Mazda 2 – Great Little Car

25 January 2017 Redazione News

MAZDA 2

GREAT LITTLE CAR

Words: Giorgio Conti

Photography: Enzo Rachelli

Supercars are not always the most suitable cars for everyday stuff – it often happens that you need to carry people or luggage, as well as having to park in city areas without attracting too much attention, partly because of that ugly beast called “envy” and that unfortunately, often, ends being victim of vandalism. We tested a car that may seem like many others, in size and shape, but that hides unexpected qualities, it’s the Mazda 2.

Aesthetically it is inconspicuous, a little classic hatchback, but with a nice front end, without exaggeration, a fluid design with modern and efficient lights, the color of the model we tested is metallic red and of which we appreciated the high care of the painting, smooth and perfect. Four dark alloy wheels that blend well with the line, five-door all with handles (thank goodness). The interior is the part that is most surprising both for the quality and the innovative design: two-tone leather seats, beautiful, supportive and comfortable, and using the small 2 even for long trips they resulted being extremely comfortable. The dashboard is also well finished and keeps the same colors satisfying sight and touch: at the center an excellent satellite navigator that gives precise indications and that we have found very good at voice commands. Multifunction controls are placed on the steering wheel, while in the middle tunnel an intuitive command that allows you to have straight access to the infotainment system, without the need to distract your eyes looking for the touch screen.

Engine start with a button, key in your pocket, but you must open your ears to understand that the 1.500cc engine is a diesel, because soundproofing is perfect. Then you start to feel like you’ve always driven it, it’s docile, smooth and even snappy, six-speed transmission with indications for the recommended ratio, needless to say that consumption is pretty much nonexistent, but one thing that has surprised even passengers who accompanied me is that, at motorway pace, engine revs are kept low, while maintaining high performance and no noise at all. I’ve been stuck in traffic and I admit that at one point I thought it was entered the Start & Stop system, since no one could notice the slightest vibration or noise, and only giving a bit of a push on the throttle I realized once more how silent it was. Even those who have to carry bags, can feel comfortable, because the load compartment is deep and clear because of the roundness of the Mazda rear and the back seats are logically separable. With this spec, in addition to air conditioning, power windows and power mirrors, central locking and all the things now common in many other cars, but always at a good finishing level and with an attention to detail that make you feel inside a much more higher category.

For once we did not have to deal with a noble supercar or a tough sports car, nevertheless we consider ourselves more than satisfied by the work that Mazda did with the new 2, properly succeeding in keeping the promises made with the advertising slogan which says “A great little car”. It breathes quality and there’s all that needs to be there, without costing as much as you’d (rightly) expect.

MAZDA 2 (2016-)

Layout   –  front-engined, front wheel drive

Engine  –  4 cylinder  1.496cc – turbo

Transmission  –  6-speed manual gearbox

Power  –  105 hp @ 4000 rpm

                      220 Nm @ 3200 rpm

Weight  –  1115 kg

Acceleration  –  10,1 sec.

Top Speed  –  179 kph

Price  –  from € 17.300