Overall well-being is insured by decent front seats, plenty of head and elbow room. Dash layout is fun and functional, not to mention well-assembled in typical Mazda style. As is, the Mazda2's cabin is a natural fit for Canadian consumers competing cleanly with or surpassing the likes of the Hyundai Accent, Toyota Yaris, Kia Rio and Nissan Versa. Only the Honda Fit does better; but then again, it outclasses them all.
Small can be dynamic!
The Mazda2 adheres perfectly to Mazda's adage that is “Zoom Zoom”. The car is sleek and stylish and depending on trim, sports some quite good-looking alloys. Stretching nearly from one end of the car to the other, the wheelbase maximizes interior volume and also keeps overhangs to very tidy dimensions.
Slightly flared wheel arches add to the 2's sporty demeanour and perhaps the most striking element of design is the strong character line that begins at the front side markers and meets up with the taillights. I, in fact, like the car so much that I prefer the less obstructed lines of the 3-door over the typically smarter and versatile 5-door.
The Russia-sourced 2 was powered by a 1.5L inline 4-cylinder engine good for 102 hp. The important points to remember are that combined fuel economy numbers are under 6L per 100 km, CO2 rating is at only 140 g/km and that the car weighs considerably less than 1,000 kg. All this to say that despite the presence of a 4-speed automatic transmission, two good-sized passengers and some gear, the 2 is sprightly. Oh, and lesser engines are also available, as is a 5-speed manual gearbox.
Behind the wheel
My driving impressions will be very light. As previously explained, my stint down the 401 severely limited my ability to explore what seems like to be a very competent chassis, a firm yet compliant ride and precise, well-weighted steering. Likewise, my evaluation of the braking system was completed when a last-second course change was made and I hammered the left pedal to slow down from 120 km/h to about 60 km/h. It worked.
All-in-all
I would have liked to have spent more time challenging the Mazda2 but the goal of the event was first and foremost a preview of what is to come from Mazda in the form of a subcompact offering. As brief as a conclusion can be: I liked it.
The 2 will only hit showrooms in about a year, but Mazda Canada has purchased four cars and they will be on display everywhere Mazda will have a booth. The ramp-up to the official launch of the car will be significant and once it arrives, my guess is that consumers will be lining up to get their hands on one. Pricing has not been announced but we can expect it to be in the $14,000 to $18,000 range.
photo:Mathieu St-Pierre
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| The Russia-sourced 2 was powered by a 1.5L inline 4-cylinder engine good for 102 hp. |
Small can be dynamic!
The Mazda2 adheres perfectly to Mazda's adage that is “Zoom Zoom”. The car is sleek and stylish and depending on trim, sports some quite good-looking alloys. Stretching nearly from one end of the car to the other, the wheelbase maximizes interior volume and also keeps overhangs to very tidy dimensions.
Slightly flared wheel arches add to the 2's sporty demeanour and perhaps the most striking element of design is the strong character line that begins at the front side markers and meets up with the taillights. I, in fact, like the car so much that I prefer the less obstructed lines of the 3-door over the typically smarter and versatile 5-door.
The Russia-sourced 2 was powered by a 1.5L inline 4-cylinder engine good for 102 hp. The important points to remember are that combined fuel economy numbers are under 6L per 100 km, CO2 rating is at only 140 g/km and that the car weighs considerably less than 1,000 kg. All this to say that despite the presence of a 4-speed automatic transmission, two good-sized passengers and some gear, the 2 is sprightly. Oh, and lesser engines are also available, as is a 5-speed manual gearbox.
Behind the wheel
My driving impressions will be very light. As previously explained, my stint down the 401 severely limited my ability to explore what seems like to be a very competent chassis, a firm yet compliant ride and precise, well-weighted steering. Likewise, my evaluation of the braking system was completed when a last-second course change was made and I hammered the left pedal to slow down from 120 km/h to about 60 km/h. It worked.
All-in-all
I would have liked to have spent more time challenging the Mazda2 but the goal of the event was first and foremost a preview of what is to come from Mazda in the form of a subcompact offering. As brief as a conclusion can be: I liked it.
The 2 will only hit showrooms in about a year, but Mazda Canada has purchased four cars and they will be on display everywhere Mazda will have a booth. The ramp-up to the official launch of the car will be significant and once it arrives, my guess is that consumers will be lining up to get their hands on one. Pricing has not been announced but we can expect it to be in the $14,000 to $18,000 range.
 |
| As brief as a conclusion can be: I liked it. |
photo:Mathieu St-Pierre
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