Mazda 2 Reviews

Mazda’s success streak seems to know no bounds. Not content with having the top-selling car in Australia last year with the Mazda 3, it has backed up with the top seller in the small car class, the Mazda 2. That's impressive, considering the rivalry in the small-car class and for a car approaching its fifth birthday and available in hatch only after the sedan was dropped last year. Competitors are many and include the Hyundai Getz and i20, Toyota Yaris, Suzuki Swift, Ford Fiesta, Nissan Micra and Holden Barina.Mazda2 sales were up 18 per cent last year in a light-car market that shrank by 4.4 per cent. There is however a twist to this "who's on top" tale. Hyundai replaced the leader, the Getz, with the i20 and sold the two alongside each other last year. Adding them together would have allowed Hyundai to claim it had sold the most light cars.Pedantics aside, the Mazda2's key attributes are its savvy styling, nippy performance, agile handling and a cheerful and reasonably spacious interior, bolstered by regular facelifts and a solid reputation for reliability and retained value.VALUEThe latest upgrade came with the reintroduction of the top-of-the-range Genki last year after a six-month absence. The Genki gained climate control, a trip computer and automatic wipers as standard equipment, and the price dropped $445 to $20,495 (auto $22,145), helped by the strength of the Australian dollar.Equipment includes stability control, six airbags, a six-CD four-speaker audio system with MP3, but no Bluetooth or USB connection. There are also steering wheel audio controls, cloth seats and power windows. You need to be a car freak to pick the minimal cosmetic changes -- a chrome exhaust tip, revised alloy wheels and subtle changes to the front bumper.ENGINE AND TRANSMISSIONEngine output remains at 76kW and 137Nm from 1.5 litres, which combines with a light body to produce lively performance and decent pull from low engine speeds. The four-speed automatic transmission (on test) is generally smooth and disciplined, but can be snappy on kickdown and asks for plenty of engine revs under load. There are "second" and "low" gear slots, but no sequential manual shift mode.Not the most frugal in its class, fuel use on the combined cycle is 6.8 litres/100km in the automatic, and 6.4 litres/100km in the manual. However, a new direct-injection 1.3-litre petrol engine claiming as little as 3.3 litres/100km has been released in Japan and will make it here.DRIVINGWith an emphasis on fun, the suspension favours handling over ride with crisp turn-in, minimal body roll and confident grip. Ride is firm and well controlled on smooth surfaces, but it can be fidgety over bumpy roads and rough edges. The cheeky exterior styling is carried over in the bright and bubbly interior, and all the controls are easy to master.It has a height-adjustable driver's seat, low waistline for good visibility and a gearshift and handbrake placed close to the driver. Front seats are well padded and supportive and suit most frames, even though the steering wheel adjusts for rake only and not reach. Leg room is adequate in the rear seat, but headroom is tight for lanky frames.Storage is mediocre and includes a two-level glovebox, a single cup holder and door bins for small bottles. Load space in the deep boot is adequate for this class and the rear seats split fold, but not to the same level as the floor of the boot, under which rests a space saver spare wheel. Noise levels are average for this class with noticeable but not intrusive engine and road noise and some thump from the Genki's wider 16-inch tyres.MAZDA2 GENKIPrice: $20,940 (manual), $22,145 (automatic)Engine: 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder, petrolPower: 76kW/6000 revsTorque: 135Nm/4000 revsTransmission: five-speed manual, four-speed auto, front-wheel driveDimensions: 3913 mm (l), 1695 mm (w), 1475 mm (h)Wheelbase: 2490 mm, tracks front/rear 1465mm/1455mmWeight: 1038kgEconomy: 6.4L/100km (man), 6.8L/100km (auto)Emissions: 152g/km CO2 (man), 162g/km CO2 (auto).

