The ‘Kodo’ design means – Soul of Motion – one bursting with energy.
With heaps of technology, a smart interior and stylish good looks the Mazda2 delivers on the fun factor writes Geraldine Herbert
What is it? With family inspired styling the Mazda2 arrives at a time when the small car market is crammed with talented rivals from the new Opel Corsa, Skoda Fabia and Hyundai i20 to the perennial favourite, Ford’s Fiesta
Who is it aimed at? The Mazda2 is essentially a supermini but the smart styling targets a young urban dweller while the spacious interior and practicality will attract a wider range of buyers.
Styling? Using Mazda’s ‘Kodo’ design language – the chiselled new 2 is from first glance part of the family. With the signature wing front grille and the predatory headlamp the styling is sure to turn heads and has real kerb appeal.
Under the Bonnet? Under the bonnet is a choice of three 1.5-litre models, two petrol with 90 bhp (our test car) or 75 bhp and the most powerful in the range a 105 bhp diesel.
Depending on model, available equipment includes: smart keyless entry, climate control air-conditioning and a 7-inch colour touch-screen
What about inside? Inside the cabin is beautifully ordered and there’s plenty of seat adjustment to help you get comfortable. Storage areas are good throughout and head and leg room both front and back is good with more than enough space for four adults. The seats can be folded to create a flexible space for 960 litres of luggage and even with the seats in place the boot holds 280 litres.
On the Road? Don’t expect fireworks from the 90bhp but the five speed gearbox is particularly good and there’s plenty to enjoy about driving it. The firm ride is all part of the appeal and the controls are light and there’s plenty of grip and refinement. But it is a little on the noisy side and particularly on motorways where you can’t escape a wind ensemble.
And Safety? Mazda hasn’t scrimped where it matters and the new 2 is packed with things that protect you, from Dynamic Stability Control to a host of airbags.
Options?. Four main trim levels offer graduated amounts of goodies from SE, Executive, Executive SE to the range topping GT; 15-inch steel wheels; front dynamic stability control and tyre pressure monitor are offered as standard on the entry level SE. Executive adds 15-inch alloys; manual air-con; cruise control; front fog lights; Bluetooth and electric front and rear windows, trade up to Executive SE and you gain a 7-inch touchscreen display, Smart city brake support; lane departure warning system. Our GT test car adds 16-inch alloys; Keyless entry; rain and light sensor and auto air-con.
Will it break the bank? If you’re doing your bit for the planet the 1.5 diesel benefits from all best of the Skyactiv system that reduces weight and increases efficiency from the engines and the results are impressive, the 2 returns 3.4 litres per 100 (83 mpg) with only 89 g/km. Our 1.5 petrol promises 4.5 litres per 100 (62.8 mpg) with CO2 emissions of just 105 g/km.
More than 2.4 million Mazda2s have been sold globally since it was first launched in 1996
Verdict? Smart inside and out and great fun to drive the Mazda2 is one of the best small cars around. Refinement on the petrol could be a little better but you’ll have such fun driving it, it’s easily forgiven. So whether its chic styling, practicality or just good value for money the new Mazda2 is an excellent all-rounder.
Why you’ll buy one? Stylish; Interior Space; Driving Dynamics
Why you won’t? Firm Ride; Noisy
Rivals
Opel Corsa – priced from €15,595
Skoda Fabia – priced from €13,895
Mazda 2 1.5 (90PS) GT
Engine: 1,496cc, 90bhp @6000, 148Nm @4000
Max speed: 183km/h
0-100 kph: 9.4 seconds
Emissions (Motor Tax) : 105 g/km (€190)
Model price range: €15,995 – (Test Car – €20,595)
No of Doors: 5 doors
Euro NCAP : 4 stars
Fuel type: Petrol
Fuel Economy (combined cycle): 4.5 l/100km (62.8mpg)
Boot Capacity Seats up(down): 280 litres (950)
Car Seats: 2 Isofix fittings in the rear
Length: 4060mm
Width: 1695mm
Height: 1495mm
Wheelbase: 2570mm
For more information check out Mazda.ie , the Mazda Ireland Facebook page or follow them on twitter here
Geraldine Herbert
29th July, 2015
