Three-door Mazda2 for singles

Mazda is aiming the new three-door Mazda2 right at the heart of the young buyers' demographic.

And lending 'entry level' a whole new definition, the importer has priced the three-door '2' just $750 below the five-door counterpart.

So the company is plainly confident that the Mazda2 will sell on the strength of the model's core qualities -- not bargain basement pricing. The new base model is the Mazda2 three-door Neo, priced at $15,750 (versus $16,500 for the five-door Neo). Similarly, the three-door in the Maxx level of trim -- priced at $17,960 -- is $750 below the $18,710 figure applicable to the five-door Maxx.

Mazda is not offering the three-door models in the Genki level of trim, the company being concerned about "model proliferation" -- in the words of Mazda Australia's National Marketing Manager, Alastair Doak.

"We've put the Mazda2 three-door where the volume is," he said, explaining that whilst the Genki models have been successful in both the current generation of Mazda2 and the last one, there's an element of diminishing returns with a high-spec three-door model that would sell in significantly fewer numbers than the five-door model.

Both grades of the three-door Mazda2 mirror the equipment levels of the five-door versions and pricing is based on the standard five-speed manual variants. As for the five-door models, the three-door Mazda2 is also available with the option of a four-speed automatic transmission for $1650.

Standard equipment for the three-door Neo (blue car pictured) comprises: ABS/EBD, Brake Assist, remote central locking, height-adjustable driver's seat, headrests for all seating positions, an MP3 auxiliary jack for the audio system, air conditioning, electric windows/mirrors, four-speaker CD audio system.

Over and above that, the Mazda2 Maxx (red car pictured) adds 15-inch alloy wheels, six-disc CD audio system, remote audio controls on the steering wheel and a rear spoiler.

Specifications are largely the same as for the five-door models, the three-door sharing both wheelbase and overall length.

The 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine is a DOHC unit with variable valve timing. Peak power of 76kW arrives at 6000rpm and 137Nm of torque is available from 4000rpm. Drive passes through either the standard five-speed manual (with its overdriven fourth and fifth gears) or the optional four-speed automatic (direct drive in third), to the front wheels. Fuel consumption is 6.4L/100km for the manual or 6.8L/100km for the auto. 

A combination of ventilated front discs and rear drums take care of the stopping and the Mazda's relatively simple suspension system consists of MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam at the rear. Rack and pinion steering is electrically assisted.

According to Mazda, the '2' is the lightest of light cars in Australia. This is attributable to the manufacturer's use of ultra-high-tensile-strength steels for 31 per cent of the car's construction. Comparing cars of matching specification, the three-door models are 10kg lighter than the five-door models and range in weight from 1002kg (Neo three-door manual) to 1032kg (Maxx three-door auto).

Despite the light weight of the new model, it is still strong and safe in a crash. Mazda is yet to see a three-door model undergo NCAP crash testing, but the five-door has already achieved five stars. All Mazda2 models are equipped as standard with dual front airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners with load-limiters and anti-whiplash headrests for the front-seat occupants.

The company expects to sell around 300 units a month, which, if it comes to pass, will constitute a significant increment -- roughly 20 to 25 per cent -- of total Mazda2 sales volumes.

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