Vehicle: 2011 Mazda2 GS
Price as tested: CDN$22005

Performance: Over the last few years, Mazda have got homerun after homerun. Everything from Mazda3 to Mazda6 to MX-5 Miata have enjoyed rave reviews after rave reviews. Subject to this review is the 2011 Mazda2. Is this Mazda2 destined to be another homerun for Mazda? We will find out after this test drive.

Mazda2 comes with only one single powertrain. That’s the 1.5 liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder with variable valve timing. It has 100 horses and 98 lb/ft of torque at driver’s disposal. Although on paper, 100hp and 98 lb/ft of torque feel a bit underwhelming, it actually feels much more responsive than what the specification suggests. The throttle response is instant and linear. This little motor’s refinement and smoothness are up to those stanards set by Honda and Toyota. That’s despite you can still feel some kind of buzziness and roughness on the top end of the rev counter. You can either opt for the smooth shifting 5-speed manual on our tester or go with the 4-speed automatic with the Mazda2. The 5-speed is a better choice when mating to this little mill, as it has excellent clutch feedback. The gearbox has well-defined gates and throw is short. Clutch is light and progressive. What makes the Mazda2 so responsive and light-on-its-feet even with only 100 ponies. Its Mazda2′s light 2306 lb curb weight. Combined with the high hp vs weight ratio. This little Mazda really feel like a hot hatch. As we have experienced with Protege5 and original Mazda6. You won’t need tons of horses to get the most driving fun out of Mazda these days. That’s where we will bring it to the dynamic abilities of this very Mazda.

Handling: Since Mazda2 shares the same world-renowed platform with Ford Fiesta, its no doubt Mazda engineers have an excellent place to start tuning this little car. This platform is completely feel of anything called cracks and rattles. The level of chassis rigidty and stiffness are simply amazing for entry-level segment. Combined with Mazda’s renowed sporty suspension calibrations. Mazda2 really feels like what a lightweight hot hatch should be. Its electric power steering provides awesome driver feel and feedback, without any of the over sensitivity one associates with driving a sporty car. The suspension is comfortably compliant when driven over patholes and roughness of what we called poorly paved Canadian highways. On the other hand, the superb calibrated suspension manages body motions exceptionally well. Understeer is minimal. With the Mazda2, you are not only getting an economical car. As with all Mazda, you are also getting a true driver’s car. Just like a Miata and all the Mazda we have loved over the Zoom…zoom revolution, Mazda2 just beckons for more whenever driver pushed it. The more driver pushed the Mazda2, the more it feels happier on black top twisties. Twisties? What twisties?

Brakes: Even if the Mazda2 comes with front discs and rear drums, its stopping distance and pedal feel are what we all expect from sporty Mazda lately. The stopping distance is short while pedal feels alive. Its standard ABS doesn’t step in unnecessarily is an added bonus.

Interior: The slight disappointment for Mazda2 has to be its fold-down rear seats don’t completely fold flat, also the front passenger seat is unable to fold flat neither. Otherwise, Mazda has done a good job with decent cargo liftover height but slightly narrow side sills. Mazda2 has 27.8 cubin feet of cargo space when all the rear seats fold flat, which is exceptional consider its compact dimensions.

The rest of the interior is logically layout. All the instrumentation gauges are clear and analog. The center console’s climate control and stereo are placed on ergonomically friendly location. Those cloth seats are comfortable with decent back and thigh support. As with all Mazda, the use of interior plastic materials and workmanship are excellent.

Conclusion: The new Mazda2 is definitely a capable little roundabout. Even though it won’t set your heart on fire with its average hp rating, you won’t missed its power deficit once you get behind the wheel. Combined the amazing driving experience with a nice-looking exterior and a practical interior; this new Mazda2 definitely be another homerun for Mazda.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2011 Mazda2
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Performance: 3/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4.5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4.5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 5/5

Overall rating: 4/5