Mazda2: Toy-like zoom-zoom

The new Mazda2 was first shown to the public at the Geneva Motor Show in the spring of 2007. The car couldn't help but attract attention – it bears so little resemblance to the previous generation Mazda2 (Demio in Japan). And not just visually – the "two" has actually changed significantly. This isn't just another generation – the car, according to the "Mazda folks" themselves, was created from a clean slate.

The Zoom-Zoom engineers didn't push the Mazda2 into the next class by increasing its dimensions. On the contrary, the "Mazda folks" put the "two" on a strict diet, saving on everything possible. It's no wonder the advertising campaign slogan is "Course for fitness." The car is 40 mm shorter compared to the previous generation – the length is 3,885 mm, with a wheelbase of 2,490 mm. The height has also decreased – by 55 mm to 1,475 mm. But the main thing is the weight. The car "shed" 22 kg just thanks to the new body construction. Weight was saved even on the wiring – another 2.7 kg. As a result, the new Mazda2 weighs less than a ton, while body rigidity, on the contrary, increased by 5%.

Externally, the new Mazda2 resembles the Peugeot 207 and Opel Corsa, although you can't deny the design freshness and dynamism. By the way, the car's exterior was developed by Ikuo Maeda, who also created the magnificent RX-8. Mazda doesn't hide that the target audience for the new model is the fair half of humanity. Although we shouldn't discount active male drivers either – it's no coincidence that the older "sister" Mazda3 is popular among boys, girls, and even Schumacher's relatives, for whom the MPS version is intended (by the way, the most powerful front-wheel-drive car in the world!).

After admiring the car from the outside, you expect the interior to be something equally youthful and stylish. But the cabin is simple and, for such an exterior, a bit gray – hard plastic, simple though well-readable instruments. The fuel level indicator pleased with its originality – it's made as a scale showing the battery charge on a mobile phone. It suits the somewhat toy-like appearance of the B-segment hatchback perfectly! The glove box is also original, made as a variation on the theme of a mailbox – so that A4 papers fit easily and are always at hand. Although this "feature" is a matter of taste...

Passengers are unlikely to call the space behind the front seats spacious. Very little will fit in the trunk either – its volume is only 250 liters, enough for a couple of medium suitcases. The trunk volume can be increased to a maximum of 787 liters. Under the floor, there's a plastic box for necessary items, as well as a space-saver spare tire.

But the driver's seat is very comfortable. Despite the lack of steering wheel reach adjustment, you sit down comfortably right away, and you don't want to get out from behind the "wheel" even after a long journey. The "Mazda-style" stylish steering wheel fits nicely in your hands, the engine purrs and beckons you to the road.

In Russia, compact hatchbacks are offered only with a 1.5-liter engine producing 103 hp – this is the most powerful engine currently available for the "two," although we are all eagerly awaiting the "mini-cannon" MPS. Among transmissions, "zoom-zoom" fans will be able to choose between a five-speed "manual" or an "automatic": specifically for our country, models with an automatic gearbox are assembled at the plant in Hiroshima, because in Europe only a manual is offered. Marketers, we recall, are counting mainly on a female audience here. True, the Japanese have prepared a rather old four-speed "automatic" for us, although in the Land of the Rising Sun itself, there are cars with a CVT. So our test will focus on cars with AT.

The Mazda2 doesn't let you dwell on the small engine displacement or the number of gears in the "automatic." As soon as you sit in the driver's seat, you feel that very thing that the "Mazda folks" brilliantly called zoom-zoom. The accelerator pedal to the floor, and the little car starts off boldly, but accelerates not particularly briskly, despite its light weight. Of course, the response to the gas pedal lags, which sometimes makes you worry during overtaking on a narrow road. The sport mode of the transmission doesn't add briskness, and a manual shift mode, alas, isn't provided. But the moderately stiff suspension provokes active and energetic driving without causing unbearable suffering to passengers. Now it's clear why Mazda organizes tests of the "two" on serpentines! The journalists' first acquaintance with the new model took place in the mountains of Italy, and for the Russian test drive, winding mountain roads in the south of Russia were chosen. You're just drawn to evaluate the handling of the little car on sharp turns. And Mazda doesn't disappoint: at speed, the steering wheel pleasantly gets heavier, and the car enthusiastically dives into the corner.

What pleasantly surprised me was the sound insulation. The "two" will probably be quieter than the "older" Mazda3! The engineers did a good job on the "soundproofing" of both the wheel arches and the engine – its pleasant purr is clearly audible only after kick-down or at speeds above 100 km/h. The Japanese hatchback also delights with excellent visibility. The large mirrors are especially successful – even the most insecure drivers won't have problems when changing lanes.

Despite objective shortcomings like the inexpressive interior, hard plastic, and mediocre dynamics, the Mazda2 is good and undeniably appeals to those around it. An impractical trunk? Oh, leave it! Any female driver will say – what difference does it make, just look at what a beauty she is! The same opinion was expressed by 47 authoritative automotive journalists – the jury of the World Car of the Year competition, naming it "Car of the Year 2008." And what's not at all surprising is its second place in the trio of finalists in the "Design of the Year" category, which also included the winner Audi R8 and Volvo C30, rounding out the top three.

And I wouldn't, in the marketers' place, count only on the ladies. This little car will clearly appeal not only to flirtatious lovers of universal attention, but also to young people. By the way, the first question from men getting out of the car after the test was – "When will the Mazda2 MPS appear?" After all, they say there will be a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with an incredible power of 230 hp for such a car... It's a pity that this information hasn't yet been confirmed by official sources.

The Energy trim with a manual transmission already includes power-adjustable and folding mirrors, front electric windows, heated front seats, six airbags, ABS, EBD, as well as an audio system with MP3 and steering wheel controls. For a decent "base," they ask 424,000 rubles. For an "automatic" in this trim, you'll have to pay an additional 31,000 rubles. The Sport trim looks more tempting – climate control, leather steering wheel trim, trip computer, dynamic stability system, front fog lights, and 16-inch wheels – priced from 517,000 rubles with a "manual" and from 549,000 rubles if you need an "automatic." The "two" is catching up in price with the older model – a similar Mazda3 trim with air conditioning, leather steering wheel, trip computer, fog lights, CD player, and an "automatic," though with a slightly more powerful 1.6-liter 105-hp engine, will cost 566,000 rubles, plus 10,500 for "metallic" paint. The pricing policy of competitors is also good: about 512,500 rubles will have to be paid for an Opel Corsa with a 1.4-liter 90-hp engine and a four-speed AT, given that the "Corsa" doesn't lag behind the "Mazda" in handling and equipment level. But the Peugeot 207 with a similar set of options will cost more than the Mazda2 – approximately 560,000 rubles.

My sympathies are on the side of the Mazda2. Yes, it's another B-class car with a more "adult" price. You don't have to splurge on the Sport; the offered "base" already contains everything you need, you just have to pay extra for air conditioning. The main thing is that the Mazda2 is made with such love and sincerity that it will bring pleasure every day. And importantly for us girls, Mazda doesn't plan mass deliveries of the "two" to Russia – the planned annual sales volume is only 2000 cars. So against the backdrop of the tiresome "threes", a new Mazda2 in green or bright white will be a real source of pride. It's no wonder rich colors have become so popular lately, and white is at the peak of fashion. So let's get in line: there are already plenty of takers – if you order the car right now, you can get it no earlier than October…

Svetlana Aleeva