Computer says no.....
All Mazda2 models are powered by a 1.6 litre four-cylinder that makes 100 horsepower. These are sent to the front wheels through a five-speed manual transmission that boasts one of the best shifters on this side of about 35 grand. The little engine is versatile and moves the 2 along adequately, provided drivers aren’t shy about getting the revs up. Gas mileage is good-- but a small tank means drivers will still be visiting the gas station fairly often.
With the slick shifter and light, forgiving clutch, the experience of rowing one’s own gears in the 2 is largely a pleasant one—but not entirely.
The engine’s electronic throttle system proved to be this writer’s biggest complaint. Rather than a direct and linear response when the throttle is applied, the ‘throttle computer’ often ‘numbs’ or even ignores inputs in what Mazda calls an attempt to increase fuel economy and refinement.
Most annoying is the lack of that forward ‘leap’ into the next gear when drivers accelerate hard and shift fast. In this situation, the 2’s computer brain may pause power delivery for a brief moment to ‘smooth out’ the gear shifts. This electronic system feels fine in many situations, but enthusiast drivers will likely find it too obviously artificial.
Spirited handling, excellent ride
Redemption comes in the form of the 2’s fun-to-drive character. Steering is mischievously quick, there’s plenty of grip, flat and tidy cornering, and a set of powerful and precise brakes. The 2 requires minimal inputs from the driver to toss about, and feels comfortable and planted in the process.
The gist?
Throttle aside, all other driver inputs here are met with a pleasing response. In some situations, the 2 even calls machines like the Mini Cooper and Volkswagen GTI to mind. Feels like it could handle another 50 or 100 horsepower, too-- should a high-performance ‘Mazdaspeed’ variant become available. Mazda’s tight-lipped on that for the moment.
All Mazda2 models are powered by a 1.6 litre four-cylinder that makes 100 horsepower. These are sent to the front wheels through a five-speed manual transmission that boasts one of the best shifters on this side of about 35 grand. The little engine is versatile and moves the 2 along adequately, provided drivers aren’t shy about getting the revs up. Gas mileage is good-- but a small tank means drivers will still be visiting the gas station fairly often.
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| All Mazda2 models are powered by a 1.6 litre four-cylinder that makes 100 horsepower. (Photo: Justin Pritchard/Auto123.com) |
With the slick shifter and light, forgiving clutch, the experience of rowing one’s own gears in the 2 is largely a pleasant one—but not entirely.
The engine’s electronic throttle system proved to be this writer’s biggest complaint. Rather than a direct and linear response when the throttle is applied, the ‘throttle computer’ often ‘numbs’ or even ignores inputs in what Mazda calls an attempt to increase fuel economy and refinement.
Most annoying is the lack of that forward ‘leap’ into the next gear when drivers accelerate hard and shift fast. In this situation, the 2’s computer brain may pause power delivery for a brief moment to ‘smooth out’ the gear shifts. This electronic system feels fine in many situations, but enthusiast drivers will likely find it too obviously artificial.
Spirited handling, excellent ride
Redemption comes in the form of the 2’s fun-to-drive character. Steering is mischievously quick, there’s plenty of grip, flat and tidy cornering, and a set of powerful and precise brakes. The 2 requires minimal inputs from the driver to toss about, and feels comfortable and planted in the process.
The gist?
Throttle aside, all other driver inputs here are met with a pleasing response. In some situations, the 2 even calls machines like the Mini Cooper and Volkswagen GTI to mind. Feels like it could handle another 50 or 100 horsepower, too-- should a high-performance ‘Mazdaspeed’ variant become available. Mazda’s tight-lipped on that for the moment.
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| Despite the grip and handling potential, the ride quality is relatively excellent. (Photo: Justin Pritchard/Auto123.com) |