A decade ago you wouldn't consider a motoring holiday in a light passenger car. Too small, too noisy, too bumpy and stripped of any comfort feature demanded by the long-distance motorist. The only time you'd crack a smile is when refuelling - if the range of the tiny petrol tank allowed you to get there. But I'd take any of these four hatches - Hyundai Accent, Mazda 2, Toyota Yaris or Ford Fiesta - out to Alice Springs, have a coffee at Gonzo's, and drive back. You wouldn't have done that in most of the lightweight hatches sold 10 years ago.What's changed? You. You are now demanding fuel efficient, safe and roomy baby cars that slot under a Corolla but just above the pared-back, minicar budget class.Manufacturers are falling over themselves in the challenge. They know you are downsizing but don't want to lose luxury and convenience features. They know you are focused on fuel economy and safety, like a space in a comfortable cabin and demand premium things like audios that integrate with handheld devices.There are more than four hatchbacks to choose from. In fact there are 26 distinct models in the light-car segment. But the four listed here are very, very good at their job. They will suit the commuter as much as the uni student, have sufficient zip for driver's with passion, the simplicity of driving to lure Mum and the cabin and boot room for junior and the pram.These four tested here are all the top-spec in their model range. They are all automatic, all have the maximum five-star crash ratings and five lap-sash seatbelts, and are similarly priced. They're just small - that's all.1. HYUNDAI ACCENT Premium ($22,990)Slips above the i20 and just below the i30 (which gets bigger next year with a new model) in size and price but loses nothing in terms of comfort, space and features. Possibly the best of the three sisters, it wears the latest Hyundai style yet is suitably restrained to broaden its market.ValueStar: 4: Wins the race here with heaps of features for the price in comparison to the others. Leather upholstery; compatible audio with Bluetooth, iPod and USB; full-size spare alloy wheel; keyless start; electric windows and mirrors; four-wheel disc brakes; and a lidded centre console are included.DesignAt 4.1m long it's not tiny but the snub nose, abrupt tail and height give it distinction. It all translates into excellent cabin room - a close second for rear legroom - and a big boot. How Hyundai fits a 195mm wide full-size spare under the boot floor and still manages to beat most rivals is simply clever.TechnologyIt's a simple car with the accent (that's a pun) on low running costs. So the 91kW/156Nm 1.6-litre engine is made for durability and the four-speed auto - with sequential shift - is built to be inexpensive and reliable. The electric steering can be vague and even uncertain so requires familiarisation.SafetyFive-star crash rating, six airbags, electronic stability and traction control, four-wheel disc brakes, rear park sensors and even a camera with its screen in the rear vision mirror. Complete.DrivingOnly the vague and twitchy electric steering dampens a confident, peppy and comfortable ride. The engine is flexible enough to cope with only four gears - though the sequential mode can add sparkle - and is relatively quiet, economical and even entices a level of fun to driving. Handling is typical of its class and will surprise with its surefootedness. Great visibility (rear camera helps here) and comfortable leather seats help survive the city.2. MAZDA2 Genki ($22,145)This model gets better each year and is now the most popular in its segment with a 13.6 per cent share. The Genki is the top-line of the Mazda2 range and continues to add more comfort and features to make many buyers think twice before going up a size to the Mazda3. This is a small car - at 3.9m long, the second smallest here - so is suggested for single drivers or perhaps couples.ValueOver the mid-level Mazda2 Maxx, Genki costs $2805 more and adds cruise control, body kit, bigger 16-inch alloys, trip computer, auto headlights and climate-control airconditioning. Worth it? Probably not, though if you're a leadfoot, the cruise control may save the difference in speeding fines within the first year.DesignCute. Everyone loves these but they are definitely styled to attract women. Get out of the car, Brian. Mazda cleverly doesn't overdo the family-themed styling so the baby car has subtle looks yet remains distinctly zoom-zoom. It's small size doesn't stop design flexibility - the vertical glovebox has an open top to store A4 documents which is handy if you have A4 documents, a bit daft if you do not. The rear seat is better for children than adults and though the boot is only 250-litres, split fold rear seats give some load-space flexibility.TechnologyAgain, this is a simple sector of the car market and Mazda complies with a 1.5-litre engine and four-speed automatic transmission. No surprises here. It has front disc brakes but the rear units are drum - see also Fiesta and Yaris - which is serviceable but old hat. Suspension is common to the four - MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion bar at the back - based on low price and compactness.SafetyAlso a five-star crash rated car. The Mazda2 equals most rivals with its six airbags, electronic stability and traction control, brake assist and brakeforce distribution. The space-saver spare wheel loses some points - compared