This is because the latest Mazda 2 Hatchback is in town and we’re about to zoom-zoom but not to Parliament as yet.
Described by my peers as ‘supermini’ the Mazda 2 aims to compete with everything from the Ford Fiesta to VW Polo, et al.
As we took it for a test drive for couple of days because it has been selected as Wesbank SAGMJ Car of the Year finalist, one could tell from the idling and take off that this diesel model is economical.
It is more spacious than the old model and has an excellent diesel engine.
Thanks to the Japanese brand’s current Kodo design language, one of the biggest appeals of any new Mazda is the way it looks. Appealing of course.
All of the design language’s features combine well to make the 2 look larger, more muscular and more attractive than before. It’s certainly one of the most distinctive ‘superminis’ on the road today.
It is fitted with the Skyactiv-D and a 1.5-litre 16-valve DOHC engine, but the diesel provides maximum power of 77kW at 4 000rpm and 250Nm of torque between 1 500 and 2 500rpm.
The Mazda 2 Hatchback 1.5-litre petrol engine offers good economy and strong performance, as proved when we took it to Vaal for a long, strenuous ride. It responded accordingly, as it negotiated the horrendous pot-holes.
The only snag: the steering is vague and inconsistently weighted and a small boot.
Standard equipment for the entry-level Active model includes 15-inch steel wheels, halogen headlights, power windows, cloth-trimmed seats, driver’s seat height adjustable, rear seat backrest with 60:40 split, air conditioning, height and reach adjustable steering wheel, front vanity mirrors, four-function trip computer, ABS, EBD, EBA, driver and front passenger SRS airbags, childproof rear door locks, Isofix fastening points, keyless ignition, an audio system with AM/FM tuner, single CD player, MP3 compatible, auxiliary audio input jack, four speakers, USB port and steering wheel satellite controls.
Also included are:
• Maximum power: 77 kW
• Maximum torque: 250 Nm
• Fuel consumption (combined): 4.4 l/100km
• Air-conditioning (climate control)
• Half leather seat trim
• Satellite navigation
• Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
This forward-thinking performance is matched to elegantly flowing design. ‘KODO – Soul of Motion’ design reflects the dynamic beauty of an animal leaping into action.
Yes, it seems since branching out of Samcor and Ford, Mazda is showing gains and recognition it deserves, stru!
It retails for R188 000
Verdict:
Performance: 1-10(6)
Diesel:1-10 (5)
