Mazda 2 Reviews

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.

Mazda's light car arrived well before the Mazda6 and Mazda3 both of which have been a runaway success.Although the Mazda2 continues to impress in terms of style, equipment and performance, it has never managed to equal the success of its larger brethren.That's the car industry for you.The light car segment is extremely competitive and price usually rules the day, no matter that your car might have five doors instead of three, a more powerful engine or longer equipment list.Front runner is currently the Toyota Echo, followed by the Hyundai Getz and Kia Rio, based on the latest industry sales figures.Mazda has continued to throw equipment at the car in a bid to jump start sales but with little effect.As well as two airbags and airconditioning, our test car the base model Neo now boasts power windows and mirrors.The five-door Neo is priced from $17,490.The Mazda2 is powered by a lusty 1.5-litre four cylinder engine that delivers 82kW of power at 6000rpm and 141Nm of torque from 4000rpm.It is a sweet thing that loves to rev and rev hard with rewarding results.What's even better is that the car has the drive dynamics to match with one of the best handling packages that we have seen in this segment.Flog it and flog it mercilessly and the Mazda2 just keeps coming back for more – it's a lesson from which others could learn.A five-speed manual transmission is standard and combines beautifully with the car, with a short easy to use action.Brakes are discs with drums on the back but do a good job of stopping the car nevertheless.You don't get alloys with the Neo but the 14-inch steels wheels are adequate for the job.A $1200 safety packs adds another four airbags as well as ABS brakes wth brake force distribution and brake assist.Fuel economy is excellent at a claimed 7.6L/100km city and 5.2L/100km highway.Inside the cabin is tall and airy with comfortable seating for four adults, five at a pinch and good legroom in the back.The load space is nothing to write home about and it is unfortunate that Mazda did not opt for the two-tier rear shelf.Standard equipment includes a CD player and a load cover.The only thing we found really annoying with this car is the central locking system which is key operated and operates only from the driver's door.