Super TestCar reviews - Mazda - Mazda2 - 5-dr hatch rangeMazda modelsOverviewMazda’s fifth-generation light car trims up, drops kilos and builds muscle6 Sep 2007 By CHRIS HARRIS WITH the light-car class currently the fastest growing in Australia, only the deluded would dismiss the importance of the latest Mazda2. Especially when an in-form Mazda describes its newest baby as a second-generation ‘zoom-zoom’ vehicle. So out goes the protractor styling for a curvy, eye-catching design that recalls the boldness of the long-gone – but not forgotten – 121 ‘Bubble’ of the 1990s. But are good looks and savvy marketing enough in a segment that – these days – includes superstar superminis such as the Suzuki Swift, Ford Fiesta, Honda Jazz and Toyota Yaris? Model release date: 1 September 2007 to 1 May 2010 All car reviewsAlfa Romeo Abarth Alpine Alpina Audi Aston Martin BMW Bentley Chevrolet Chery Citroen Chrysler Dodge Cupra Ferrari DS Ford Fiat FPV Foton GWM Great Wall Holden Haval HSV Honda Hyundai Hummer Isuzu Infiniti Jeep Jaguar Lamborghini Kia LDV Land Rover Lotus Lexus Maserati Mahindra McLaren Mazda Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-AMG Mini MG Nissan Mitsubishi Peugeot Opel Proton Porsche Renault Ram Rover Rolls-Royce Skoda Saab SsangYong Smart Suzuki Subaru Toyota Tesla Volvo Volkswagen Previous modelFans of the famous Mazda 121 ‘Bubble’ (1990—1997) had to endure another boxy baby Mazda after the demise of the unloved 121 Metro (1996—2002). But the DY-series Mazda2 – only the second mono-numerical Mazda after the midsized ‘6’ sedan – certainly impressed the doubters, with its keen cornering, eager yet frugal 82kW/141Nm 1.5-litre SVT twin-cam four-cylinder engine, slick five-speed manual gearshift (or optional four-speed automatic gearbox – with a Tiptronic-style shift pattern on latter Series II cars from mid-2005) and nicely laid-out cabin. Only the constant din of road roar ruined an otherwise likeable and practical little urban runabout. Three models were available: the base Neo, mid-range Maxx and be-kitted Genki. Only the single five-door bodystyle was ever offered. Ford’s WP/Q Fiesta range from 2004 shared some componentry with the Mazda. |
Super TestClick to share
|
Facebook Twitter Instagram