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Year zoom-zooms to an end
By Roger Hart – Ashburton Guardian | 27 December 2007
The end of this rather interesting year of sporting mishaps, fisticuffs in the Beehive and so on, is nigh. And hasn't it zoomed by!
Which brings to mind the matter of the Zoom-zoom. Mazda has not only given us its very cute Mazda2, but also the two wheel drive, and four door BT50 truck.
Mazda2 Sport - Cute, safe and definitely enticing
The cute little Mazda2 has just been awarded the five-star maximum rating in the Euro NCAP adult occupant protection safety test. Which proves its shapely front, the curvy front guards that flow into the neat wedge shape and its natty rear end, all of which are decidedly European rather than oriental, are not just for appearances.
While being shorter and 100 kilograms lighter than the previous model, it's obviously much stronger. And with the wheels in each corner, the space inside and particularly the rear seat leg room, it is now what you expect from a car the next size up.
The driver and passenger sit a little higher in their sports-style seats and the large windows mean all-round vision is very good. The Sport has a leather-clad steering wheel and a rather delightful dash with appropriate alloy highlights for the white-faced speedo, rev counter, and fuel gauge.
Those features, combined with the mix of nice textures throughout, mirror the MX-5 in some respects. There's front, side and curtain airbags and a six disc sound system.
While the car's shape and concentration on passenger space dictates the boot isn't huge, its carrying capacity is maximised by having a space-saver spare concealed in the floor.
While the rear seat splits 60-40 for when lots of gear needs to be carried, it doesn't fold completely flat.
The 1.5 litre four has sequential valve timing, an electronic throttle and produces 76kW at 6000rpm. While it is made to rev and is at its best around 4000rpm, where its torque of 137Nm peaks, it is just as happy to be treated gently.
It is easy to drive around town, particularly with the four-speed automatic gearbox. But it is even better with the snappy five-speed manual which really brings out the car's overall sporty attitude as it hits the speed limit on just a smidgen over 10 seconds.
With its combination of a strong chassis and nice steering feel, this little car encourages you to enjoy its charms and hustle it through corners where it happily shows off its great balance and stays nicely on line.
If a tricky situation should arise you have the reassurance of the stability control system. The ride on main roads is on the firm but comfortable side, while when driving on more irregular surfaces, the suspension can make itself felt and road noise increases.
So when driving in most conditions, this nimble little car can quickly convince you that you are indeed driving a much larger car. When you factor in the crash protection, fuel economy and its endearing natural charm, this car really makes a lot of sense.
So it is no surprise to learn that in its rather short time on the market it has already had a number of notable awards. And there's a distinct possibility more will be headed Mazda2's way.
That's a just reward for being fun, frugal and reassuring to drive - irrespective of whether it's grandma rather sedately zooming off to croquet, or the writer enjoying the Zoom-Zoom Mazda2 is endowed with on a coast-to-coast drive.
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