with the Hyundai - so can limit its ability to take to the country.DrivingThis is the oldest model here yet still delights with its performance and particularly its agile handling. Like the others it has electric steering but seems more communicative than most. The drum rear brakes don't affect performance and, surprisingly, the engine copes very well with the miserable four cogs offered in its gearbox. It really is a joy to drive but can be noisy and if you have too much fun, fuel thirst will kill the smiles.3. TOYOTA YARIS YRX ($21,390)The second generation Yaris - following on from the Echo - improves by evolution to become bigger and stronger. It is making a step away from the "cutesy" end of the segment and looks bolder. In doing so, it will appeal equally to male and female buyers. But despite its new look, much of the car remains similar to before and may not appear to offer as much value as its most deadly rival, Hyundai.ValueThe price is good. This is the cheapest car here by up to $1600 and probably not what you'd expect from Toyota. It's pretty well specced with 15-inch alloys, auto headlights, touch-screen audio with sat-nav, Bluetooth and USB/iPod compatibility, climate airconditioning and trip computer. The YRX is $2000 more than the mid-spec but aside from the SUNA traffic system - not available in all states - I can't see the value in the extra loot.DesignAs mentioned, this model arrived a couple of months ago with a more masculine style and boasting more cabin room. The deep V-shaped grille and kerb-catcher bottom inlet are striking, as is the bulging rear wheel arches and pronounced tail lights. Inside it's a very good match of ergonomics and aesthetics. The double-layer boot looks cavernous but is only a snip above the Mazda2. But rear legroom is the best in this comparison so this car has more flexibility than most.TechnologyThe YRX gets the bigger 80kW 1.5-litre engine which has been around, in various guises, for a while. Most others get a 63kW 1.3-litre unit. No problem with the 1.5's power delivery and even the four-speed auto doesn't cripple its verve. The electric steering is pretty good but the drum rear brakes appear at odds with the rest of the car.SafetyAgain, a five-star crash rating with seven airbags (the seventh is for the driver's knees), electronic stability and traction control, brake assist and brakeforce distribution. The spare wheel is a space saver.DrivingThis is a tidy car. It sits nice and flat on the road and produces no squirms through the bends. The engine is sufficiently flexible to dust off the four gears and though it's no sports car, you can have a lot of fun here. The ride quality is also tops with comfortable seats and forgiving suspension, but it's not the quietest of the bunch and tyre noise can become annoying. Visibility is reasonable. It is difficult to get the complete rear view because of the rear-seat head restraints and to forward vision is thwarted by the steep rake of the bonnet. There is also no park sensors so parking can be guesswork.4. FORD FIESTA Zetec ($22,990)Ford have a little beauty on its hands with the Fiesta. It's so good that in many ways, trumps the bigger - and newer - Focus. It's made in Thailand (like the Mazda2) but quality rates highly. The Zetec is the most expensive of the range that also includes sedan versions and the frugal small-bore diesels.ValueThe price compares favourably with the others. Ford has a $2000 gap between the five-door hatch models - from the CL at $16,990 to LX at $18,990 and then the manual Zetec at $20,990 - and the latter justifies the extra with sports suspension, 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, sports seats and is the only one with USB and iPod integration in the audio. Yes, it's worth the extra.DesignLike the rivals, hard plastic dominates the dashboard and most remaining cabin spaces. But it's all been tastefully executed and though a bit busier than, say, the Hyundai or Mazda, delights in its playground appeal. The Focus-style audio buttons are a bit small for some fingers and there's no lid on the centre console (though the Fiesta isn't alone here) while the exterior is distinctive and fresh.TechnologyNothing to thrill here except the brilliant six-speed dual-clutch automatic. The six gears gives a wide spread in which the engine can work more efficiently while giving rapid upchanges. Very sporty. The 1.6-litre engine is a pleasant unit but nothing really to write home about, while the Fiesta follows suspension convention with MacPhersons at the front and a torsion beam behind.SafetyI repeat - five-star crash rating. There's also all the same electronic aids as the other competitors here and the only glaring difference is that the Fiesta doesn't come with a spare wheel. Nada. Zip. Nothing. Just a bottle of aerosol goo to reinflate the punctured tyre. A spare is optional and is a mandatory purchase.DrivingThe gearbox makes this car. It adds sparkle to the engine, creates smoother driving and ensures the engine is always in an efficient and torquey band of power through the corners. But there's actually a bit more. The seats are supportive and the small steering wheel falls nicely to hand, so there's the feeling that you're in a sports car and even though it's a city hatchback, it has a healthy 89kW/151Nm and records the lowest fuel consumption. Nothing much to dislike here though the boot is almost Mazda2 class in its size.

