The 2 on test was the up-spec Maxx which adds steering wheel audio controls, a 6-CD stacker with MP3 compatibility, 15-inch alloy wheels and a rear roof spoiler all from $17,960. One highly recommended option is the ‘safety pack’, which for an additional $1100, adds side (front) and curtain (front and rear) airbags along with Dynamic Stability Control and Traction Control.
On the inside, the good news continues. The 2 is one of those cars that fits like an old pair of jeans: you can jump in, and, with a few adjustments to the seat and steering wheel, feel immediately at home. The dashboard styling was admired by some and viewed with suspicion by others; but aesthetics aside it was well laid-out and easy to use. The manual gear shift is located under the centre section of the dash and falls nicely to hand, with the audio and air-conditioning controls being an easy ‘finger flex’ away. There is enough front seat adjustment to cater for 6ft-plus drivers with ease.
With Mazda’s 1.5-litre 76kW/137Nm MZR four-cylinder petrol engine on the job, I wasn’t expecting the 2 to be a riveting drive, but yet another of my preconceived notions was quickly laid to rest. This particular four-cylinder has heart and character. Combined with an excellent five-speed manual, it is a bucket load of fun as well as being an absolute doddle to drive. The 1.5-litre begs to be given a good rev and rewards the driver with a mild ‘Alfa-esque’ exhaust note – yes, it surprised me as well. The 2’s chassis is well sorted for around town work, soaking up bumps without issue yet proving firm enough to tackle suburban round-a-bouts in a sure-footed and confident manner. The brakes are well modulated and confidence-inspiring. Mazda’s Zoom-Zoom philosophy is alive and well in the 2.
2009 BMW 335i Sedan 
2010 BMW 120d Hatch manual (E87) 
2009 Holden Commodore SS Sportwagon 
2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage 
2009 Ford Mondeo MB (Titanium)
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My partner was thinking about one of these; she really likes the styling of it. Found the inside to be pretty bland though - which is fine I suppose, it’s not a big dollar car - so she ended up going with a Mark 4 Golf GTI for about the same price. Older car, but it’s just about the best quality interior I’ve seen in a small car. Feels really classy inside, and our friends agree.
Still, as I said, there’s no arguing the 2 is a very good looking unit!
Another great car that eludes the US market. We won’t be happy until all the oil is gone, you know.
My wife and I looked at the 2 (Genki), but ended up going for the swift sport. She just seemed to like it more………
I have a lot of time for the Swift Damo, in fact my fiance has owned the latest Swift for over a year now - but she loved the 2. Preferred driving it in fact. I think the Swift rides better, and has better steering feel but IMO the 2 was a more ‘together’ drive around town, its a little more willing and the manual shift is noticeably better than in the Swift. The clutch and brakes feel superior as well. However, the Swift is a more relaxed drive on the open road.
Either/or - they are both talented light cars.
Nail hit on head with that test drive Steane.
Cheers Dan.
Yeah I would have to agree Steane.
The 2’s engine felt “peakier” and more responsive, and although the Swift Sport has more “kilowasps” and torque it felt a little lifeless. I think the Swift is a bit deceptive with it’s torque curve being so flat I suspect.
The steering felt better in the Swift and not quite as vague as in the 2. The clutch is better and has more feel in the 2, with the Swift being really late in the pick up. Mind you the Swift Sport handles like its on rails and if it had a turbo or supercharger on it with say 40+ more Kw it would be an absolute killer. Could do with nicer set of wheels. I saw a red two next to my MPS and it just looked like a smaller version of it…….which I thought was good. But as you know with some ladies it often comes down to looks and that’s wife my wife has ordered her Swift Sport in Nocturne Blue.
Ah well, Bush will be gone soon enough, and then who knows what great things could happen?
Or we could just get McCain, I guess.