subject: Mazda 2 A Great Compact Car [print this page] Mazda's 121 replacement combines practicality, affordability and excitement in equal measures unmatched in the compact car class.
In essence, Mazda has decided it needs to build cars that are "Stylish, Spirited and Insightful". That means cars should be fun to drive and own, not just a form of transport. And these characteristics should apply not only to the pricier models on the list, but to everything Mazda builds.
Let's take a look at the Mazda 2, launched in December 2002, from the ground up. On the styling front, don't expect me to wax lyrical about the Mazda corporate five-point grille, or the striking front profile, etc. Look at the photos, and I'll simply add that the 2 works very well in the flesh. It looks smart. It looks good. Its stance is purposeful and exciting.
Unlike the 121, the 2 will not be offered with a stripper 1.3-litre engine. Performance is improved with power up and torque 10 percent stronger.
Which sounds like the perfect recipe for disastrous fuel consumption. But It actually consumes less than the 121.
Exterior colors are designed to be noticed, particularly the soft yellow and burnt orange versions. Interior trim levels and colors differ across the range, from bright gray with blue dash on Neo, bright beige cloth.
Interior space is a highlight of the 2, with plenty of leg and headroom front and rear in all models. Two adults sit comfortably in the rear, though it leaves no room whatsoever for a third, or even a child. Boot space is good for this class of car, which has a low loading height and wide hatch for easy access.
On the road, the Mazda 2 works better than any car in its class. Mazda retained the 121's independent strut front end and torsion beam rear axle setup, revised to offer impressive performance in both ride quality and handling dynamics.
There's very little to complain about the 2's manners on the move. It rides very smoothly and compliantly over choppy surface, barely rolling the body while cornering and changing direction.
It performs as well as, if not better than, we remember the Honda Jazz. The Mazda 2 nails all those disciplines compact car buyers crave, and at a price the others will find hard to match. That alone is enough to recommend it for anyone hunting cheap, practical, flexible transport. Add the Mazda 2's benchmark chassis dynamics and its capable, economical drive-train, and you've got a car too good to ignore.
