Mazda has re-established itself as a leader of the pack in the compact car segment with the launch of a brand-new Mazda2 – and in terms of its specification, especially electronic aids designed to prevent accidents, it’s rivalled in the “non-luxury” market only by members of Mazda’s own family!
Yet there’s likely to be little sibling rivalry, for the bigger Mazda3, recent winner of the New Zealand Motoring Writers’ Guild NZ Car of the Year award, among others, is in a different segment, and aimed more at the company and fleet buyer than the smaller Mazda2.
Among the features to be found in the top Mazda2 models are such high-end features as heads-up display, and a forward sensing camera and milliwave radar that interact to help prevent city accidents by applying the brakes if the system senses the Mazda2 is going to hit the car in front – whether the driver does anything or not.
And all models except the entry level GLX include blind spot monitoring, designed to prevent a driver pulling out into the path of an overtaking vehicle, as well as Rear Cross Traffic Alert, which alerts the driver, when reversing, of vehicles, pedestrians or cyclists approaching from either side.
A reversing camera is an extra-cost option across the range.
On top of all that the top-end Limited model also gets a suite of features under the Mazda i-ActiveSense banner which includes a high beam control system which automatically switches between high and low beam when approaching other traffic, as well as a lane departure warning system, and Smart City Brake Support, which helps prevent rear-end accidents.
The heads-up display, on the Limited model, “projects” the car’s speed into the driver’s line of sight via a small glass lens atop the dashboard, eliminating the need for constantly having to look away from the road to check speed.
But it’s not all about technology, and the 5-star rated Mazda2 has an alphabet soup of safety features which include stability control, traction control, and no fewer than six airbags.
All that apart, this latest Mazda is a particularly handsome car, with a shape that moves away from the “shopping trolley on wheels” design of many of the cars in this segment.
The same engine is used throughout the range, a new 81kW/141Nm 1.5-litre SkyActiv-G petrol engine with direct injection, and Mazda claims 4.9L/100km overall for the six-speed automatic models, while the six-speed manual models use slightly more petrol at 5.2L/100km.
It’s interesting to note that Mazda has gone for a “regular” torque converter auto transmission rather than a double clutch or CVT automatic gearbox, but has applied its SkyActiv technology to reduce friction losses and to make the ‘boxes lighter and more frugal. Seemingly it works.
The Mazda engineers also took the opportunity to spruce up the suspension to give better ride and handling, while at the same time taking steps to reduce road, wind and engine noise inside the cabin.
Talking of which, it’s hard to get your head around the fact that these are sub-$30,000 cars when you first get in, with soft-touch dashboards with hand-stitched accents that are more reminiscent of cars much further up the price ladder.
On the road the cars are really pleasant to drive. A quicker-ratio steering makes for sharper steering, while the new suspension absorbs bumps effectively while at the same time keeping the car’s wheels firmly on the ground.
As far as the driver is concerned, this is a car designed to pamper and involve at the same time. GSX and Limited models feature MZD Connect enabling one-touch access to all operating information from a high-mounted single independent screen mounted on top of the dashboard, while Limited models add the heads-up display showing vehicle speed and other important driving or navigation information.
Other features include voice control for choosing and playing music, phoning, or using the satellite navigation system fitted as standard on the GSX and Limited models. All models get cruise control. GLX models have manual aircon, while the GSX and Limited have climate control, and the steering wheel is adjustable for reach as well as tilt.
On top of the normal CD and AM/FM functions the audio systems on the GSX and Limited are compatible with Internet radio integration. Bluetooth telephony and audio streaming is standard across the range.
Prices:
GLX manual $21,745
GLX auto $23,495
GSX manual $24,245
GSX auto $25,995
Limited auto $28,595
