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IT IS hard not to love a car like the new Mazda2. Its styling is Continental and easy on the eye, if a little undistinctive (it resembles Peugeot's 207).
Comparing it with its boxy predecessor is like comparing Cinderella with her step-sisters.
It is small and light, making it very user friendly in a built-up city like Singapore. It is highly equipped, with a funky and fresh fascia that boasts factory-fitted stereo and air-con.
It is endowed with a lively 1.5-litre engine that packs 103 horsepower. For a car that weighs around 1,020kg (nearly 50kg lighter than its predecessor), the engine output is adequate.
While the manufacturer's specifications say the car clocks a modest 12.5-second sprint to 100kmh, it feels a whole lot swifter.
It is also a quiet operator, especially when idling. On the go, the noise, vibration and harshness levels in the cabin are almost on par with sturdy European models.
And you have to marvel at the car's space packaging. The Mazda2 is dimunitive - optically, it appears smaller than similarly sized cars like the Honda Jazz and Suzuki Swift. But inside, it has lots of horizontal space, although head-room is a bit stingy by today's standards.
As its wheels are pushed to the far corners of its body, it has a surprisingly generous wheelbase (2,490mm) for its size. The car's ride and handling benefit from this configuration.
The Mazda2 dives into traffic openings with nonchalance and it is endowed with a neat turn-in. But it is just a bit short on the fun factor when compared to something like the Suzuki Swift.
The Swift has a slight edge in its mix of verve, steering feel and all-round visibility.
For those who care less for driving dynamics, the Mazda2 is as peachy as they come. Inside, it is better than most, if not all, of its peers.
The quality of materials, the standard of fit and the imagination of the design shine through.
The dashboard and centre console - which incorporates the gear lever - look like what you would find in a concept car. You will find plenty of storage bins around - including the clever glovebox lid that doubles as a mini parcel shelf when shut.
The instrument binnacle has fresh and legible dials, and the car even greets you (via the digital hi-fi display) when you start it up. Too bad the radio reception is not great.
The Mazda2 comes in two grades. The higher grade has 16-inch wheels (15 for the other), six airbags (versus two), six-disc CD player (single disc) and bodykit.
In short, it is a well-stacked car. Which may explain its premium pricing.
christan@sph.com.sg
MAZDA2
Price: $63,988 with COE (higher grade)
Engine: 1,498cc 16-valve inline-4
Transmission: Four-speed automatic
Power: 103bhp at 6,000rpm Torque: 137Nm at 4,000rpm
0-100kmh: 12.5 seconds
Top speed: 168kmh
Fuel consumption: 9 litres/100km (city)
Agent: Mazda Motor (Singapore)
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