Mazda2: New Style, More Safety

Motoring Channel Staff - 11/September/2007

Sydney, Australia — The new Mazda2 range has arrived in Australia boasting an all new look that waves goodbye to the tall-boy shape, and heralds a more dynamic European design.

It's an efficient car too, using just 6.4L/100km in the manual models and 6.8L/100km for the automatic Mazda2 models, over the combined city-highway cycle.

"Lighter, stronger, safer, cuter, more fuel efficient and offering better value than ever before" is how Mazda describes the new Mazda2, which starts at $16,500. Here's the full price list:

Mazda2 Neo: $16,500
Mazda2 Maxx: $18,710
Mazda2 Genki: $20,845

Mazda has introduced a much higher level of standard specification across the range, including an anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA). All models also gets remote locking, driver's seat height adjustment, a centre rear headrest and an AUX jack that enables any MP3 player (including iPod) to be played through the car’s stereo.

The Mazda2 range comes with air conditioning, power windows and mirrors and an MP3 compatible CD player with four speakers. Mazda says that the new Mazda2 is also the first Mazda and the first Japanese model in the compact car class available (but not standard) with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) on all models.

The features listed above are standard on all models, including the entry-level Mazda2 Neo, while the Mazda2 Maxx grade costs about $2,000 more and adds things like 15-inch alloy wheels, 6-disc CD player, steering wheel mounted audio controls and a rear spoiler.

Boasting a body kit, the range-topping Genki model now comes with 16-inch alloys, unique seat trim, six airbags, leather-trimmed steering wheel and front fog lamps.

Having done it's homework, Mazda came to the conclusion that "style is the number one reason for purchase in the so-called Light or B car segment" and that it's new compact had to be a marketed improve on the original Mazda2 (launched in 2002). The older model featured a tall body and a boxy shape that was very much the 'in thing' in Japan at the time, but now Mazda wants to increase it's audience to beyond its domestic market and into Europe.

"The car’s prominent front fenders have a lot of sports car in them," stated the Mazda press release. "Perhaps that shouldn’t be a surprise given that the new Mazda2 was penned by Ikuo Maeda – the man responsible for the RX-8 and whose father designed the original RX-7."

Overall the new Mazda2 is shorter and lighter than its predecessor, improving fuel economy, ride, handling, and acceleration, yet retaining the same levels of interior space. Unlike interiors with uniformly flat surfaces, Mazda decided to create an interior that had a few curves and the centre console is largely spherical as a result.

To "reduce flab" and improve fuel consumption and performance, Mazda explains that it's team of engineers looked to the MX-5 and its weight saving 'gram strategy' for inspiration. The idea ensures that every aspect of the car was checked for excess, which meant things like the bonnet latch was made smaller and its hinges thinner to save 690 grams.

Mazda2's 1.5-litre Engine

All Mazda2 models now comply with the strict Euro Stage 4 emission regulations and are powered by a 1.5-litre MZR engine. This small 4-cylinder petrol engine returns very good fuel economy figures, and the power levels are as follows:

Power: 76kW @ 6000rpm
Torque: 137Nm @ 4000rpm

The Mazda2 range comes standard with the 5-speed manual gearbox and can be optioned with a 4-speed automatic for drivers who prefer the ease of use, or have an auto drivers license. The manual models are more fuel efficient, andthe fuel efficiency levels for the Mazda2 are as follows:

Manual: 6.4L/100km
Automatic: 6.8L/100km

Though we couldn't find C02 emission statistics for the new model, Mazda claims that carbon emissions have been reduced when compared to the outgoing Mazda2 model.

Mazda says the new model is more fun to drive as well, with lighter suspension, more responsive steering, and the Mazda2 is safer than its forebear as well. The stiffer frame and body structure improve occupant crash protection, and Mazda expects that cars fitted with six airbags will earn a top, five-star NCAP rating.

Doug Dickson, managing director of Mazda Australia, said: "The new Mazda2 demonstrates that Mazda is not resting on its laurels. As the first of our second generation of Zoom-Zoom cars it ticks all the boxes and we expect it to sell in much larger numbers than the original car."

Since it was launched five years ago, the first generation Mazda2 sold (on average) 450 units per month in Australia. Mazda Australia is so confident of the new model's appeal that it expects to almost double that figure with sales predictions of 850 Mazda2s a month. 

"The new Mazda2's combination of great looks, outstanding value and class leading driving dynamics make it a super little model," added Mr Dickson.

On sale now from $16,500, the new Mazda2 comes with a three year/unlimited kilometre warranty.

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