At the request of the Russian office, Japanese engineers are preparing a version with an automatic transmission for the Mazda2. The European market will not see such a modification — only a manual will be offered there.
About dynamics and clean hands
The new Mazda2 has become 5.5 cm lower and 4 cm shorter, while the wheelbase has not changed. The decision of the engineers from Hiroshima looks quite bold against the background of competitors in the B-class, which are constantly gaining in size and weight. Heavier cars need more powerful engines, which hits fuel efficiency. The Mazda2 is just fine with this: the car has lost 100 kg and in the combined cycle is content with six liters of 95-octane gasoline — such consumption would be envied by diesels. The dynamics cannot be called outstanding, but for a city car this is enough: acceleration to 100 km/h takes 10.4 seconds. True, for Russia, versions with automatic transmission are intended, and they will be slower. You will have to choose: either economy or dynamics. But lovely ladies will not have to get their hands dirty at gas stations.
2007 Mazda2
© Photo: Mazda
In the spring of next year, the Mazda2 will go on sale, which will become the most affordable model in the lineup of the Japanese brand. The first test of the new model took place at the test track and was published in the August issue of “5 Kolesa”. Now it is time to check the little one in city bustle and on high-speed highways. But there is a nuance: in Russia, the “two” will be supplied with both manual and automatic transmissions. The latter option is made specifically at the request of Russian marketers — there will be no such thing in Europe. The first cars with automatic transmission are expected no earlier than the end of winter, and for now we have to be content with only the version with a manual gearbox. Among other Russian features are an increased-capacity battery and heated seats in the base configuration.
2007 Mazda2
© Photo: Mazda
The impressions of driving the Mazda2 on the test track ring were fully confirmed on ordinary roads. The car confidently holds the trajectory and allows maneuvering even at very decent speeds. By “very decent” we mean 160 km/h, which we managed to reach on a public road. The maximum speed of the compact Mazda with a 1.5-liter engine is 188 km/h, and acceleration to 100 km/h takes the same 10.4 seconds.
The Mazda2 interior deserves a solid four. Inside, you can recognize the brand's characteristic features of other models — for example, the ventilation deflectors and three-spoke steering wheel like the “six”. The plastic of the front panel was a bit disappointing — it looks too budget. The seat upholstery could also be more interesting, because the main audience of the car is women. Otherwise, the interior is fresh and original.
On the Russian market, the Mazda2 will be supplied in two trim levels: Touring and Sport. The first with a manual gearbox is priced at $16,300 and includes heated front seats, front electric windows, electric folding mirrors, CD player with MP3, 15-inch steel wheels, ABS with EBD, and six airbags. For the automatic, you will have to pay an additional $1,200. The Sport version is richer: climate control, electric windows on all doors, leather steering wheel, fog lights, onboard computer, 16-inch alloy wheels, and DSC system. The price has not yet been announced, but it can be assumed that the Sport will be about two thousand dollars more expensive than the Touring.
2007 Mazda2
© Photo: Mazda
Why did the Japanese decide to sell the Mazda2 in Russia? The fact is that the B-segment in our market has shown the largest growth, and the demand for such cars is obvious. But the Japanese are cautious people and do not rush headlong into the fray: the quota for the entire next year is only two thousand cars. This means: if it sells, we will bring more. In other words, the Mazda2 is not aiming to be a bestseller. Rather, it will become a successful addition to the popular “threes”, “sixes”, and CX-7.
Driving
The handling of the Mazda2 is almost perfect. The car holds the road excellently even in very dynamic modes.
Interior
The trim materials and the plastic of the front panel could be more expensive. A pity.
Comfort
The interior is spacious and does not feel cramped. It will suit both fragile girls and well-fed men. In a word — unisex.
Safety
The car fully meets modern safety requirements.
Price
Corresponds to the level of competitors.
2007 Mazda2
© Photo: Mazda
| Dimensions, mm | 3885x1695x1958 |
| Engine | petrol, 1498 cm3, 103 hp/6000 rpm |
| Transmission | manual, 5-speed gearbox |
| Dynamics 0-100 km/h, s | 10.4 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 188 |
| Competitors | Opel Corsa, Renault Clio, Peugeot 207 |
Advantages and disadvantages
+ Excellent handling, spacious interior, original appearance.
- Cheap interior trim materials.
Our opinion
The Mazda2 will not become the main model of the Japanese company in our market. It is destined for the role of a good seasoning for the main dish. But this does not mean that the new model will not be successful. True, in order not to take risks, the Japanese have set a tiny quota for Russia — and it is possible that queues for the “two” will stretch for months.