If you have a family who prefers cute things and smooth to handle cars, the 2011 Mazda2 would be great for you. In ranking 32 affordable small cars, it ranks 13. Though the Mazda2 would not turn out as the #1 in its class, it is not also the last. It is not on the top when it comes to performance rating but it has decent interior design and has acceleration and handling adequate for the installed engine. In overall rating, the Mazda2 is an average small car.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Compact Hatchback | Base Price: $14,180.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 11.3 gallons (43 liters) | MPG: 29 city / 35 hwy |
| Length: 155.5 in. (395 cm) | Width: 66.7 in. (169 cm) |
| Height: 58.1 in. (147.5 cm) | Wheel Base: 98 in. (248 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 2306 lbs (1046 kg) | Ground Clearance: 5.1 in. (13 cm) |
| Luggage Capacity: 13.3 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 5 people |
| Engine: 1.5 Liter 16-valve DOHC 4 cylinder w/ VVT | Displacement: 1498 cc |
| Horsepower: 100 HP | Max RPM: 6000 RPM |
| Torque: 98 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | Transmission: 5-Speed Manual w/ OD |
| 0-60 mph: 8.9 seconds | 1/4 Mile: 16.6 seconds |
| Option:Mazda2 Touring | MSRP: $15,635; MPG: 29 city / 35 hwy |
Performance
Many of the test drivers remarked that the Mazda2 is great. A four-cylinder 1.5L engine that can generate 100 horsepower can be coupled with either two transmission – the manual 5-speed transmission or the 4-speed transmission that is automatic. If you prefer that the 1.5L engine is paired with the automatic transmission, you will need to add it as an option. But many reviewers said that the manual transmission is better because riding it is fun and the shift is smooth. With the 1.5L engine, the Mazda2 can’t be on top of its kind because it can’t generate more power for a powerful or fast ride but it has good fuel economy.
Most of the test drivers also commented that the steering system of the Mazda2 is powerful. The transmission is very responsive and precise – these are qualities that are not common in small cars that are affordable. With the Mazda2, braking is easy to cope with. You can easily learn when to brake so that you are just on an exact safe distance.
Exterior
The Mazda2 has a sporty exterior design, with an air dam that is lower and it has unified elements of art design. The plastic garnish of the air dam looks like it is smiling. The body is greatly defined with the front fender that bulges and the shoulder line.
Interior
The interior design of the Mazda2 is great and the materials used are all of good quality. The overall design and materials may not be the most expensive and elegant but it is above average. Unlike other small cars, the cabin of the Mazda2 is very quiet. The interior is very pleasing to look at but the interior features are only limited. The included features are the keyless entry, air conditioning, the stereo (AM/FM/CD/MP3) with four speakers, the auxiliary jack design for MP3 players, and the locks for doors and windows.
Safety
The insurance industry had already tested the Mazda2 for the crash test for the roof and front and it if given with a “Good” remark. While the test for the side and rear impact crash, the Mazda2 received a remark of “Acceptable”. The included safety equipment that is standard for small cars are the traction control, the stability control, and the brakes that are anti-lock.
Reliability
J.D. Power had given a score of 6 out of ten for the reliability rating that is only predicted. The rating is based on the three previous years of J.D. power’s data on dependability and the initial historical quality of the previous models.
The Competition
If you want to buy a small car, you are lucky because you have many cars to choose from. One competition of the Mazda2 is the Mini Cooper (MSRP $19,400; 29 city / 37 hwy). Mini Cooper has better performance over Mazda 2 but the starting price is more than The Mazda2. You can also compare the Mazda2 with Smart Fortwo (MSRP $12,490; 33 city / 41 hwy) but the Mazda2 is much better because it can accommodate five occupants while Fortwo can only seat two. Another car comparable to the Mazda2 is Ford Fiesta (MSRP $15,500; 28 city / 37 hwy). Both cars can seat five but Ford Fiesta can provide more luxury and gadgets given you add more money.
Pros & Cons
The first characteristic of a Mazda that might catch your interest is the cute styling. The exterior and interior designs are all well-thought of. The occupants on the first row can also sit comfortably because there is enough space. The driver can definitely experience great handling and excellent braking.
With automatic transmission, the Mazda2 would be great even within the city. Others think that having an average fuel economy, Mazda has this downside. One drawback of the Mazda2 is its small allotted area for the cargo. Another disadvantage of the Mazda2 is it is not equipped with modern gadgets and technology. Compared with other rivals, the Mazda2 is slower.
Overall Rating
66 out of 100
What others say:
“The 2011 Mazda2 is fun to drive in a way that few other inexpensive econocars are.”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
“Handling is quite nimble and the ride is tolerable. Rear seat room is relatively good.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports /
“The 2011 Mazda 2 keeps the fun alive as an economical hatchback, but comes up a bit short when compared to the competition.”Edmunds
“If you’re looking for a small car with sporty driving dynamics, simple packaging and a budget-friendly sticker price, the Mazda2 is worthy of consideration.”KBB
