Production Models

The subcompact segment is a competitive one. Before, it was all about getting to Point A to Point B in the simplest, most no-frills way possible. It was entry-level motoring at its finest or at its worst. Today though, things are pretty different. Buyers are getting picky. They demand style, handling, and fuel economy - in other words, they want everything. And they're not willing to pay a pretty penny for them too. It's got to be affordable as well. Such is the world car manufacturers find themselves in; such is the world the Mazda2 has to fight in.

Though there's a strong resemblance to other current Mazda vehicles, it's not simply a case of design cut-and-paste. The resulting sub-compact is taut and muscular with well-defined lines and nice proportions. It's eye-catching with the long hood, taut lines, and highly stylized front-end.

The Mazda2's strong DNA continues inside where it has the same driver-focused interior. The driving position is naturally ergonomic and perfectly positioned with all the driving controls where you expect them.

Mazda engineers, in particular, have made a big fuss about the pedals, placing them naturally towards the body's central line and this contributes greatly to making the 2 feel like a properly engineered car. It also alleviates fatigue and stress, especially on longer drives.

Overall fit and finish is excellent, with the leather and nicely metalized trim. It's one fully-loaded machine with niceties such as heads-up display, steering wheel controls, automatic climate control, and of course, the Mazda Connect infotainment system.

Mazda weaved its magic on just how fun it is to drive on the road. This is where the Mazda2 really shines. The sporty design of the Mazda2 extends beyond the aesthetics.

Underneath, the entire drivetrain works in unison, creating an experience of connectedness. The throttle response has been optimized to match the engine's character. The shifts are predictable resulting in seamless acceleration.

The Mazda2 is powered by the 1.5-liter Skyactiv-G engine producing 108 horsepower and 139 Nm of torque. The paper figures aren't really extraordinary, but how it's tweaked and tuned to match the six-speed automatic that grabs the headlines.

On the open road, drivers can enjoy extra oomph thanks to a toggle switch located just below the shifter. Labeled, "Sport", it increases the throttle sensitivity and keeps the revs up. This makes the Mazda2 different from all other sub-compacts in that it makes overtaking entertaining.

Apart from the powertrain, the chassis tuning is equally stellar. It's designed for long distance comfort or high speed stability. The steering gives a predictable motion that removes the need to seesaw the wheel especially during hard cornering. Next, the suspension is firm, but is able to absorb potholes and road cracks with ease. And even the brakes are a part of the class act offering excellent modulation with a solid pedal feel and confident stopping power.