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

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)

Mazda was once one of the innovators in the car industry, but somewhere in the '90s it became a follower. In short it lost its way. Fast-forward to the noughties and it had rediscovered its mojo with trendsetting models like the '6', '3' and baby '2'. By 2007 when it launched the revamped '2' the Mazda brand was

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.

Value starting priceBoot spaceClassy finishNo improvements to engineSpacesaver spareRoad noise There is very little change in the 2010 model of the Mazda 2. Until you look at the bottom line. The smallest member of the Mazda mob picks up the smiley family grille, there are improvements to the rear shock absorbers and

But the really important question is: what do women want in a car?Finding the answer keeps carmakers tossing and turning at night, because they are well aware that women choose more than half the vehicles sold in Australia. There are all the ones they buy for themselves, as well as the deciding vote on most of the ones bought by households.Sorry, fellas. It’s true. No matter how much you want that souped-up sports car, unless the head of household finances agrees you may as well back away from the vehicle now.One of the earliest attempts to deliver a car for women was the mid-1950s Dodge La Femme. It was actually a 1955 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer under the skin, but the Detroit designers camouflaged that skin as thoroughly as a make-up artist doing Vogue covers.The car was decked out in pink paint, with an interior covered in pink vinyl, set off by pink rosebud tapestry. And to show that this was not merely a cynical marketing exercise, Dodge kitted the car with accessories they thought reflected the growing independence of post-World War II women moving into meaningful career paths - a pink handbag complete with office essentials like a matching powder compact, lipstick case and comb.Sales estimates run as low as less than 1000 cars. And the pink panderer was quickly dropped from the Dodge range at the end of the following year.Australia’s own Carla Zampatti tweaked a Ford specifically for women in the 1980s, but whether it won women - with accessories including a hanging hook for handbags - is still open to question.However, Dodge and Ford weren’t completely on the wrong track. Women want a car to be stylish, but also practical. Luckily, these days there are quite a few vehicles that fit the bill – without playing the pink paint card. These are the best style picks for women today, from a woman's perspective, with the figures for the basic car.Don’t agree with these? Let us know what YOU think women want in a car in our poll at left.LIGHTMazda2Price: from $16,030Engine: 76kW/137Nm 1.5-litre petrolTransmission: manualEconomy: 6.4L/kmEmissions: 152g/kmThe baby 2 has cute and slightly edgy looks, is compact with usable space, and the long doors make it easy to get in the back seat. The auto will be preferred by most, but it adds to the weight of the little car.Close calls: Ford Fiesta from $16,990; Peugeot 207 from $22,490.SMALLBMW 1-SeriesPrice: from $38,900Engine: 160kW/270Nm 2.0-litre petrolTransmission: manualEconomy: 8.2L/kmEmissions: 190g/kmA pocket-sized entry in German prestige – without breaking the pocket. Looks stunning, an amazing amount of room, and great to drive.Close calls: Mazda3 from $21,330; Hyundai i30 from $20,390.MEDIUMFord MondeoPrice: from $31,990Engine: 118kW/208Nm 2.3-litre petrolTransmission: manualEconomy: 9.5L/kmEmissions: 227g/kmThe best thing Ford has brought to Australia in … ever, possibly. Enough space to make you wonder if you’ll ever need a larger car, elegant design and well built.Close calls: Mazda6 from $31,834; Audi A5 Sportback from $78,400.LARGEAudi A6Price: from $74,500Engine: 125kW/350Nm 2.0-litre petrolTransmission: automaticEconomy: 5.8L/kmEmissions: 153g/kmThere’s not a high chic quotient in this class - where the homegrown Falcon and Commodore lean more to aggressive styling - so the Audi’s restrained elegance makes it a clear winner.Close calls: Honda Accord from $36,381Mercedes-Benz E-Class from $80,900.PEOPLE MOVERHonda OdysseyPrice: from $46,166Engine: 132kW/218Nm 2.5-litre petrolTransmission: manualEconomy: 8.9L/kmEmissions: 212g/kmIn a class that’s dominated by lumpy boxes, the Odyssey is a sleek stand-out. It's low-slung, car-like and leading with a fashionable face.Close calls: Citroen C4 Grand Picasso from $39,990; Chrysler Voyager $60,990.SPORTYBMW Mini Cooper ClubmanPrice: from $36,600Engine: 88kW/160Nm 1.6-litre petrolTransmission: automaticEconomy: 6.8L/kmEmissions: 163g/kmA bonsai wagon with go-kart street cred and revamped retro lines, this one will get admiring glances from everybody.Close calls: Kia Cerato Koup from $23,690; Audi S3 from $69,100.CONVERTIBLEVolkswagen EosPrice: from $47,990Engine: 103kW/320Nm dieselTransmission: automaticEconomy: 6.0L/kmEmissions: 158g/kmThe EOS is streamlined and sophisticated, looks equally good with the roof open or closed – and has enough room in the back to get a couple of extra friends in for short trips.Close calls: BMW Z4 from $86,200; Lexus IS250C from $80,150. SUVHyundai ix35Price: from $26,990Engine: 122kW/197Nm petrolTransmission: manualEconomy: 8.5L/kmEmissions: 201g/kmThere’s heaps of practicality but precious little style in the SUV paddocks. But Hyundai’s new compact ix35 proves you can have both. Ultra-modern lines, trim shape and space to spare.Close calls: Jeep Wrangler (medium) from $31,590; Land Rover Range Rover Sport (large) from $99,900.

