Mazda 2 is a multi-talent from Japan
Excellent driving performance, dynamic and economical engines and attractive styling. These are important, but not the only advantages of the new Mazda 2. There are many indications that its competitors will not have a bright life ...
The history of Mazda 2 dates back to 1996. The Demio model debuted - the progenitor of Mazda 2002, produced since 2 years. The successor to the city van saw the light of day five years later. Mazda 2 has become a classic representative of the B segment, which turned out to be not bad for her. The combination of an interesting body, a well-tuned chassis and full temperament and at the same time economical engines justified itself. The Mazda 2 convinced many buyers and also won the prestigious World Car of the Year award.
Now a new generation of the car will compete for the attention of buyers. Its DNA embodies the latest achievements of Mazda engineers, including a range of Skyactiv technologies, a new generation MZD Connect multimedia station, an i-Activsense security package and Kodo styling. Mazda representatives are so proud of the car that they talk about the new benchmark in the B segment. After their first trips, we must admit that they were absolutely right.
Mazda 2 has not lost its individuality. It retains the moldings on the doors, fenders and hood known from its predecessor, the ascending window line, the rear bumper with diffuser and the spoiler on the tailgate. Zest was added to the proven recipe in the form of a stylistic concept "Kodo - the soul of movement", shortened overhangs, an extended wheelbase, retracted A-pillars and a raised window line. As a result, everything became even more appetizing.
After the Spartan interior of the previous Mazda 2, there was no trace left. The interior of the new car fascinates with its taste. The flagship version of the SkyPassion makes the best impression with the optional Off White package, i.e. leather-trimmed seats, door panels and dashboard. But even in cheaper options there is something to look for. Suffice it to mention round air pipes, metallized inserts, plastics with a carbon structure or a 7-inch screen of a multimedia system. Visually, the Mazda 2 does not fade even when colliding with a well-equipped Audi A1. The aesthetics of the interior allows you to put up with the average quality of materials - the armrests and door upholstery fragments are made of soft material.
The designers decided to divide the cabin into two zones. In front of the driver are elements related to driving. Comfort and communication equipment is grouped in the center console. We can't read the directions of the navigation system from the instrument panel, and the multimedia station doesn't turn into a tachometer. This is not the end. For safety reasons, the MZD Connect multimedia system is designed with a clear menu and a knob on the central tunnel, which greatly simplifies its operation. As if that weren't enough, Mazda is offering a safety package with a head-up display, automatic high beams, and blind spot and cross-traffic alerts when reversing. A few years ago, such solutions were unattainable in most compacts!
Another plus for the large range of steering column and seat adjustments. First, there is plenty of space. Behind the two will be more comfortable. As long as the height of the passenger does not exceed 1,8 m, no one should complain about tightness. The wheelbase has been increased by as much as 80 mm.
The trunk has grown too. Instead of 250 liters, we have 280 at our disposal. This means that Mazda is still one step behind the competition. The luggage compartment can also be blamed for the lack of a double floor, which means that the loading bar is high, and when folding the rear seat back, another step is created. On the heels of a bump, we note the lack of hooks or compartments to stabilize small luggage and the sloppily finished floor - in a high aspiration car, we were counting on more than scattered material.
Almost all automakers have gone downsize. Mazda went its own way. He claims that the 1.5 Skyactiv-G engine, installed on the "deuce", is an example of ... size optimization. After the first races, we must admit that the Japanese company is right. The naturally aspirated direct injection engine scores points thanks to its linear power delivery and low sensitivity to driving style. When prompted, I did not want to exceed the threshold of 8 l / 100 km, and during a quiet trip in the combined cycle, I consumed 5,6-5,9 l / 100 km. Mazda says about 4,7-4,9 l/100km, so the difference between real and catalog results is not huge.
Even the base engine with 75 hp. turns out to be a sufficient source of driving force. Sprint to "hundreds" takes 12,1 seconds, and the maximum speed is 171 km / h. To better illustrate the situation, we add that the Fabia III with a 75 MPI engine with 1.0 hp. it takes 0 seconds to accelerate from 100 to 14,7 km/h. Mazda's secret is high power and 135 Nm of torque. The liter Skoda engine can only offer 95 Nm.
With more powerful versions of engines, one can also talk about diametrically opposed philosophies. The vast majority of brands offer small but flexible turbocharged bikes. Mazda remains with the 1.5 Skyactiv-G unit. It raises the compression ratio from 12:1 to 14:1, replaces the 4-1 exhaust manifold with a larger 4-2-1, and adds a similar exhaust-side CB-T system to the intake valve. phase control system. The result is a linear motor that produces power and torque but becomes sluggish when the tach needle drops below 2500 rpm. If you revive 90 hp and 148 Nm at higher revs, Mazda will catch the wind in its sails, and “hundred” will appear on the counter in 9,4 seconds. Luckily, the engine sounds nice, and once the speed stabilizes and shifts into a higher gear, silence returns.
A real sprinter and connoisseur of high speeds - 115-horsepower 1.5 Skyactiv-G. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 8,7 seconds and is at its best in the 4000-6000 rpm range. You can even talk about replacing the hot hatch in the good old style. The most powerful Mazda 2 also convinces with a well-chosen gearbox. The addition of the "six" and the shortening of the main gear had a positive effect on maneuverability in lower gears, which is lacking in weaker versions. However, in all variants, you can enjoy an extremely precise shifting mechanism with short lift paths. Option for 90 hp engine. - 6-speed "automatic". The gearbox runs smoothly, but reduces dynamics. The acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h is increased from 9,4 to 12,0 seconds.
Mazda has long attracted drivers who seek driving pleasure. They will not be disappointed with the new "two". The designers were guided by the Jinba Ittai principle, which also guided the teams responsible for the next generations of the iconic MX-5 roadster. The new Mazda 2 is stable and predictable even when driving dynamically. The stability control system barely works. Nothing unusual. The front axle doesn't have to deal with excess torque or a heavy engine, and the low weight of the entire vehicle contributes to quick direction changes. Slight and late onset of understeer can be compensated for by subtracting the throttle. The steering is direct and communicative. The suspension is an example of a successful compromise between rigidity and comfort. Those who often drive on broken roads should consider the option with 185/65 R15 wheels. The top SkyPassion variant has 185/60 R16 tires. It seems to be a symbolic difference, but almost a centimeter difference in the height of the sidewall has a positive effect on the method of damping short bumps. It's worth adding that Mazda doesn't offer wider tires. In a car weighing 970-1000 kg, this was not necessary to ensure proper traction.
For a 75-horsepower Mazda 2 with a SkyGo package, you need to prepare PLN 50. The package includes everything you need - incl. manual air conditioning, audio system and six airbags. SkyEnergy 900 hp for PLN 90 with a multimedia system, heated seats, alloy wheels, a hands-free kit, cruise control, parking sensors and even a lane departure warning system seems to be the best version. For PLN 58 Mazda offers full LED headlights. They are standard on the flagship version of the SkyPassion (PLN 900–PLN 3000), which can be equipped with an attractive leather package for PLN 63. Similar tuned models from competing brands will not be cheaper.
The new Mazda 2 challenges the best. An extensive package of safety systems puts the model at the forefront of the segment. None of the competitors can boast of such a convenient multimedia system. The Japanese novelty also has a lot to say about interior aesthetics, performance and ride quality. We'll see in a few months if Mazda 2's main competitor is the crossover built on its motherboard, the CX-3.
