What is it?
The 2 is Mazda's new B-segment contender, which finally arrives in the United States as a 2011 model to take on the likes of the Honda Fit, the Toyota Yaris, the Nissan Versa and its platform mate, the Ford Fiesta. Originally launched in 2007 outside of North America, the 2 has received numerous accolades, including being crowned the 2008 World Car of the Year.
Even with North American Mazda dealers clamoring for the 2, Mazda decided to hold off bringing it here until the car underwent a heavy refresh, which makes the Mazda a late arrival to an increasingly competitive segment. However, Mazda North American Operations CEO Jim O'Sullivan chose to put a positive spin on the car's late arrival: "We're last out but best dressed."
As with all of its products, Mazda claims to have infused the pint-sized 2 with some MX-5 traits. Directly linking the 2 and the MX-5 is the weight-reducing gram strategy Mazda used when developing the car. High-tensile steel was used to strengthen the body while also cutting 50 pounds, unsprung weight in the suspension was shaved by 28 pounds, and the wiring harness was optimized to eliminate another 6.4 pounds. After all was said and done, Mazda engineers dropped the curb weight of the base car to just 2,306 pounds, while its Fiesta cousin weighs in at 2,537 pounds.
The weight loss is key because the 2 only comes packing 100 hp from a 1.5-liter I4 mated to a five-speed manual or available four-speed automatic transmission. So even with a horsepower disadvantage, having less mass to move around aids the 2's performance feel, along with careful tuning to the suspension, steering and brake systems.
While the 2 is also available as a sedan in other markets, Mazda will only bring the hatchback to the United States. And to keep things simple, only two trim levels will be offered: a base Sport and a premium Touring model. The Sport includes 15-inch steel wheels with hubcaps, body-color side mirrors and door handles, power windows and locks, four-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo, auxiliary audio-input jack and keyless entry. Upgrades to the Touring are 15-inch aluminum wheels, fog lights, rear spoiler, better-fabric seat inserts with red piping, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and cruise controls and a six-speaker sound system.
Standard safety features on all Mazda 2s include antilock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, stability and traction control and a brake override system.
How does it drive?
We'll admit, the idea of 100 hp had us concerned before turning a wheel in the new 2. Even after sitting through a presentation outlining the car's weight savings and the sporty tuning to the suspension, steering and brake systems, we had our doubts. To that, the Mazda folks just told us to go drive it and get back to them.
To start off, we jumped into a Touring model equipped with the optional four-speed automatic. After a few miles frequently stopping and accelerating, we couldn't complain too much in the power department. By no means is the 2 fast, but compared with others in the class it feels just as quick to get up to speed. Of course, more power would be welcome (what car in this segment couldn't use more power?), but to blend in with expressway traffic and accelerate away from stoplights, the 2 is up to the task.
The transmission provides smooth shifts, but with only four gears to work with, we closely paid attention for engine noise on the expressway. There, we were impressed with how well buttoned-up the interior is from engine and wind noise. Without question, the NVH in the 2 is one of the best--if not the best--in class.
We amped up our driving when we got a crack at a five-speed version and were not disappointed. The light clutch effort took a few minutes to get used to but wasn't a problem, with crisp and precise shifts from the gearbox. Around a few twisty portions of the drive route, the 2 showed great composure and stayed nearly flat through them. When it came to damping, the suspension soaked up road imperfections beautifully and easily eclipses competitors from Honda, Toyota and Nissan.
The electric steering is tuned well, providing nice feedback and a satisfying amount of weight. The brakes were equally good and strong with a solid pedal feel.
The seats offer adequate support and kept us comfortable during our four-hour drive. The seating position was good even with the steering wheel only able to be tilted and not telescoped. The majority of the interior is constructed from hard but good-looking plastics with nice finishes. A quick dive into the back seat found legroom to be a little tight, but there is enough space for average-size adults on short trips.
Overall, we were impressed and never did get back to the Mazda representatives to give them hell about only having 100 hp.
Do I want it?
If you're looking for a stylish, affordable and dare we say fun-to-drive compact hatchback, the 2 makes a serious argument. The big strike against the 2 is that it's not the ultimate champion in fuel economy for the class, with the manual returning 29/35 mpg city/highway and the automatic getting 27/33 mpg city/highway. This is while Ford is trumpeting the 30/40 mpg city/highway rating for the Fiesta with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission.
However, the Mazda packs its lively drive character, large list of standard content and affordable price point to help close the gap to the more powerful competition. So if you care about driving entertainment a little bit, then Mazda has your number. As we said, even with the automatic--which Mazda expects to make up 80 percent of sales--the car is an enjoyable ride. And if you spring for the range-topping Touring model with the optional automatic transmission, the car will still come in just shy of $17,000 at $16,985, including destination costs.
But at the other end of the spectrum, the Sport version with the five-speed manual we drove was also a pleasant ride and didn't feel like a budget wheels penalty box in anyway. And for $14,730, we see it as quite the bargain.
