2009 Mazda2 Preview

Last year, Mazda replaced the Demio by the all new Mazda2. With the new generation, that hit the markets as a five door model, Mazda offers a much more dynamic styling combined with functionality and good packaging. At the Geneva auto show in March, Mazda also unveiled the three door model of the 2, that should add some extra ‘zoom zoom’ with an even more dynamic and sexy look. And it just does that.

With excellent fuel efficiency now as a major theme, Mazda benefits from its new 1.3-liter engine that can be teamed to CVT continuously variable transmission or a 5-speed stick shift.

The five door hatchback was received well, not in the last place because the Japanese succeeded to keep the weight under 1.000 kg, a plus for fuel efficiency and CO2. The combined city/highway fuel consumption (to European standards) is 5.4 liter per 100 km, while the 1.3 Mazda2 rates a CO2 emission of 129 grams/km.

This adds to the attractiveness of the small Mazda in the segment where it has to compete with the Opel Corsa, Peugeot 207 and the likes. Mazda re-enters the segment with the three door, a model that it lacked since the disappearance of the 323 in 1996.

Besides the 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine that has a power output of 75 hp, there will also be a high power version with 11 hp extra and the 1.5 I-4 with 103 hp. Even though the 1.4-liter common-rail diesel meets the Euro IV emission standards and has a very low CO2 (114 gr/km), it will not be introduced on markets where a soot filter is required, as this engine does not have that. For instance in The Netherlands it would be liable to a tax that would price the diesel model out of the market.

The base 1.3 Exclusive is unique for the three door Mazda2, but like the five door it gets a Touring for the 1.3 and the 1.3 hp and an Executive for the 1.3 hp and the 1.5 Like the five door, also the three door model will get a GT-M version.

Struggling

The design of the Mazda2 three door shares the sweeping hipline of the larger version. Its doors are 6.4 inches longer than those of the 5-door model. Mazda is honest about the fact that the engineers have been struggling with the size of the doors. “We did not have such a model for a long time and did not have the experience with respect to sizing. We went for advise to our European R&D division, that helped us with comparisons of European competitors,” said Masahiko Hondou, product manager of the Mazda2.

Through the large openings and helped by the walk in system of the passenger seat, you have easy access to the rear, but the disadvantage is that the doors are really long and you have to beware of that when parking between cars.

The interior of the three and five door versions are identical. All functions have the right position, the shift knob is placed well up front and close by the steering wheel, while the instrument panel looks alike the sporty one of the MX5. The seats are comfortable and give good support. In the rear, passengers over to 6.2 ft have just enough leg and head room and a driver of that size also just makes it behind the steering wheel. The Touring and Executive has foldable (60/40) rear seats. The luggage compartment takes two carry-on cases or two golf bags.

Pity though that we find no colours in the cockpit. A touch of the nice bleu and bright green body colours would have matched the youthful character of the exterior design.

Dynamic

Just like the 5-door hatchback, the new 3-door version has an electro mechanical steering system that provides a firm feel and a direct response. With a sporty suspension the small Mazda is obedient and there is hardly any under steer (does not want to take the wide line) in the corners . The 1.3 engine is with 75 hp powerful enough for the 2 that weighs of 925 kg. For more dynamic driving, the high power model with 86 hp will be attractive. Should you live it in a hilly country, or if you have to haul people and goods on a regular basis, you might want to go for the 103 hp strong 1.5-liter engine. Both engines produce little noise and the overall feel of the Mazda 2 is firm and yet comfortable.

It looks like the youngest model of the Mazda family has all that it takes to keep the competition in its segment awake.

Mazda2 3-deurs	1.3       High Power     1.5

Displacement (cm3)	1.348	    1.348	  1.498
	
Max. power(kW/pk @ rpm)	55/75 	    63/86         76/103 		
                                    @ 6.000     @ 6.000       @ 6.000

Max. torquel(Nm @ rpm)	121            122              137 
	                @ 3.500      @ 3.500        @ 4.000

Max. speed	        104 mph	     107 mph	   117 mph

0-63 mph        	14,2 sec      13,1 sec	   10,6 sec

Fuel eff.(comb city/hi)
             (l/100 km)	     5,4	    5,4	        5,9

CO2 emission (gr/km)    129 (B-label)	129 (B-label)	140 (C-label)

L x w x h (in.)	                  12.8 x 5.6 x 4.9
Wheel base (in.)	        	8,2	
Weigth (lbs)                 2039	2039	        2050

@ HRR, June 2008