Overview

Lighter, stronger, safer, cuter, more fuel efficient and offering better value than ever before. That sums up the new Mazda2, the first example of Mazda's second generation of Zoom-Zoom cars.

At just $16,500, the new Mazda2 Neo is only $165 more than the superseded model yet adds about $1000 of additional value.

New standard features include an anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), remote locking, driver's seat height adjustment, a centre rear headrest and an AUX jack that enables any MP3 player (including iPod®) to be played through the car's stereo.

Air conditioning, power windows and mirrors and an MP3 compatible CD player with four speakers are also part of the package.

The new Mazda2 becomes the first Mazda and the first Japanese model in the light car class available with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) across all models. DSC is a state-of-the-art automated anti-skid system that helps prevent front or rear wheel slides.

New Mazda2 is also available in Maxx grade which adds 15 inch alloy wheels, six-disc CD player, steering wheel mounted audio controls and a rear spoiler. It is priced from $18,710.

Boasting a body kit, the range-topping Genki model now comes with 16 inch alloys, unique seat trim, six airbags, leather-trimmed steering wheel and front fog lamps. It is priced from $20,845.

Style is the number one reason for purchase in the so-called Light or B car segment and when it comes to looks the new Mazda2 is a radical departure from the practical boxy shape of the car launched back in late 2002.

While that model was primarily designed for the Japanese domestic market the new Mazda2 is now a global car with Europe, Japan and Australia significant markets for the latest version.

The car's prominent front fenders have a lot of sports car in them. Perhaps that shouldn't be a surprise given that the new Mazda2 was penned by Ikuo Maeda - the man responsible for the RX-8 and whose father designed the original RX-7.

The fenders and the steeply sloping shoulder line are just two elements that ensure the new Mazda2 looks like an athlete in the starting blocks - it looks like its moving even when it's standing still.

This aggressive look also brings practical benefits. With the beltline descending towards the front of the car - it is 40mm lower than the outgoing model - and together with a lower positioning of the side mirrors means increased visibility diagonally to the front and down. This results in increased safety when driving on narrow roads and turning at junctions, where pedestrians could cross the road.

Inside, the cabin was designed to be a space that communicates movement. Unlike interiors with flat surfaces, the architecture selected combines confidence-inspiring solidity with strong visual movement.

By emphasising the horizontal plane, a subjectively large spatial feel is achieved. The contrast between silver accents and an otherwise dark background, along with many round elements, add sportiness and individuality to the cockpit.

The new cabin layout also aids driving enjoyment with the gearbox shift lever integrated into the centre console and mounted 38mm higher and therefore closer to the driver.

The car's new shape is more aerodynamic than before benefiting both fuel economy and wind noise. General noise intrusion into the cabin has been one area where Mazda2 program manager Shigeo Mizuno and his team have worked hard to improve.

Driver fatigue has been reduced with wind and road noise significantly less than that produced by the outgoing model. On a coarse road surface noise inside the new Mazda2 is a significant 2.3 decibels lower than the superseded car.

Overall the new Mazda2 is a little smaller with 41mm cut from its length (now 3885mm), 65mm from its height, although the wheelbase stays the same (2490mm) and width has increased a little (15mm). However, interior space for people and cargo remains very competitive.

This downsizing helped Mazda cut 100kg from the first generation Mazda2's chassis. The car's improved standard feature list means that Australian Neo models are about 60kg lighter than before.

The new Mazda2's shorter dimensions contribute just 40kg to the 100kg weight reduction.
To further reduce flab and therefore improve fuel consumption and performance, the Mazda2 team had to get clever, looking to the MX-5 and its weight saving "gram strategy" for inspiration.

The "gram strategy" ensures that every aspect of the car was checked for excess. That attention to detail meant shaving 0.69kg from the bonnet by making the latch smaller and its hinges thinner.

There are many examples of how weight was trimmed, however the single biggest gain was in the body shell, which was slimmed by 22kg to 215kg.

The Mazda2's body may be lighter but it's also stronger, being the first Mazda to use new generation ultra high-tensile steel, while the proportion of high-tensile steel has jumped from just 5 per cent in the superseded car to 31 per cent.

More rigid than before, the Mazda2's body benefits from localised stiffening such as around the suspension towers. These focused stiffening techniques ensure maximum benefit with minimal weight penalty. Benefits include better handling, improved NVH and a stronger passenger safety cell.

All Mazda2 models now comply with the strict Euro Stage 4 emission regulations and are powered by a 1.5-litre MZR engine that features Sequential Valve Timing (S-VT) to boost cylinder charging efficiency and Tumble Swirl Control Valves in the intake manifold that optimise the air/fuel ratio to promote combustion stability.

The engine develops 76kW at 6000rpm (EEC) and 137Nm at 4000rpm (EEC) and with reduced friction losses and the lower body weight, combines to reduce fuel consumption and therefore C02 emissions. The new Mazda2 also promises to be quicker than the outgoing model.

The new Mazda2 uses an average of just 6.4L/100km on the ADR 81/01 cycle compared with 6.6L/100km on the outgoing model, while automatic transmission versions now average 6.8L/100km compared with 7.0L/100km previously.

Drive the 1.5-litre Mazda2 and those carefully chosen stiffening techniques and the lighter body are immediately obvious. Mazda has dialled up the Zoom-Zoom factor.

A lower centre of gravity and carefully weighted electric power steering, with just 2.7 turns lock-to-lock, ensures the driver gets a free flow of information from the front wheels.

Match this to agile handling and crisp, linear braking response and the new Mazda2 is sure to sit at the top of its class when it comes to driving fun.

The completely revised and lighter by some 13kg MacPherson strut front and Torsion Beam rear suspension not only boosts handling characteristics but deliver improved ride quality.

That on-road ability - nimble braking, steering and handling - means better primary safety, so Mazda2 buyers will be better able to avoid an accident in the first place. The standard ABS brakes and the availability of DSC on all models further improve accident avoidance.

Mazda2 also offers more protection in a crash thanks to the stiffer chassis, while cars fitted with six airbags (available across the range and standard on the range topping Genki) are expected to earn a top, five-star NCAP rating.

Doug Dickson, managing director of Mazda Australia, said: "The new Mazda2 demonstrates that Mazda is not resting on its laurels. As the first of our second generation of Zoom-Zoom cars it ticks all the boxes and we expect it to sell in much larger numbers than the original car.

"The new Mazda2's combination of great looks, outstanding value and class leading driving dynamics make it a super little model."

Mazda Australia expects to sell about 850 Mazda2s a month. The superseded model has averaged 450 a month since its late 2002 launch.

The new Mazda2, like the rest of the Mazda passenger and SUV range, comes with a three year/unlimited kilometre warranty.