|
By
EWAN KENNEDY
10 September 2007
Mazda has taken a new direction with its smallest Australian
model. The previous Mazda2 was tall and unashamedly functional in its
characteristics, whereas the new one has gone sleek and stylish.
This shouldn’t come as a surprise given that every other
model in the Mazda range, even the CX-7 SUV, comes with the
sporting looks that Mazda loves to call Zoom-Zoom. And Zoom-Zoom
has certainly worked, the Japanese company continues to
consolidate its strong fourth position overall in the Australian
market.
Many cars in this class are sold to younger buyers and these
people put style well forward in their demands. Interestingly,
Mazdas are also popular with retirees in Australia, and those now
approaching that age are the very people who created the swinging
sixties and sizzling seventies, not to forget the over-the-top
hippie era. So sleekness and style are also high in their list of
demands in a car. And don’t be surprised to see a many buyers
opting for colours at the brighter end of the palette that is on
offer.
The new Mazda2 is significantly lower than the old so doesn’t
have quite as much room inside. However, it’s not as low as it
looks and is far from being cramped. The new ‘2 can easily cope
with two adults and three children, with the latter often being
the grandchildren of the aforementioned retirees.
Luggage room at 250 litres is about average for its class. The
boot can cope with mid-sized suitcases and is easy to load.
Making the new ‘2 lower and sleeker than before has produced
benefits in lighter weight and better aerodynamics. So the
1.5-litre four-cylinder engine provides good performance and uses
less fuel than in its previous format. Mazda is quoting a combined
fuel consumption to Australian government standards of just 6.4
litres per hundred kilometres for a car with a five-speed manual
gearbox, and 6.8 litres per hundred kilometres for one with a
four-speed automatic.
The 76-kilowatt engine is a pleasant one to sit behind, being
nicely responsive and providing reasonable acceleration for
overtaking. As is normal in this class the automatic transmission
does take a fair bit from the performance.
Antilock ABS brakes with brake assist are standard on all
models as Mazda continues its push in the safety field. Two
airbags are fitted to all, with four additional units being either
optional or standard depending on which model you buy.
An ESP electronic stability program (Mazda calls its system
DSC), is an option throughout the range.
Mazda2's cabin is as modern and stylish as the sleek new body and
interior comfort is good. On the road the car has a refined feel
that’s not always there in a car in this class. Though aimed
principally at inner-city and suburban driving it’s certainly
not out of place on country roads. Road noise levels are nicely
damped thanks not only to improved design within the suspension,
but also due to the extra rigidity built into the all-new body.
The new ‘2 is noticeably quieter to ride in than the outgoing
model.
All models get an audio system that can accept inputs from MP3
players, including, of course, iPods. The CD player on the lower
cost model, the Neo, is a single-disc unit, whereas the Maxx and
Genki get a six-disc unit.
Prices have risen slightly, with the Mazda2 Neo starting at
$16,500. However, Mazda says the additional equipment fitted to
the new range is valued at around $1000, the ‘2 Maxx is priced
from $18,710 and the topline Mazda2 Genki has a recommended retail
price of $20,845. Automatic transmission is priced at a modest
$1650 more, so Mazda Australia feels this transmission choice will
appeal to about 60 per cent of buyers.
© Copyright
Marque Publishing Company
|
