Tanoshī Hatchi: The All New Mazda2
Mazda recently launched the New Mazda2, and we tested it to see what this Tanoshī Hatchi (Fun Hatch in Japanese) was capable of.
The Mazda2 (3rd Generation) official entered the South African market in 2007 to compete with the top sellers at the time; Toyota Yaris, VW Polo, and Ford Fiesta.
Mazda2 entered the market with a bang and scooped a few awards with that particular model, including the 2008 World Car of the Year Award.
Mazda has not looked back since then, simply evolving and perfecting the design and features of their entry level category contender.
The All New Mazda2 has a redefined shape, and a host of additional features for the fun hatch.
The Mazda2 is available in 4 Models:
- Active
- Dynamic
- Individual
- Hazumi
We tested the Mazda2 1.5L Dynamic 6AT 5-Dr, but with some added extras.
Exterior
The Mazda2 is available in 11 colours:
- Arctic White
- Ceramic
- Deep Crystal Blue
- Eternal Blue
- Jet Black
- Machine Grey
- Polymetal Grey
- Snowflake White Pearl
- Sonic Silver
- Soul Red Crystal
- Titanium Flash
The model we tested was the Titanium Flash, which is like a dark metallic brown.
The Active model is fitted with:
- 15" Steel Wheels (with wheel covers)
While the Dynamic is fitted with:
- 15" Alloy Wheels (Silver Metallic)
The model which we tested and the Individual and Hazumi are fitted with:
- 16" Alloy Wheels
Standard features from the Active Model through to the Hazumi Model are:
- LED Headlamps
- Power windows (Front & Rear)
- Power windows one-touch system (Driver)
- Rear wiper with intermittent function
The Dynamic models are fitted with additional:
- Power fold mirrors
The Dynamic model which we tested was fitted with some features which are available standard on the Hazumi:
- Headlamps auto on/off
- Auto fold mirrors
- Front rain-sensing wipers
- Shark Fin Antenna
- Privacy glass (Rear side & back)
- Chrome bumper strip: Front & Rear
- Chrome exhaust extension
Safety
All the models in the Mazda2 range have standard safety features:
- Airbags SRS: Front (Driver & Passenger)
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
- Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
- ISOFIX - Child restraint anchor points
- Seat-belt warning (Driver & Passenger)
- Seat-belts 3-point lap-sash (All seats)
- Seat-belts (Front) with pretensioners, load-limiters & height adjustable shoulder anchorages
- Burglar alarm system
- High mount brake lamp
The Dynamic model has a few extra safety features:
- Airbags SRS: Side & Curtain
- Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
In the Dynamic model we tested there were a few more safety features, which are standard on the Hazumi:
- Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
- Parking sensors - Rear
- Reverse Camera
Interior
The standard interior features in the Mazda2 Active are:
- Air-conditioner (Manual)
- Ambient temperature display
- Multi-function steering wheel with controls
- Tilt & Telescopic adjustable steering wheel
- Trip computer
- Push-button engine start
- Digital Tachometer
- Height adjustable seat - Driver, Seat trim - Cloth
- Seat: Rear fold down (60:40)
- Vanity mirror (Front)
- Map reading lights
The Dynamic models have the addition of the:
- Cruise Control
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Leather-wrapped gear shift knob
- Leather-wrapped handbrake handle
- Side door trim - Cloth
In the Dynamic model we tested the following was also fitted, which are standard on the Hazumi:
- Head-Up-Display (HUD)
- Air-conditioning (Auto)
- Auto paddle shift switches - Auto only
- Smart_Advanced keyless entry
- Analogue Tachometer
- Seat trim - Leather & Cloth Combination
- Seat trim - Cloth (Suede)
Connectivity
The Mazda2 Active has a very basic entertainment system with a:
- Standard Radio - CD/ AUX/ USB
- 4 speakers
All the models are fitted with a:
- Multi-function steering wheel with audio controls
The Dynamic, Individual, and Hazumi have the following connectivity features:
- MZD Connect System which features a 7-Inch Display Screen
- Apple Carplay™ & Android Auto™
- 2 x USB connectivity ports
- Bluetooth® hands free system
- CD Player
- AUX Jack
- 6 Speakers
An optional extra on the Dynamic and Individual, and a standard for the Hazumi is the:
- Integrated Navigation
Engine
The engine is standard across the entire Mazda2 range which is a:
- 1.5L SKYACTIV-G Engine
This is a normal aspirated, fuel injected 1.5L in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve petrol engine which produces 85kW of power and 148Nm of torque.
