Mazda may not rate as the largest Pacific Rim automaker, but it has developed a solid reputation for fun-handling vehicles priced within reach of the worker bee.
Once such vehicle is the relatively new Mazda2, debuting in here in the States 2011 model year, although it undertook an extended work-the-bugs-out test drive in Europe and Japan starting in 2007. This subcompact offers easy-to-park dimensions, decent gas mileage and a friendly, attractive exterior. Although easily pegged as inner city urban-intended transport, drivers here in the suburbs should find it equally as enticing.
For the past 30 years, Mazda and Ford Motor Company have enjoyed a successful strategic relationship allowing the two companies to reduce research costs by sharing expensive-to-mine technical information. Ford also possesses an ownership stake in Mazda, although the share is currently below 13 percent from a high of 33.4 percent as recently as 2008.
The front-wheel-drive Mazda2 is an outgrowth of this strategic alliance with Ford's Fiesta subcompact sharing many platform traits, although subtle differences exit. While Fiesta is available in two body styles, the Mazda2 comes solely as a versatile five-door hatchback. Fiesta also is available with Ford's telematic-friendly, but at times confounding to operate Sync audio/interface voice-activated system. Under-hood four cylinder powertrains also differ as do equipment levels.
Little changes in 2013 from the 2012 model year save for the addition (and what took so long) of a USB plug-in port benefitting the growing number of portable electronic devices.
Mazda also finds itself on stronger financial footing here in the states than its Japanese counterpart Suzuki, who announced in November of 2012 that after 27 years, it's pulling out of the highly competitive U.S. car market to concentrate on emerging economies, most notably India were its smaller-sized, low-priced vehicles enjoy a ready-made audience. Suzuki will continue marketing marine engines and motorcycles in the United States.
Two trims, Sport and Touring, once again return both powered by a 1.5-liter, 16-valve, four cylinder cranking out a very ho-hum 100 horsepower. With the standard (in both trims) five-speed manual transmission, mileage estimates reach 29 mpg city and 35 mpg highway, respectable but not a leader in a segment where fuel economy numbers generally carry added importance. Subtract one mile in each category when mated to an optional four-speed automatic transmission. Regular 87-octane fills the rather small 11.4-gallon tank. Ford's Fiesta, by contrast, delivers 120 horsepower from its 1.6-liter four cylinder.
Thanks to the relatively light 2,300-pound body weight, the 1.5-liter engine will meet most basic needs of a suburban Chicago audience as long as a zero-to-60 time below 4.6 second never becomes a top priority. Merging onto I-355 from the entrance ramp provided to be a no-hastle experience. Our tester's manual transmission also provided a bit more zest and driver feedback than the optional rather pedestrian four-speed automatic. Even in the entry sub-compact category, more advanced five and six-speed automatics have become more prominent.
Give Mazda credit for offering a relatively straight-forward and simple transaction process. Even though it's an entry-level offering, the base Sport trim comes nicely equipped with features the American consumer has come to expect. Other than the four-speed automatic transmission (an $850 extra), few factory options (center arm rest, wheel locks, upgraded rear-view mirror) are offered. Sport pricing starts at $14,720 while a Touring lists for $16,210. Our Touring tester's bottom line ended at $17,600 after calculating in a few factory extras like $170 arm rest, $50 cargo net, $295 auto diming mirror with compass, $80 bumper guard and $795 destination charge. The value-driven Mazda2 is one of the few vehicles where the decked out top trim sneaks in under $18,000.
Touring models add a rear roof spoiler, leather-wrapped steering wheel, fog lights, cruise control and steering-wheel mounted audio controls standard. Both models include a compact disc player with AM/FM stereo, but satellite radio is not available as a factory option nor is an in-dash navigation system (but low-cost aftermarket GPS units make great gifts).
Both trims include air conditioning, rear window defroster, rear hatch wiper, power windows, doors, locks and an array of safety nuances like traction control, side curtain air bags, front and rear crumple zones, antilock brakes, traction control and rear child safety locks. Electronic assist power steering also comes standard, easing the steering effort and contributing to a nicely snug turning radius. With a rather stout wheelbase, don't expect a limousine-like ride although Mazda2 does a nice job of absorbing road imperfections and bumps as best as expected from a subcompact.
Cloth seating materials come standard in both trims although Touring models spruce things up with red piping. Leather cushions are not offered. With the rear seats prone, a comparatively small 13.3 cubic feet of space is available. Fold the 60-40 split seatbacks down, and a nice expansion to 27.8 cubic feet takes effect. Headroom remains generous for the driver and shot-gun rider. In back, those over six-feet three inches may have issues. The rear is best left for two adult travelers.
Mazda2's dash color is basic black with some brushed aluminum trimming, including the three-spoke, manually tilting steering wheel. The ignition cylinder resides on the steering column adjacent to the right side front/rear wiper appendage. The flat, one-dimensional instrument panel includes a circular analog speedometer flanked by two smaller, attached three-quarter circles. The right flank includes a tiny digital bar-type fuel gauge which could use a bump up in point size. Four circular dashboard air vents are joined by small side vents that help defog the side view mirror corner. Monitoring ventilation functions is made easy via three easy-to-grab dials. The audio system above is just as intuitive (no need to call any customer service or thumb through a myriad of color-coded tutorials) with a large center on-off dial and six pre-set buttons. All light up after dark with red backlighting.
The five-speed manual transmission shifter is raised up from the floor, extending out from the bottom portion of the center console. The new-for-2013 USB port and circular audio input jack reside between the front bucket seats near the floor with a nearby caddie for stowing electronic gizmos. Power lock controls are in the region as well. The latch lever unlocking the circular driver's side fuel door is on the floor left of the bucket seat. The optional, slim arm rest folds up and out of the way when not in demand.
Six exterior colors are available including a new-for 2013 (and our test-drive color) Clear Water Blue. The cheery front includes a half-moon air dam below a tiny grille consisting basically of the Mazda circular M logo flanked by cat's eye headlights; all creating a smiley-face type front end. A circular, electronic button unlatches the hatch door (hinged at the top and opening up from the bottom) with a gentle touch. Tail lights are more horizontally driven when compared to the Ford Fiesta's vertical layout. A side character line rises from front to back for a dynamic ambiance.
Mazda2 not only has the Ford Fiesta to contend with, but many other intensely competitive 2013 sub-compacts including the impressive Chevrolet Sonic, Fiat 500, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio and cargo-friendly Honda Fit. Also creeping forward; a new wave of even shorter micro cars including the Scion iQ and Chevrolet Spark.
2013 Mazda 2Price as Tested: $17,600
Engine: 1.5-liter four cylinder
Horsepower: 100
Length: 155.5 inches
Width: 66.7 inches
Height: 58.1 inches
Wheelbase: 98 inches
Fuel Economy City/Highway: 29/35
Curb Weight: 2,306 pounds
Powertrain warranty: Five-year/60,000 miles
Built: Hiroshima, Japan