Cathy Parker feels that the GLX is an interesting mix of specifications.
A blast from the past, the facelifted Mazda 2 in this the base GLX specification is the first car I have driven in quite a while that doesn’t have a multimedia touch screen setup (The more expensive GSX gets a seven-inch touch screen). The GLX has a smaller entertainment console which reverts back to a two-line LED display for the audio and phone functions. It still has full Bluetooth handsfree and media streaming capabilities, but the user interface is obviously not as swish and you don’t get reversing camera, navigation or similar. The test car did have an aftermarket Mazda reversing camera with a small screen integrated into the interior rear-view mirror which worked well unless the car was facing the sun (Not a major problem in Auckland winter weather!).
This is presumably part of the equation to get the manual GLX down to a very sharp price of $21,945, the automatic gearbox is another obvious casualty at this price point although it is available but the price rises to $23,695. There are a few other obvious deductions – you get a proximity key for the start/stop but the doors only work with traditional keyless (Remote) functionality so you need to get the keys out of your bag/pocket to get in the car or lock it but can put them in your bag/pocket to start and drive – a bit Jekyll and Hyde.
You do get Mazda’s Advanced City Brake Support (Autonomous Emergency Braking) which is commendable for this part of the market and also their G-Vectoring control which aids handling and safety by varying power to the wheels for more precise cornering but you do miss out on blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert fitted to the GSX.
The Mazda 2 has recently been freshened with a mild facelift, externally the changes are mainly to exterior trim, the more major changes relate to features including the Emergency Braking and G-Vectoring. The three-year-old design is perhaps starting to look a little dated versus some of its newer competitors although it is still an attractive car.
Where the 2 delivers is in the comfort and dynamics areas. For a small car the seating is very comfortable and the driver and rear seat legroom generous, the dash, apart from the media centre, is attractive and functional with a large central speedo flanked by a rev counter and a display panel for fuel and other info. The engine feels spunky, aided by the manual gearbox, which doesn’t rob any power like an auto box would. The engine delivers a generous 81kW of power (compared to 66kW for the Suzuki Swift we drove immediately prior) and this makes it more relaxing to drive on the open road in particular, the six-speed manual gearbox has a very nice change action with the change biased to the 3rd – 4th plane. The steering is tight and direct and with the G-Vectoring the 2 holds firmly to the road inspiring confident cornering. Even the manual gets the iStop system of engine stop-start. Stop at traffic lights, put gear into neutral and engine stops, restarting as soon as you dip the clutch.
Boot space is reasonable for a car this size and as a hatchback you can fold the back seats for larger loads as long as there are only one or two occupants.
All told a great little car for a fleet round town runabout that is quite capable of longer journeys. Unless price is a major factor we would probably pay the extra $2,800 to move up to the GSX with touch-screen multimedia, full proximity key system and some extra comfort and safety features. As an added bonus for fleets there is Mazda’s three-year or 100,000 Mazda Care free servicing along with five-year warranty and roadside assistance.
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Specifications:
Body type 5 Door Hatchback
Drive FWD
Engine type inline 4-cylinder petrol
Engine capacity 1.4-litres
Max power 81kW@6000rpm
Max torque 141Nm@4000rpm
l/100km (Combined) 5.2 l/100km
C02 emissions 121 g/km
Boot capacity 250 litres
Spare tyre Space Saver
ANCAP rating 5 Star
Price $21,945
