Awards / Reviews
Reviews
Driving Seat
By John Maslin – Wanganui Chronicle | 10 November 2007
At a time when the influences of raging fuel prices and environmental consciousness are constant themes in our daily lives then the arrival of any new small car perks up interest.
Little wonder then that the new Mazda2 was going to be a keenly awaited arrival.
It doesn't disappoint in any respect. In fact the car, apart from its head turning looks, is one of the best cars we've driven.
Mazda has presented a car that has taken a bold turn and rid it of any suggestions that it's another small car better suited to senior citizens.
The model it replaced was worthy but frankly a little but dull. Not do this new one, which exhibits as much panache as the rest of the pack and then some.
But it goes well beyond just showing off eye appeal. It has an engine, which showed it to be an outstanding performer on the open road as well as displaying a handling character that was mature beyond its small size.
Our time was with the $24,500 Sport automatic, the range-topper in the-up.
At its launch the Mazda boys were getting serious about what the future may hold as the government grapples with such key environmental issues as emissions.
The new Mazda2 boasts cleaner exhaust emissions, a fuel economy improved by some 5 percent and an engine that meets Euro 4 carbon emissions as well.
But making it small sometimes creates a pretty bland vehicle. Not so this one. The styling is refreshing and appealing with a prominent front end that sits 40mm lower than the previous model. The silhouette rises through the car's midriff to higher waistline at the back of the little hatch.
The power comes from a1.5 litre MZR four-cylinder engine, which uses sequential valve timing. And by adding a variable induction system the torque is given a leg up as well. With an electronically controlled throttle, the response from the engine is instant.
It develops 76kW and 137Nm of torque (at 4000rpm). Coupled up with the four stage automatic transmission it makes for a heady cocktail.
This isn't a big engine but it's more than willing to perform, and that auto box gets the very best from under the bonnet. Get it into the hill country and it works wonderfully well through the ratios and will kick down nicely under pressure to hold onto the third gear, maintaining power and speed all the time.
Mazda's testing claims 6.8 litres for every 100km of combined urban and highway driving which again improves on the outgoing model.
They've retained the same wheelbase in the new model but it's shorter and not as tall as the previous model either.
What this translates into is a much lighter Mazda2, cutting something like 100kg from the first generation 2's chassis. The keenness to save weight was first encountered in the new MX-5 sports coupe with Mazda unveiling its "gram strategy".
They have included a lot of ultra high tensile steel in the new car and it's much more rigid than the earlier model. But despite the lightness and the stiffness, the Mazda2 boasts a much quieter interior than before. In fact it's another of the little car's appealing points.
Given the car's lower centre of gravity, the electronic power steering delivers a pure road feel from the driver's seat.
What undoubtedly improves the handling character even more is the arrival of Dynamic Stability Control in the Sports Models. DSC is something you're more likely to find in bigger cars, not something as small as the Mazda2.
The designers gained some of their weight savings by paving 13kg off the suspension but the redesign of the MacPherson strut front and torsion beam rear suspension plays a significant role in the Mazda2's handling improvement.
There's a constant reference to "small" in terms of the Mazda2 but don't be fooled. Inside the little car opens up a surprisingly spacious cabin. Doors front and rear open wide which immediately helps with access. And even with the front seats right back there's still ample legroom for back seat passengers.
Despite the compactness of the little car, there's ample boot space at 250 litres. The folding rear seats push the load space out to 787 litres.
Improved aerodynamics and better seals around the doors help muffle external noises and it makes the car's cabin a remarkably quiet place.
For a small car Mazda has put in plenty of effort in ensuring passive and active safety measures give the best possible occupant protection. Special "load paths" deflect the impact of crashes away from the passengers.
The stability control system marries up the functions performed by ABS, electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and emergency brake assist (EBA).
There are three-point seatbelts for all five seat positions, and dual front, side and curtain airbags are standard.
Other standard features in the Mazda2 Sport's cabin include air conditioning, leather-wrapped steering wheel, seat height adjuster (driver's side) six-disc in-dash CD player (MP3-compatible) and steering wheel mounted audio controls, power windows and mirrors and remote central locking.
Cute is a word Mazda at the car's launch. It helps sum up the parts of this little car, but there's much more to it than just good looks.
It handles with the sort of supreme confidence usually associated with bigger and more expensive cars and has a power plant and transmission that give it some winged feet.
Compact for sure, but there's ample room.
And its simple design statement shakes off the tag of this Mazda being something of a conservative car better suited to older people than younger folk.
The Mazda2 is all of the above and then some.
It joins a classy stable which includes the Mazda3 and Mazda6 and deserves to acquit itself extremely well.
And the price underlines the fact that it offers great value for money.
 |
 |
