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1. 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At just $16,500, the new Mazda2 Neo is only $165 more than the superseded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.
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