The Mazda2 range is available in 6 speed automatic, and 6 speed manual transmission, and all are front wheel drives.
We tested the 6 speed automatic transmission on the Dynamic model.
Warranty and Service
All Mazda2 models come with a:
- 3 year/ unlimited km warranty
- 3 year/ unlimited km roadside assistance
- 3 year/ unlimited km service plan - 15000 km intervals
Pricing
The Mazda2 pricing starts with the:
- 1.5L Active 6MT 5-Dr at R275 100
The model which we tested without extras was the:
- 1.5L Dynamic 6AT 5-Dr at R317 600
The top of the range Mazda2 is the:
- 1.5L Hazumi 6AT 5-Dr at R368 900
Competitors
Citroën C3 R264 900 - R321 900
Ford Fiesta R323 800 - R375 700
Hyundai i20 R271 500 - R330 500
Nissan Micra R288 200 - R384 000
Opel Corsa R289 900
Peugeot 208 R267 900 - R335 900
Suzuki Swift R176 900 - R229 900
Toyota Yaris R269 500 - R334 300
VW Polo R287 500 - R 439 700
Verdict
The new Mazda2 has a sporty new look, with a fresh grille which you could mistaken for a Mazda3.
The chrome exhaust tailpipes add to the sporty feel on the Dynamic model.
The rear of the Mazda2 has not changed much, but there are slight changes to the aesthetics.
The Mazda2 now offers keyless entry, powerfold mirrors, and a start-stop button for the ignition.
The grey and blue leather trim are a nice finish to the interior, and the seating is very comfortable as Mazda have mastered the design of the seats throughout their range to support the driver's body core, keeping your body in a relaxed posture at all time and reducing unwanted tension on longer journeys.
The interior incorporates Mazda's Jinba Ittai design - which is oneness with the horse and rider. With this in mind you don't have to stretch to control the infotainment system. The controls take a bit of getting used to, to function, but once you get the hang of it, you can literally sit back and enjoy.
The pop-up heads-up display is a great addition, as it helps you to concentrate on the road, and there is less focus on the dashboard.
The safety features like the blind spot monitoring and rear traffic alert keep you at ease when changing lanes.
The 16 inch alloy wheels gives a smooth ride and assists the Mazda2 to handle better around the corners.
The reverse camera is always handy to have on any vehicle and the Mazda2 dynamic which we tested was fitted with one.
The boot and cabin are a decent size for the compact hatch.
There is no navigation fitted standard which is a bit of a disappointment, but it can be fitted as an extra.
The dynamic model which we tested had a naturally aspirated 1.5l engine which produced 85kW 148Nm which is powerful enough for a the mid-sized hatch.
The fuel consumption was impressive as we managed to get an average of 6.6l/100km in and around Johannesburg, and Mazda claim 6.0l/100km combined (short and long distance combined)
The price is very competitive for the features which the Mazda2 offers.
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Ziyaad Plaatjes is the Co-Founder of iloveza.com.
He is a Bachelor of Commerce Honours graduate and has been running businesses since the age of 13. Ziyaad is a registered Financial Advisor, but has taken on many roles in various industries over the years. With his entrepreneurial skills and vast knowledge he assists individuals and businesses to grow and achieve their goals.
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