MAZDA2 Debuts MyCarlady gives you her unabashed, unscientific, (personal) test drive video review.I just drove the new 2011 Mazda 2 for a test drive review, video and comparison to the Ford Fiesta, Toyota Yaris, Nissan Versa, Hyundai Accent and the Honda Fit. The big issue about these cars is… Is$17,000.00 truly the least expensive quality, automatic, air conditioning, minimum cost car you can buy in America today? I hesitate to think so, but when you talk about a 4 cyl. (16 valve DOHC) 1.5 liter 100 horsepower machine (98 ft lbs. of torque), that carries four people, it’s kinda scary what passes as safe and acceptable on our roads today. SO let me say that you might want to think of these cars as standard transportation, urban options over foot, taxi, bus, moped, Segway, subway or motorcycle. However, for today, I’ll stick to the Mazda 2 and later this week give you my humble competitive analysis of the pros and cons of these six budget-minders.
ZOOM-ZOOM, Mazda touts this as a celebrated international favorite having won over 50 awards including a bunch of “Car of the Year” titles.
STYLE. It’s cute, kinda retro looking, taking family cues from the Mazda 3 grill, a rounder hood than the others and more distinctive rear end. It sits lower to the ground than I would like, but I didn’t find it hard to get in and out of, at my age (50+) that is a consideration on the lower back. It does sit high enough up off the ground (and you can hand crank the seat up for better visability) so you don’t feel every bump in the road, and other drivers can SEE you. The colors are short-listed with a cool green, bright red and aqua choices along with the typical white, grey and black. The Interior offers black with matching dash, plain in the sport model and red trimmed stitching in the Touring package. In the TOURING (upgrade model) the dash is very nicely designed with touches of two-tone black/grey plastic (hey remember, it’s a relatively inexpensive ride) along the door and on the steering wheel where the audio controls, and cruise control are housed. It also features an iPod jack, remote keyless entry, trip computer, roof spoiler, exhaust tips and 15″ alloy wheels. The gauges accent in back-lit red and the stereo is nicely appointed with upgraded bass and treble balance on a 6 speaker audio system giving you ample volume and sound for a little car. The SPORT edition has 15″ rims with wheel covers and all the basic stuff including power locks, doors, tilt, cruise, TTCS, tire pressure monitors, and DSC. I REALLY think MAZDA missed on leaving it to the dealers to put an armrest or center console between the front seats, though it leaves room for my purse without stealing my cup-holder, and the aux plugs for the cell phone and radar detector are handily placed away from the drinks. I also wish it had push-button start like it’s big brothers: Mazda 6 & CX7-9. You do have to watch the door edge on your head if you are taller than 5″10 getting in and out, but once inside the head room is pretty good, including that of the rear seats, although the back of the chair/headrest is a bit short on taller folks.
REAR STORAGE/HATCH: The 13cu ft. of space does decieve you once you get it stuffed in there. It will fit a dozen PLASTIC grocery bags, and a couple briefcases OR a regular MILITARY-issue duffle but don’t plan on more than a normal size suitcase without dropping the rear seats. The rear seats are easy to release and lay almost flat.
DRIVING: POWER & HANDLING: The MAZDA 2 has the same horsepower whether you drive the Touring or Sport. The Touring being the UPGRADED model with alloy wheels, fog-lamps, controls on the steering wheel. It winds up from first to second in an average shift time, no 0-60 in 5 sec. but not hard, not fast, a bit loud but typical fo this market size segment. Once up to third it gets along and responds smoothly without any struggle or hunting.The smaller wheel base with a wide stance keeps it on the asphalt in quick changes and I was able to do one finger figure eights easily thanks to the electronic power assist in the rack & pinion. At 35mph quick lane changes were steady. I took corners at 15 and 20 mph with no noticeable body roll or slipping in the rear, credit the MacPherson struts in the front and torsion-beam rear end. Did I mention stability and traction control are standard? Yup. The wind does push it around A BIT at 65-70mph but nothing unusual, again in this class of car. It felt solid and safe, with airbags in the front and sides, all traction control and disc brakes. I’m not sure I would want to do battle with a big truck, but it was nimble enough to get out of the way, entering and exiting freeways and parking.
FUEL: AUTOMATIC: 27 city/ 33 hwy Manual 29/35 REGULAR GAS.
WARRANTY: 36k miles, 36 mos. is basic on the Mazda.
PROS: Handling, Style, Options. Good teen driver car. Good overall Value.
CONS: Armrest, Color selection, Storage. STRANGE ALIEN CHARACTER for branding purposes: OUT of this WORLD fuel economy… Is this the best you could do Mazda?
Check back here later for the actual YOUTUBE MYCARLADY TESTDRIVES video. See the KIA SPORTAGE, MAZDA 3 and others.
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If you need any other car buying, selling, trading or financing assistance on any new or used vehicle, please do not hesitate to email me at sarahlee@mycarlady.com,mvides422@gmail.com,carlady@cox.net or give me a call; 702-521-7546 I’m here to help you with any of your automotive needs and advice is free.Sarah Lee is an automotive executive with 20+ years of experience. She writes about Cars, and is a staunch consumer advocate on car related subjects. Her company: MY CARLADY is a car buyer’s service committed to getting you the best deal on your next new or pre-owned vehicle. You can reach her at CAR DEALS
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