Test drive Mazda 2: newbie
Content
The new version of the Mazda 2 is lighter and more compact than its predecessor – a fresh and great idea in small class offerings with each successive generation. Test version with 1,5-litre petrol engine.
The creators of the new generation Mazda 2 have chosen an interesting alternative path that promises to be not only original, but also a profitable development strategy. Acceleration has recently become a constant feature in most car classes and is now taken for granted, but the Japanese have subjected it to a critical reappraisal. The newly hatched "pair" is smaller than the previous version - a unique step in the class in which each subsequent generation is longer, wider and taller than its predecessor. Fifteen years ago, from about 3,50 - 3,60 meters, today the average length of cars in this category is already about four meters. The body of the new Japanese is exactly 3885 mm, and its width and height are 1695 and 1475 mm, respectively. These measures, of course, do not turn the “couple” into a microcar, but they clearly distinguish it from the values that have characterized the upper class until recently.
More safety and quality with less weight
Even more curious is that the Japanese have reduced not only the dimensions but also the weight of the car. Sounds awesome, but despite significant improvements in passive safety, comfort and dynamics, the Mazda 2 has lost about 100 kilos over its predecessor! Significantly enough, even with the richest equipment, the 1,5-liter version weighs only 1045 kg.
It is clear that the specialists working on the internal architecture of the model also understood the work, since the reduction in external dimensions did not affect the usable volume in the car - contrary to banal logic, the latter shows a noticeable increase. You won't feel claustrophobic even in the back seat, unless you're a six-foot-tall giant weighing over 120 kilograms...
Freshness and energy
The message of the new "couple" is fresh and different from the generally accepted views. The fact is that although this is not something fundamentally different in philosophy from the rest of the segment, the "couple" stands out quite clearly not only among its competitors, but also among the automotive community as a whole. It is followed by a large number of passers-by and drivers of other vehicles - a fairly clear sign that the model is making an impression, and judging by the apparently approving facial expressions, this impression is predominantly positive ... In our case, a significant contribution to the bright appearance of the small sparkling green color of the lacquer sample under study. The color definitely adds variety to the grey-black (and more recently white) monotony of modern automotive fashion and goes well with the muscular dynamics of the Mazda 2 body. It is no coincidence that most buyers of the model order it in this color ... Although the front design of the car is closer to mass trends the positioning on the sides and back is an absolute hit and gives it a distinctive posture that cannot be confused. The dynamic silhouette is accentuated by a rising lower window line and a boldly swiveled rear end, and the designers are certainly to be congratulated on their task.
The good news is that, as already mentioned, the dynamic appearance of the new model did not negatively affect the space in the rear seats or the capacity of the trunk - its volume is within the normal class and ranges from 250 to 787 liters depending on the selected rear seat configuration. The only major issue here is the high bottom edge of the cargo area, which can make it difficult for heavier or bulkier items to scratch the paintwork.
Quality and practicality
The driver's seat is comfortable, ergonomic and with almost inexhaustible adjustment options - it only takes a few minutes and you will feel comfortable regardless of your gender, height and physical characteristics. In this regard, the new "couple" embodies one of the most valuable qualities characteristic of the Japanese brand - once sitting in a car, a person literally feels at home. The ergonomics of a modern dashboard does not give rise to the slightest dissatisfaction, everything is exactly in its place, and the seats in a middle-class car will look good. The time to get used to the operation of the steering, pedals, gear lever conveniently located in the center console and assessing the dimensions of the car is limited to the passage of the first 500 meters. Visibility from the driver's seat is excellent forward and sideways, but the combination of wide pillars and a high rear end with small windows severely limits visibility when reversing. However, despite this drawback, against the backdrop of increasingly van bodies in the small class and, consequently, an increasingly insignificant ability to accurately assess their maneuverability, everything here looks more than good. An additional convenience is the downward-curved side mirrors in the area of the front windows, and the convenience of the mirrors themselves allows you to create complexes from more than one full-size SUV.
Surprisingly dynamic road behavior
The behavior of the new "couple" on the road will make you look at the capabilities of the small class from a new angle - an extremely small turning radius, ease of control and the correct selection of numbers on a five-speed transmission, perhaps not such a big surprise, but the stability of the track and cross-country ability with cornering are at a level that, until recently, could boast only the best in the compact segment. Chassis reserves contribute to dynamic driving, the steering is quite light but precise, and the low tendency to understeer in borderline corner mode shows up quite late. The lateral tilt of the body is negligible, the ESP system works easily and effectively only in case of emergency. High-speed ride comfort and good coverage are excellent, but the combination of firm suspension, 16-inch wheels and low-profile tires on the 195/45 test car results in paved and damaged pavement problems.
Dynamic, but a little gluttonous engine
The 1,5-litre petrol engine has a bright and energetic Asian temperament - it pleases with enthusiasm and spontaneity of reaction when accelerating, the engine stays in the mood until reaching the red limit at 6000 rpm, and traction is surprisingly good against the backdrop of a relatively modest amount of torque moment. The Japanese doesn't exactly shine with bursts of unstoppable power below 3000 rpm, but that can be fixed quickly and easily with a short, joystick-like transmission lever. The high-speed nature of the engine should encourage Mazda engineers to think about sixth gear, which will have an extremely positive effect on fuel consumption when driving at high speeds. At 140 km / h on the highway, the tachometer needle shows 4100, at 160 km / h the speed becomes 4800, and at 180 km / h it rises to a constant level of 5200, which unnecessarily increases noise and leads to unnecessary fuel consumption. An average consumption of 7,9 l / 100 km is definitely not a cause for drama, but some participants in this class show the best results in this discipline. The Japanese could work for the freshness of their customers even after meeting the cashier at the gas station...
Text: Bozhan Boshnakov
Photo: Miroslav Nikolov
Evaluation
Mazda 2 1.5GT
The Mazda 2 captivates with its fresh design, light weight and agility on the road, while the interior is spacious, functional and well-designed. The weaknesses of the model are limited to details such as a noisy engine at high revs and fuel consumption, which could be more moderate.
technical details
| Mazda 2 1.5GT | |
|---|---|
| Working volume | - |
| Power | 76 kW (103 hp) |
| Maximum torque | - |
| Acceleration 0-100 km / h | 10,6 with |
| Braking distances at a speed of 100 km / h | 39 m |
| full speed | 188 m / h |
| Average consumption fuel in the test | 7,9 l / 100 km |
| Base Price | 31 990 levov |
