2012 Mazda2 Neo Gets Improved Safety, New Standard Equipment

Mazda Australia has announced an update for the top-selling Mazda2 light car this week, giving the entry-level Neo a range of new safety and convenience features.

For 2012, the Mazda2 Neo features cruise control and steering-mounted audio controls, along with side and curtain airbags, all as standard equipment. 

The Mazda2 Maxx variant has also picked up cruise control as standard equipment. For both variants, these new features have been added at no extra cost. 

With this latest run of updates, the entire Mazda2 line-up now benefits from six airbags, dynamic stability control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution and emergency brake assist.

The news follows the launch of the facelifted Mazda2 range earlier this year, along with a series of updates to the top-shelf Mazda2 Genki in June.

The 2011/12 Mazda2 line-up continues to utilise the current 76kW 1.5 litre petrol engine, with fuel consumption listed at 6.4 l/100km.

With the retirement of the Hyundai Getz, the Mazda2 has become Australia's highest-selling light car. Although outsold by the Yaris in September (1234 to 1367 sales), the Mazda2 currently tops the tiny Toyota for year-to-date sales (13,336 to 11,875). 

With the recent arrival of the new Kia Rio, a strong innings for the new Swift, an all-new Yaris on the horizon, and Holden's next-generation Barina also due, the light car segment is set to get even hotter.