2011 Mazda 2
On Sale: August
Base Price: $14,730
Drivetrain: 1.5-liter, 100-hp, 98-lb-ft I4; FWD, five-speed manual
Curb Weight: 2,306 lb
0-60 MPH: 8.9 sec (est)
Fuel Economy (EPA): 31 mpg
The 2 is Mazda's new B-segment contender, which finally arrives in the United States as a 2011 model to take on the likes of the Honda Fit, the Toyota Yaris, the Nissan Versa and its platform mate, the Ford Fiesta. Originally launched in 2007 outside of North America, the 2 has received numerous accolades, including being crowned the 2008 World Car of the Year.
Even with North American Mazda dealers clamoring for the 2, Mazda decided to hold off bringing it here until the car underwent a heavy refresh, which makes the Mazda a late arrival to an increasingly competitive segment. However, Mazda North American Operations CEO Jim O'Sullivan chose to put a positive spin on the car's late arrival: "We're last out but best dressed."
As with all of its products, Mazda claims to have infused the pint-sized 2 with some MX-5 traits. Directly linking the 2 and the MX-5 is the weight-reducing gram strategy Mazda used when developing the car. High-tensile steel was used to strengthen the body while also cutting 50 pounds, unsprung weight in the suspension was shaved by 28 pounds, and the wiring harness was optimized to eliminate another 6.4 pounds. After all was said and done, Mazda engineers dropped the curb weight of the base car to just 2,306 pounds, while its Fiesta cousin weighs in at 2,537 pounds.
The weight loss is key because the 2 only comes packing 100 hp from a 1.5-liter I4 mated to a five-speed manual or available four-speed automatic transmission. So even with a horsepower disadvantage, having less mass to move around aids the 2's performance feel, along with careful tuning to the suspension, steering and brake systems.
While the 2 is also available as a sedan in other markets, Mazda will only bring the hatchback to the United States. And to keep things simple, only two trim levels will be offered: a base Sport and a premium Touring model. The Sport includes 15-inch steel wheels with hubcaps, body-color side mirrors and door handles, power windows and locks, four-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo, auxiliary audio-input jack and keyless entry. Upgrades to the Touring are 15-inch aluminum wheels, fog lights, rear spoiler, better-fabric seat inserts with red piping, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and cruise controls and a six-speaker sound system.
Standard safety features on all Mazda 2s include antilock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, stability and traction control and a brake override system.
How does it drive?
We'll admit, the idea of 100 hp had us concerned before turning a wheel in the new 2. Even after sitting through a presentation outlining the car's weight savings and the sporty tuning to the suspension, steering and brake systems, we had our doubts. To that, the Mazda folks just told us to go drive it and get back to them.
To start off, we jumped into a Touring model equipped with the optional four-speed automatic. After a few miles frequently stopping and accelerating, we couldn't complain too much in the power department. By no means is the 2 fast, but compared with others in the class it feels just as quick to get up to speed. Of course, more power would be welcome (what car in this segment couldn't use more power?), but to blend in with expressway traffic and accelerate away from stoplights, the 2 is up to the task.
The transmission provides smooth shifts, but with only four gears to work with, we closely paid attention for engine noise on the expressway. There, we were impressed with how well buttoned-up the interior is from engine and wind noise. Without question, the NVH in the 2 is one of the best--if not the best--in class.
We amped up our driving when we got a crack at a five-speed version and were not disappointed. The light clutch effort took a few minutes to get used to but wasn't a problem, with crisp and precise shifts from the gearbox. Around a few twisty portions of the drive route, the 2 showed great composure and stayed nearly flat through them. When it came to damping, the suspension soaked up road imperfections beautifully and easily eclipses competitors from Honda, Toyota and Nissan.
The electric steering is tuned well, providing nice feedback and a satisfying amount of weight. The brakes were equally good and strong with a solid pedal feel.
The seats offer adequate support and kept us comfortable during our four-hour drive. The seating position was good even with the steering wheel only able to be tilted and not telescoped. The majority of the interior is constructed from hard but good-looking plastics with nice finishes. A quick dive into the back seat found legroom to be a little tight, but there is enough space for average-size adults on short trips.
Overall, we were impressed and never did get back to the Mazda representatives to give them hell about only having 100 hp.
Do I want it?
If you're looking for a stylish, affordable and dare we say fun-to-drive compact hatchback, the 2 makes a serious argument. The big strike against the 2 is that it's not the ultimate champion in fuel economy for the class, with the manual returning 29/35 mpg city/highway and the automatic getting 27/33 mpg city/highway. This is while Ford is trumpeting the 30/40 mpg city/highway rating for the Fiesta with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission.
However, the Mazda packs its lively drive character, large list of standard content and affordable price point to help close the gap to the more powerful competition. So if you care about driving entertainment a little bit, then Mazda has your number. As we said, even with the automatic--which Mazda expects to make up 80 percent of sales--the car is an enjoyable ride. And if you spring for the range-topping Touring model with the optional automatic transmission, the car will still come in just shy of $17,000 at $16,985, including destination costs.
But at the other end of the spectrum, the Sport version with the five-speed manual we drove was also a pleasant ride and didn't feel like a budget wheels penalty box in anyway. And for $14,730, we see it as quite the bargain.
2011 Mazda 2
On Sale: August
Base Price: $14,730
Drivetrain: 1.5-liter, 100-hp, 98-lb-ft I4; FWD, five-speed manual
Curb Weight: 2,306 lb
0-60 MPH: 8.9 sec (est)
Fuel Economy (EPA): 31 mpg
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