Mazda2 1.3 TS2 3dr
by Tim Barnes-Clay, the man behind the wheel.
Date: 06 September 2010
LIGHT AND nippy, the Mazda2 has everything you’d expect from a small car and more.
It does well for performance, driveability, fuel economy and attractive pricing, but while ideal as a car for people without children – or as a second car to quickly ferry the kids to school - it is not really roomy enough as a main family car.
I should know, I have two small children and it was a squeeze, to say the least.
The car has been around for over a couple of years (it was voted World Car of the Year 2008) – but still looks fresh and is well laid out with good visibility. My test car, with a 1.3-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine, was perfect for in-town driving and it coped with motorway journeys without any worries.
Inside & Ride
Toys like the remote audio controls and CD/MP3 player make the mini-Mazda fun to be in, but the interior plastics let it down.
They look and feel cheap, but the upholstery is decent and the seats are very comfortable.
The driving position is great, with plenty of seat adjustment to meet the needs of all drivers.
Leg and head room is not bad either, but the minimum boot space is a modest 250 litres, not leaving much space for shopping bags once a pushchair is stuffed in there. This can be increased to a maximum of 787-litres with the rear seats folded, but that means leaving the kids behind – if you have them!
The suspension is firm, allowing you to take corners without much body roll, but drive over anything other than a smooth road surface and the ride is harsh.
The steering is light, so parking is easy and the brakes scrub off speed well. Add an average fuel consumption of 54.3mpg to all that and you have a car that is not just competent, but also cheap to run.
On The Horizon, The New
As I said earlier, this car has been around for a little while now, but if you want an even fresher looking little Mazda, then you won’t have long to wait.
At this year's Paris Motor Show (2-17 October) the upgraded version of the Mazda2 will be unveiled.
It will feature changes including: new front styling features, an upgraded interior, an improved Euro V compliant powertrain, an updated chassis and an automatic transmission version.
Just for info, if you’re interested, the upgraded Mazda2 will be joined in Paris by the all-new Mazda5. It will premier with a more economical 1.6 diesel engine. I'll be testing the new Mazda5 for LincsMag at its official UK launch soon - so watch this space!
PROS ‘N’ CONS
PROS
- Attractive
- Lots of kit
- Fuel economy
CONS
- Space
FAST FACTS
- Max speed: 107 mph
- 0-62 mph 12.9 seconds
- Combined mpg: 54.3
- Engine layout: 1,349cc 4 cylinder 16-valve petrol
- Max. power (bhp): 86 @ 6000 rpm
- Max. torque (lb.ft): 90 @ 3500 rpm
- CO2: 125 g/km
- Price: £ 10, 820
