Mazda2 now with six airbags across range

AS TOYOTA prepares to launch its redesigned Yaris light car later this month, Mazda Australia has bolstered the position of its segment-leading Mazda2, adding side and curtain airbags, cruise control and steering-mounted audio controls to its entry-level Neo variant – for no additional cost.

The Neo still kicks off the range from $15,790 (plus on-road costs), with automatic transmission adding $1650, while the mid-series Maxx – also now picking up cruise control as standard – starts from $17,690. The range-topping Genki remains priced from $20,495.

The safety upgrade for Neo now means all Mazda2 variants are fitted standard with six airbags, electronic stability control and ABS brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist.

As GoAuto has reported, the Genki was upgraded in June with automatic headlights, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, cruise control, a full-function trip computer, climate-control air-conditioning, a chromed exhaust outlet and some subtle changes to its front bumper and wheel design, while its starting price dropped $445.

The entire Mazda2 range also received a minor cosmetic upgrade in January, when production switched from Thailand to Japan and brought an end to the availability of a sedan variant in this country.



Although VFACTS figures show Mazda2 sales dropped sharply last month – 28.2 per cent – the model range, even without the sedan, has soldiered on and climbed 19.1 per cent over last year to the end of September, its 13,336 sales YTD being enough to hold leadership in the segment ... for now.

Supply-hit Toyota, which returned to form last month across its entire line-up, racked up 1367 Yaris sales in September to top the segment and stem the downturn, which currently stands at 24.5 per cent.

Now in run-out, and to receive a sales jolt soon with the long-anticipated all-new model, the Yaris is currently in second place overall and just 1461 units behind the Mazda2.

Mazda Australia managing director Doug Dickson said the extra equipment on Neo underscored the company’s belief that “no matter what size car you drive, safety should always be a priority”.

“We hope that the introduction of these new features, as well as the changes made to the facelifted models earlier this year, will help continue Mazda2’s appeal to new-car buyers,” he said.

Mazda2 pricing (pluson-road costs):
Neo	$15,790
Neo (a)	$17,440
Maxx	$17,690
Maxx (a)	$19,340
Genki&nbsp	$20,495
Genki (a)	$22,145