Buff new Mazda2 weighs in for light title fight

THE all-new Mazda2 has landed in Australia brandishing a pin-sharp starting price of $16,500 and dressed for action in the sizzling light-car segment.

As the first in a flurry of new light-sized models to come from Hyundai, Mitsubishi, Volkswagen, Citroen and Ford - whose forthcoming Fiesta will be previewed by the Verve concept at Frankfurt next week and which will share Mazda2 foundations - the new Two's armoury also matches Getz with the option of electronic stability control.



Opening the Mazda2 account is the Neo manual at just $165 more than the current model, while the automatic version costs $18,150. Mazda says the Neo brings about $1000 worth of added value over its forebear, including ABS.

The mid-range Maxx is priced at $18,710, with the auto costing $20,360. The flagship Mazda2 Genki carries a $20,845 sticker price ($22,495 auto) and comes standard with six airbags. ESC costs $700 or $1100, depending on the variant.

The new Mazda2 goes against industry trends by being shorter, smaller and lighter vehicle, with the base Neo weighing-in 60kg lighter than its direct predecessor - a figure that would approach 100kg without the extra features.

Watch out for GoAuto's first Australian drive of Mazda's vital new Two from this Friday.