MAZDA 2
Want to get noticed everywhere you drive, but don’t want to pay the earth for a car? Want a car that’s stylish, funky, easy to park and drive as well as plenty of get up and go? If it a yes to these requirements then the new Mazda2 needs to be on your short list; especially in the colour which Mazda has named ‘spirited green’. We test drove the 5-speed manual, Mazda2 Maxx (in spirited green) for a week and it ticked all of the boxes above and more.
Bucking against the trend of most car makers, where new models tend to increase in size, (ie the Corolla is about the same size as what the Camry was back in the 90s) the new Mazda2, available in 5 and 3 door, is 40mm shorter than the model it preceded. Like most small cars, the Mazda2 sits tall on a long wheelbase to provide maximum room for people and gear in minimal space. The wheels are stretched so far to the corners that the rear overhang is barely more than the thickness of the bumper.
Although the 2’s face retains strong Mazda family proportions, with large headlamps flanking the front of the car, the shape is less angular and more organic than that of the 3 and far more graceful than the 2’s awkward predecessor. Mazda’s signature raised front bonnet sweeps up cleanly into the A-pillars. The aggressive front bumper bulge then plunges down into body lines which shoot up the sides of the car to the tail lamps, perched just below a high and tight rear window, and most of us love a tight rear.
On the inside, the 2 has a somewhat unconventional layout that is centred on the high-mounted gear stick. The combination of analogue dials and digital displays gives the instrument cluster a unique look that’s different from the usual small car norms.
New standard features include an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), remote locking, driver’s seat height adjustment, a centre rear headrest and an AUX jack that enables any MP3 player (including iPod®) to be played through the car’s stereo. Air conditioning, power windows and mirrors and an MP3 compatible CD player with four speakers are also part of the package.
Lightness is the key to making modern cars use less fuel and reduce emissions. The new 2 is more advanced than ever, but it’s actually lighter than the vehicle it replaces by 100 kg, a huge amount in a vehicle of this size. By reducing the weight of the car, Mazda was able to make other things lighter, such as the smaller, lighter brakes and the less powerful engine. This enables the 2 to be more efficient as well, something that’s absolutely critical for small car buyers. For instance, a Mazda2 with the 1.5-litre engine uses just 6.4l/100kms and emits only 225 g/mi of carbon dioxide, which allows it to get around using less fuel and produce less CO2 than almost all of its competitors.
The 2’s low centre of gravity, zippy 1.5-litre engine, and broad torque easily hauls around a car load of 4 6-foot adults, although hills are a little bit of struggle for the engine – but then again it’s a small car. The new Mazda 2’s light weight body; great handling; lack of body roll, especially considering its height; performance that pulls you away from the lights surprising quickly, together with a fuel efficient 1.5 litre engine makes Mazda2 a fantastic way to experience Zoom-Zoom and an affordable alternative to the European small car options on the market.
AUTO FACTS
Price: $15,990 – $21,420
Engine: 1.5-litre four
Power: 76kw, 137Nm
Transmission: 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic
Fuel: 6.4l/100kms
MAZDA 6
Australia’s top selling imported medium car, the Mazda6, now offers more value, more features and a revised model line up, and you will get even more bang for your buck. The Mazda6 sedan, hatch and wagon range is now available in Sports, Classic Sports and Diesel variants.
On first sight, our 2.3-litre Sports hatch test car looked impressive, finished in a striking metallic blue, the car’s chrome-trimmed grille and lights instantly catching our eye. Inside, the quality of the cabin finish proved equally good, coming close to matching or surpassing those at the top class when it comes to a choice from other Japanese, or, even for that matter, European makers.
The Sports comes standard with climate control air-conditioning, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, trip computer, six-stack CD, wheel-mounted audio and cruise control switches, remote central locking with deadlock function, power windows and mirrors, driver’s seat height adjustment and telescopic and height adjustable steering.
There is a lot of room front and rear, with the Mazda6 offering a massive 500 litres, give or take a few kilos, of boot space across the whole range. The five-door not only has this vast cargo area, but also an innovative rear seat system, Mazda calls Karakuri, which folds flat to the floor. Yet the amount of space on offer is not the only nod to luxury made by the Mazda6. There’s a Bose stereo system fitted as standard in the Sports Classic hatch and MPS leather pack editions of the range.
Heading out on to the open road, the 2.3-litre 4 cylinder engine propelled the 6 effortlessly towards cruising speed. Driven quickly, Mazda claims the car will sprint from 0-100mph in 8.9 seconds.
On the open road, wind and road noise is low, thanks to the generous levels of soundproofing, although the four-cylinder engine can be clearly heard at cruising speeds.
The Mazda’s pace is undoubtedly helped by the slick-shifting six-speed gearbox, which strikes a balance between sprinting ability and cruising comfort. A five speed automatic option is also available. On twisty lanes, the 6 is quite a performer – there’s plenty of grip and steering is precise.
The suspension works well, offering both comfort and impressive body control on uneven roads. But the steering feel could be improved. Although the electro-hydraulic system is reassuringly weighty, there’s little feedback.
Much more impressive is the new traction control system, which is spurred into action on slippery roads by a series of wheel-mounted sensors. The set-up reacts smoothly and quickly to bring the car under control, its intervention going almost unnoticed.
Safety concerns are evident inside with all Mazda6 models coming with a standard six airbags and ABS anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution.
Mazda has worked hard to ensure the 6 is a well rounded performer, and it’s clear Mazda has done a great job. Now with the introduction of a diesel variant for under $40,000 in both the hatch and wagon, Mazda has all its bases covered with the Mazda6.
AUTO FACTS
Price: $28,490-$43,890
Engine: 2.5-litre petrol; 2.2-litre turbo diesel
Transmission: 6-speed manual, 5-speed automatic
Power: 125kW, 136kW, 226Nm, 400Nm
Fuel: 8.4, 6.0l/100kms
Andrew Koch