There’s no doubt the little city package has loads of street presence with style to burn. But with the growing competition for buyer attention in this segment, it needs to be a bit more than just a head-turner.EngineThe Mazda2 Maxx is powered by a 1.5 litre, four cylinder in-line 16V DOHC engine, with sequential valve timing. It puts out 82kW at 6000rpm and 141Nm at 4000rpm. Fuel economy numbers for the five-speed manual sit around the 6.6l/100km and 7.0l/100km for the four-speed automatic.Exterior The Maxx is compact at just under 3.0 metres long and 1.68 metres wide, and with a strong crease line swooping from top of the front wheel arch to high in the rear, it sits with a sense of purpose and agility. Body-coloured power mirrors and door handles, a rear roof spoiler and alloy wheels are standard features that dress up the Maxx.InteriorInside, the Mazda2 Maxx is comfortable and airy. The seats are basic but offer some support. Head and leg room is adequate and the rear seats are 50/50 split fold.Mazda’s whole 2 range shares the full complement of interior features but for a six stacker CD player, a multi function steering and a slightly higher grade cloth trim that appear only in the Maxx and Genki models.Safety and security On top of the basic airbag package, safety features in the Mazda2 Maxx include anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, central locking and an engine immobiliser.PricingThe Mazda2 Maxx starts at $18,650 for the three-door manual and tops out at $21,300 for the five-door automatic. The optional safety pack that includes side and curtain airbags will set you back another $1,100.Driving On the road, the ride comfort is above average and handling is surprisingly tight. The Maxx also stays quite flat going hard into corners.Acceleration is far from mind-blowing - as you’d expect from the modest outputs - but it’s decent for such a small car. It doesn’t make too much of a fuss around the 110km/h mark on the freeway and holds its line well on the bitumen. At that speed you do get a little tyre rumble and side-mirror woosh but generally the cabin is quiet enough to hold a conversation without having to shout.Around town is where the Mazda2 Maxx shines, with the electrically-assisted steering getting extra bonus points when trying to jam the little car into tight parking spots. The multi-function steering wheel is a nice touch - both from creature comfort and safety points of view -and the gear-stick placement takes a bit of getting used to. But at this modest level of performance, the quirkier the car, the better it will possibly endear itself to potential buyers.