2008 Mazda2 3-door Road Test

During the week that the 2 was in my care, it was subjected to equal measures of peak-hour commuting and highway kilometres. Around town it was a nimble and nippy drive. My gripes were few and mainly concerned the 2’s steering, which initially felt vague on long sweeping corners and failed to self-centre as quickly as most drivers would expect. However, like the CX-9 I drove the week before, it’s something you get used to – more a Mazda quirk than an issue of note. On the subject of gripes, my only other issue was the tacky looking digital fuel gauge/odometer that was difficult to read and seemed at odds with the conventional speedo and tachometer.

A weekend trip down to Phillip Island revealed that the 2 is more at home within city limits. It handled the trip well but is ultimately geared for snappy city work, not highway hauling.

According to the official VFACTS figures released for July, I am not alone in finding the 2 an endearing drive. Mazda managed to sell 1447 Mazda2's in July, increasing its share of the sub-$25k light car market by 8.3 percent when compared to the same period last year.

It’s not always easy putting your finger on exactly what makes one car good and another just so-so. The 2 is good, there is no doubting that, and after much deliberation I am convinced that it’s because the 2 has personality – driving it is fun – it’s a tactile experience. The brakes and clutch feel right, the manual gear shift is actually fun to use and is perfectly placed for the driver. The engine, for a humble 1.5-litre, is a personality-loaded charmer.

The little 2 proved to be an admirable travelling companion for a week and should be on the short list for anyone shopping for a new light car.

The Last Word

The Mazda2 is proof that good looks and a vibrant personality are not mutually exclusive. A city runabout that is a genuine surprise package for the daily commuter, in- particular those who enjoy their driving.

• The way it looks

• The way it drives

• Its ‘personality’

• Unusual steering

• Hard to read digital petrol gauge

Gallery

Prices range from $15,750 for Mazda2 Neo to $17,960 for Maxx

Engine: 1.5 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT Cylinder capacity: 1498cc Valve system: DOHC, VVT Maximum power: 76kw @ 6,000rpm Maximum torque: 137Nm @ 4,000rpm Fuel System: Multi-point electronic fuel injection Bore x stroke: 78.0 x 78.4mm Compression ratio: 10.0:1 Speed: 0-100km/h: Manual: 10.0 seconds

Top Speed: manual: 181km/h

auto: 168km/h

Throttle control: Electronic (drive-by-wire)

Transmission: Manual transmission: 5-speed

Automatic transmission: 4-speed

Wheels: 15 x 6.0 JJ 16 x 6.5JJ

Type: Steel / Alloy

Spare: Temporary

Tyres: 185/55R15 82V 195/45R16 80W Steering: Electronic power assist steering

Turns to lock: 2.7

Suspension: Front: MacPherson strut

Rear: Torsion beam

Brakes: Front: Ventilated disc

Rear: Drum

Fuel: Electronic fuel injection

Capacity:

Recommended fuel: Regular unleaded

(min. 91RON)

Consumption: man (combined) 6.4 L/100km

auto (combined) 6.8 L/100km

CO2 - 152g/km

Emissions standard: Euro Stage IV

Gear ratio (man/auto): 1st - 3.416 / 2.816

2nd - 1.842 / 1.553

3rd - 1.290 / 1.000

4th - 0.972 / 0.695

5th - 0.775 / -

reverse - 3.214 / 2.279

final drive - 4.105 / 4.147