so, it scores stability control and other safety related kit to help avoid a crash or protect you in one.PRACTICALITIESAs a city car the Mazda2 shines because it's easy to park and has a tight turning circle along with easy to see peripherals. The small boot is a useable shape expandable with split folding rear seats. Though nothing flash, the audio system is acceptable and has an AUX input to hook up your music system. The single CD player is laughable in this day and age. And of course we took it on the freeway where, once again, the essentials are right up to speed (no cringe value at all) with adequate kick to the speed limit and plenty in reserve for overtaking as long as you don't mind letting the engine rev its head off.VERDICTCheeky looks, affordable, unquestioned Mazda reliability, economical and practical...Mazda2 Neo makes a convincing  argument.MAZDA2 NEOPrice: from $15,790Engine: 1.5-litre four-cylinder, 76kW/136NmTransmission: four-speed autoEconomy: 6.5-litres/100km

The Genki is the top of the range Mazda 2 and was the biggest selling car of its kind in Australia. But, it's been almost nine years since the launch of the tiny hatch here and it still doesn't get Bluetooth like the Mazda3 or 6. Given the car's younger target market, it doesn't make much sense.Bluetooth means you can pair your mobile phone with the car's audio system and talk and make calls without taking your hands off the wheel. You can have Bluetooth fitted to the car, as a dealer accessory, but it's third party hardware and costs an additional $390. Factory is always better. Apart from this annoying fact, the Mazda2 is still a cracker after all these years.VALUEGenki is $22,490 driveaway for the manual or $24,140 for the auto, whichever you prefer. Out test car, the five-speed manual, comes with temperature controlled airconditioning, headlights that switch on automatically and rain-sensing wipers which we're told are a first for the segment.A trip computer is also new that shows distance to empty, current and average fuel consumption as well as average speed, while an outside temperature display has also been added. There's a 12 volt power socket and an AUX input for music players located between the front seats, with steering wheel audio controls. Produced in Japan these days which means first rate build quality.TECHNOLOGY1.5-litre four cylinder engine produces 76kW of power and 135Nm of torque. Not bad but not nearly as good as its cousin the Fiesta. Has a 42-litre tank and gets 6.4 litres/100km using standard unleaded petrol. Brakes are discs front and drums back, but that's not unusual in this size car. Fitted with 16 inch alloys and 195/45 rubber and has a space saver spare.DESIGNLooks cool in metallic green Genki adds a body kit with fog lights, side skirts and a rear swing. Not many people know it but the Mazda2 sits on the same platform as the Ford Fiesta. The Ford is powered by a larger 1.6-litre engine, but the two cars share the same sporty dynamics. Many people prefer the slightly more restrained styling of the Mazda, especially the instrument layout.SAFETYFull five stars for safety. Gets the full kit including six airbags, stability control and anti-lock brakes with brake assist and electronic brake force distribution.DRIVINGMazda2 is a fun little car to drive. Lacks some torque down low, but likes to rev. You can thrash the pants off it and it will keep coming back for more. Charge into a corner and it won't let you down.VERDICTA great little car. Feels nice and tight with no rattles and offers a level of dynamics that its competitors will find hard to match. Shame about Bluetooth, especially since Ford offers it, but them's the breaks.Mazda2On sale: nowPrice: $16,999 driveaway (Neo manual hatch) to $20,940 (Genki manual hatch)Engine: 1.5-litre four cylinderPower: 76kW/6000 revsTorque: 135Nm/4000 revsTransmission: five-speed manual, four-speed auto, front-wheel driveEconomy: 6.4L/100km (man), 6.8L/100km (auto)Emissions: 152g/km CO2 (man), 162g/km CO2 (auto)