Mazda 2 Neo

handling · Post by **handling** » Tue Oct 26, 2004 11:23

On the road, the Mazda 2 feels fine at part throttle but it doesn?t go much harder when you press it to the floor. Mazda claims it has the highest power output of any vehicle in its class - but there's a big difference between 'power' and 'torque'... With a displacement of 1.5 litres (slightly smaller than the Ford Fiesta equivalent), the Mazda needs revs to perform at its best. The DOHC, 16-valve, variable cam timed engine generates 141Nm of torque at 4000 rpm with a healthy 82kW at 6000 rpm.

With the standard 5 speed manual fitted to our test car, it?s easy to keep the engine spinning but we were often irritated by excessive engine noise under load. The gearbox itself is typical of a current model Japanese ?box ? it?s light, positive and easy to use. Gearing is very short, which means the engine sounds pretty busy at highway cruise.

Pop the clutch and the 1068kg Mazda 2 accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h in just under 12 seconds ? slightly quicker than average in the class. However, Mazda?s quoted fuel economy is very impressive ? 7.6 litres per 100km in city conditions and 5.2 litres per 100 km on the highway (ADR 81/01). Interestingly, our test vehicle didn?t have a fuel type sticker inside the filler flap ? some digging revealed the engine?s 10.0:1 compression ratio is happy to run on normal unleaded. Fuel tank capacity is a generous 45 litres.

The new Mazda 2 chassis feels very stiff and secure on the road. The body has absolutely no squeaks or rattles ? a factor that contributes to its refined on-road feel. The Mazda 2 is always composed regardless of road surface ? its ride quality is top-notch.

With MacPherson struts at the front and a U-shaped torsion beam at the rear, the FWD Mazda 2 is an enjoyable machine to fling around. Chassis balance is similar to what we enjoyed in the Ford Fiesta cousin (see Ford Fiesta Ghia Road Test ). Note, however, the NEO?s 175/65 14 Toyos don?t offer a lot of cornering grip ? up-spec versions have a sportier tyre package.

Its rpm-dependant power rack and pinion steering is light and offers good response. Turning circle is a handy 9.8 metres.

The brakes performed fine during our test, though the brake system hardware is pretty basic ? ventilated discs at the front and drums at the rear. However, remember that our safety kit optioned test car also came fitted with ABS, EBD and brake assist ? the latter very impressive in a vehicle under AUD$20k.

The Mazda 2 is a chic hatch that flaunts its up-to-the-minute styling. Ironically, we image some of this styling will date very quickly...

handling · Post by **handling** » Tue Oct 26, 2004 11:27

Dashboard & engine..............

handling · Post by **handling** » Tue Oct 26, 2004 11:30

Seat & Trunk...................

edward · Post by **edward** » Tue Oct 26, 2004 12:21

Iam afraid,I'll agreed with that last comment.....
Modelnya akan cepat basi....

Skrg aja keliatan keliatan kurang menarik(hm bandingkan dg mazda3)

handling · Post by **handling** » Tue Oct 26, 2004 12:39

sorry nih ada sebagian lagi........

The Stream X · Post by **The Stream X** » Tue Oct 26, 2004 13:15

Pesaing Honda Jazz ya? CMIIW.

WP · Post by WP » Wed Oct 27, 2004 14:21

it's just a facelift....................