The new 2012 Mazda2 is a small car packed with many standard features. This car can accommodate 5 people, comes with a well-made interior and manages to be a fun-to-drive city car.
Mazda2 is light in weight and boasts lively handling and quick steering. This car comes as 4-door subcompact hatchback, available in two trim levels: Sport and Touring.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Hatchback | Base Price: $14,530.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 11.3 gallons (42 l) | MPG: 29 city / 35 hwy |
| Length: 155.5 in. (394.9 cm) | Wheel Base: 98 in. (248.9 cm) |
| Height: 58.1 in. (147.5 cm) | Width: 66.7 in. (169.4 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 2306 lbs (1046 kg) | Ground Clearance: 5.1 in. (12.9 cm) |
| Luggage Capacity: 13.3 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 5 people |
| Engine: 1.5L VVT-DOHC 4 Cylinder | Compression Ratio: 10.0: 1 |
| Horsepower: 100 HP | Max RPM: 6000 RPM |
| Torque: 98 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | Transmission: 5-Speed Manual w/ OD |
| Option:Touring | MSRP: $16,020; MPG: 29 city / 35 hwy |
Engine & Performance
The 2012 Mazda2 is powered by a 1.5L 4-cylinder powertrain, connected to a standard 5-speed manual transmission. Customers can also opt for a 4-speed automatic transmission that performs well even though its outdated. This engine produces 98 lbs-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm and 100 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. From a standstill, this car can go to 0 to 60 mph in 10.3 seconds with manual transmission.
The fuel economy with the manual transmission rates at 29 mpg in city and 35 mpg on highway; with the automatic transmission, the fuel economy estimates are at 28/34 mpg city/highway. Mazda2 uses a power steering system that is responsive and precise, an uncommon trait in other small cars.
Exterior
Mazda2 is available in 6 exterior color coats: Spirited green metallic, true red, aquatic blue mica, brilliant black clearcoat, liquid silver metallic, and crystal white pearl. Both trim levels feature power door mirrors, rear cargo lift-gate and 4 doors as standard exterior features.
The Touring model comes with a rear roof spoiler, fog lights, 15 inch alloy wheels, and chrome exhaust pipes. The Sport model on the other hand is fitted with 15 inch steel wheels.
Interior
The interior is nicely designed and made of good quality materials. This car has a seating capacity of 5, with the rear seat capable of accommodating tall adults. The front seats are relatively comfortable, with ample head and legroom, which is a plus for such a small car.
Standard interior features for the Sport model are: 4-speaker stereo, power locks and windows, auxiliary input jack and keyless entry. Mazda2 Touring model comes with extra and upgraded interior features such as: steering wheel that accommodates audio and cruise controls, and a 6-speaker stereo. This car has a cargo space of 13.3 cubic ft that can be increased to 27.8 cubic feet after folding the rear seats.
Safety & Reliability
The 2012 Mazda2 is fitted with standard safety features that ensure occupants are safe in the event of a collision. Some of these features that help include: front seat side airbags, stability and traction control, antilock brakes, child safety locks, rear head airbag and 4-wheel ABS.
For reliability, you get 24/7 roadside assistance for the first 36,000 miles or the first 3 years, whichever comes first. In addition, it backed with a 3-year or 36,000 mile limited warranty on top of the 5-year or 60,000 mile engine warranty.
Pros
- Attractive styling
- Great handling and braking
- Comfortable front seats
- Simple to operate controls
- Affordable price
Cons
- Small cargo space
- No USB or navigation system
- Subpar fuel economy
- Cramped rear seats
All in all, the 2012 Mazda2 is an affordable, fun-to-drive hatchback that comes with many unexpected features. The car is well designed, and with its reasonable all-round safety, nimble handling and comfortable interior; then this is definitely a good option for people looking for small cars.
Because of the high cost of fuel, the small vehicles have come out in droves the last few years, though frankly, they never left, this includes the Nissan Versa (MSRP $14,570; 26 city / 31 hwy), made popular by the TV show “Heroes”; the Honda Fit (MSRP $15,325; 27 city / 33 hwy), and the Toyota Yaris (MSRP $16,400; 30 city / 38 hwy).
Overall Rating
67 out of 100
What others say:
“With a zippy driving feel and good real-world gas mileage, the 2012 Mazda2 really stands out among entry-level vehicles.”Car Connection
“Among the best in class, 2 stands out for its well-controlled body lean and excellent steering feel. The 2 utilizes an electric power-steering system, which is designed to improve fuel economy.”Consumer Guide
“The Mazda2 is a subcompact hatchback about the size of the Honda Fit or Toyota Yaris.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports
“While its 100-horsepower won’t make the 2012 Mazda2 hatchback the quickest car in its class, its well-tuned suspension and direct power-assisted steering deliver on the “Zoom-Zoom” promise…”KBB
“The 2012 Mazda 2 offers a fun drive in an economical hatchback, but comes up short when compared to more practical competition.”Edmunds
