2008 Mazda2 3-door Road Test

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.