Mazda 2 Reviews

Malcolm Flynn road tests and reviews the new Mazda2, with specs, fuel economy and verdict.

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

Peter Barnwell road tests and reviews the new Mazda2 at its international launch.

Australia’s favourite city car gets an all-new look inside and out.

The pace of new and so-called "all-new" models is so dizzying that it's almost gratifying to find one that's endured. Make no mistake, this is an old car, one whose underpinnings and drivetrains long predate its 2007 shape. Though it will be replaced later this year, the package is surprisingly contemporary

Light cars used to be the second car, the one that'd begrudgingly be taken to the supermarket when the real car was out. Not anymore. Light cars now make sense as the sole vehicle for city dwellers without kids - they're easy to park, will carry four adults in varying degrees of comfort and don't cost a fortune to fuel up.The rush to downsize means more than one in 10 cars sold today is from the light category. Carmakers have responded to that growing market with more standard gear at lower prices. They also understand a positive first experience could get you back to the dealership for your next vehicle, so you won't be ignored for looking at the “cheap” cars.They will try to upsell you into a higher model, though, so beware of alloy wheels and dual-zone aircon if steel rims and a power window is all you need. The average cost of the light cars in this field - entry level autos - is just north of $17,000. The Volkswagen is the dearest at $19,490 and is the only car here to demand premium unleaded petrol. It also feels to be the best built, but all of these cars are sturdy, reliable transport. Budget buyers should consider the Mitsubishi Mirage if outright performance isn't an issue. It costs $15,290, is the cheapest to refuel and annual servicing costs are just $250. The Mazda2 proves this segment isn't entirely price-driven. The little hatch leads the sales field this year, followed by the Toyota Yaris and Hyundai i20.They're not the cheapest cars to buy or run but they have a reputation for reliability and value that - at least in the case of the Mazda2 - has it campaigning strongly despite its age. Honda's Jazz has the best resale of this bunch, reflecting the brand's (slowly waning) reputation for producing better-built vehicles. The Barina is the thirstiest, needing 7.3 litres to travel 100km. That's half a litre more than the Mazda2.Carsguide has used the national average of $1.49.4 for unleaded petrol and added 8 for the 95RON fuel needed to keep the VW on the street. We have each car travelling 15,000km a year for three years. Price: from $17,290Residual value: 48 per cent $8299.20Servicing: $780 ($260 first year)Thirst: 6.3L/100km $4235.49   Price: from $17,490Residual value: 46 per cent $8045.40Servicing: $840 ($280 first year)Thirst: 6.1L/100km $4090.05   Price: from $17,990Residual value: 46 per cent $8275.40Servicing: $740 ($246.67 first year)Thirst: 7.3L/100km $4907.79      Price: from $15,240Residual value: 45 per cent $6858Servicing: $750 ($250 first year)Thirst: 4.6L/100km $3092.58   Price: from 17,690Residual value: 48 per cent $8491.20Servicing: $1284 ($398 first year)Thirst: 6.2L/100km $4168.26   Price: from $17,440 (Neo)Residual value: 48 per cent $8371.20Servicing: $1949 ($599 first year)Thirst: 6.8L/100km $4571.64   Price: from $17,990Residual value: 55 per cent $9894.50Servicing: $1711.58 ($537.42 first year)Thirst: 6.6L/100km $4437.18   Price: from $19,490Residual value: 50 per cent $9745Servicing: $1085 ($347 first year)Thirst: 6.0L/100km $4249.80   Price: from $18,590Residual value: 50 per cent $9475Servicing: $567 ($189 first year)Thirst: 5.9L/100km $3966.57   Price: from $18,290Residual value: 42 per cent $7681.80Servicing: $841 ($239 first year)Thirst: 6.3L/100km $4235.49  

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.

Vlad Manu road tests and reviews the Mazda 2 Neo, with specs, fuel economy and verdict.

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  

Mazda 2 Neo and Kia Rio go head-to-head in this comparative review.