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Local Launch
Coolum, Queensland
What we liked
>> Sporty styling
>> Handling
>> Interior layout and looks
Not so much
>> Lack of low-down torque
>> Stiff gearshift
Overall rating: 3.5/5.0
Engine/Drivetrain/Chassis: 3.0/5.0
Price, Packaging and Practicality: 4.0/5.0
Safety: 3.5/5.0
Behind the wheel: 3.5/5.0
X-factor: 3.0/5.0
Mazda's little 2 will make big waves in the light car class. On looks alone, the new 2 is a standout for dropping the lanky 'tall boy' dimensions used by the predecessor and most of its Asian competitors.
The restyle directive came for want of a global car that would appease markets like Europe and a focus that has shifted away from domestic Japanese interests which Mazda says led the former model's practical, boxy shape back in 2002. The old 2 was missing the sporty lines, or what the company describes as the appearance of "an athlete in the starting blocks" of its latest products... Mazda takes its 'Zoom-Zoom philosophy' seriously, even if you don't.
The new model boasts handling and ride benefits inherent with the use of an all-new platform, and the introduction of ultra high-tensile steel and increased proportion of high-tensile steel for better torsional rigidity and reductions to weight.
Mazda also used its 'gram strategy', as applied to the latest generation MX-5, for weight saving for the new 2. The method even included re-engineering the audio system speakers for 0.98kg reduction and the wiring harness was shortened to save 2.86kg.
Mazda is as pleased to tot-up these seemingly innocuous figures with more significant weight savings elsewhere. The body shell is 22kg lighter than the old model and Mazda says it saved 13kg using weight reduction measures for the suspension, including making the rear trailing arms shorter and lightening the front lower arms.
The new Mazda2 is around 60kg lighter than the outgoing model in Australian specification, which includes additional components over some overseas markets including a rear carriage impact bar and passenger seatbelt reminder. Overall, Mazda was able to save around 100kg for the new model.
For obvious reasons Mazda made the MX-5 as light as possible but its attention to size and weight for the new 2 has more to do with market position. Keeping the 2 generally smaller and lighter means the new model bucks "the spiral of ever increasing weight" which Mazda says is an industry trend. The company has a point, considering the influx of 'crossovers' and the like blurring segment outlines. Consequently the new Mazda2 is a light car by all definitions.
The new model uses the predecessor's 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, reworked to meet Euro IV regulations and mated to the same five-speed manual or four-speed auto options. Output ratings are 76kW/137Nm for new Mazda2 -- down from 82kW/141Nm and fuel consumption has improved slightly (0.2lt/100km). Manual versions now use 6.4lt/100km on the ADR 81/01 cycle and the auto model uses 6.8lt/100km.
The three-model range includes air-conditioning, power windows and mirrors, and MP-3 compatible CD player as standard. The Neo opener comes with front passenger airbags and 14-inch steel wheels, for under $17K. The Maxx mid-ranger adds 15-inch alloys, six-disc CD player with steering wheel-mounted audio controls and a rear spoiler. The top 2 is the Genki for just under $21K, with upgraded interior trim, 16-inch alloys, six airbags, leather-trimmed steering wheel and front fogs. For more pricing details see here.
The new 2 is available with stability control across the range, as part of optional safety packs. The upgrade includes side and curtain airbags for Neo and Maxx. Mazda is currently the only Japanese manufacturer to offer stability control in this class in Australia, although the upcoming Nissan Micra has a stabilty control system for UK models. Current local competitors with the feature on some models include Volkswagen Polo and the new Peugeot 207. Class stalwarts like the Yaris and Barina do not offer stability control even as an option but the good old Getz does.
All models come standard with front disc and rear drum brakes with anti-lock braking system incorporating EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution) and brake assist. Mazda expects the car to earn a five-star rating when tested by Euro NCAP -- when equipped with the full airbag treatment. The previous model had earned four stars for adult safety; three for child and two for pedestrian safety.
Mazda says the new model is safer for pedestrians. The side mirrors are placed low for better vision at intersections and new 2 has good front and sidewards view by way of a sloping beltline, which is 40mm lower at the front than the outgoing model.
The new model's dashboard is well-positioned and doesn't cut into the driver's view but the gauges are small scale to keep the cabin uncluttered. Passenger space is comparable to the outgoing model despite the external downsize, and especially good for headroom and front passenger legroom.
The restyled interior features attractive white-faced instrumentation and an unusual but useful "magazine holder" in the glovebox. Like Micra, the cabin is a good blend of fashion and function. Most notably the shift lever has been repositioned to the centre console, raising it 38mm and closer to the driver.
Mazda2's highlight is its handling, however. The launch comprised only a short drive stint but the route covered a variety of roads including winding tarmac, highway and dirt. Mazda2 was footsure and refined even over broken surfaces and its steering absorbed some small potholes without impacting on feel, which was light but responsive.
Drivers get tilt-adjustable steering only but we quickly found a comfortable position with the height-adjustable seat, and liked the new location of the gearshift. The test car's manual was stiff and notchy, however, so we're looking forward to a week in another car with more miles on it to assess whether it's across the board.
The 1.5-litre lacks low-down urge but is happy to work hard after 3000rpm. The manual version helped keep it simmering, but like the recent international launch (more here) we've yet to try it with the auto. It's a quiet and gutsy unit nonetheless and combined with the new model's neat handling and ride, the new 2 can turn on a spirited drive.
Mazda2 punches above its weight on the safety front. Fair pricing will also help its case, so too the snazzy styling which Mazda believes dominates buyers' wishlists for this segment.
Mazda Australia expects the restyle will be good enough to attract nearly double the sales of the outgoing model. According to MA, the old Mazda2 averaged around 450 sales a month since 2002 whereas it's aiming at 850 for the new model, expecting newfound and younger buyers. We'd happily be one of them.
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