Mazda 2 2011 Review

It's hard to believe but the current Mazda 2 has been around since 2007 with a minor upgrade in between.

PRICE

The kick-off point is the Neo manual hatch at $15,790, plus $1650 for the four-speed auto. We got hold of the little auto for a spin and can understand why it's a leading light in the tiddler class. This is despite being off the pace with a four-speed auto, no Bluetooth phone or audio streaming, drum rear brakes, no wheel controls, no lumbar support adjustment, no steering wheel reach adjustment and a temporary spare. It's a fair old missing list especially when compared with its competition.

DRIVING

But the little Mazda more than makes up for it in the way it drives, feels and looks, plus the salient point that it's a Japanese manufactured vehicle having reverted to this from earlier Thailand production. In short, it's a great little car to drive, perky, nippy, economical, with plenty of zip even with the four speed auto, it's all you need. The handling is sporty, helped recently by the adoption of 15-inch wheels and minor suspension and brake tweaks.

ENGINE

There's an economical 1.5-litre twin cam petrol engine driving the front wheels that's good for a hearty 76kW/136Nm output while consuming around 6.5-litres/100km of 91 RON petrol. It scores an EU4 emissions rating.

SAFETY

In higher spec' models, Mazda2 gets a five star rating but Neo buyers will have to pay an extra $450 for front side and curtain airbags to get five star crash protection. Even so, it scores stability control and other safety related kit to help avoid a crash or protect you in one.

PRACTICALITIES

As a city car the Mazda2 shines because it's easy to park and has a tight turning circle along with easy to see peripherals. The small boot is a useable shape expandable with split folding rear seats. Though nothing flash, the audio system is acceptable and has an AUX input to hook up your music system. The single CD player is laughable in this day and age. And of course we took it on the freeway where, once again, the essentials are right up to speed (no cringe value at all) with adequate kick to the speed limit and plenty in reserve for overtaking as long as you don't mind letting the engine rev its head off.

VERDICT

Cheeky looks, affordable, unquestioned Mazda reliability, economical and practical...Mazda2 Neo makes a convincing  argument.

MAZDA2 NEO

Price: from $15,790
Engine: 1.5-litre four-cylinder, 76kW/136Nm
Transmission: four-speed auto
Economy: 6.5-litres/100km