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The Mazda 2 is a fun ride!

Mazda Philippines lent us one of their cars over the week-end, a Mazda 2. Then again, I’m no car expert — I just love driving them — so, just like the previous ones I’ve tried, this isn’t a review but more of a driving experience.

Yugatech 728x90 Reno7 Series

I originally requested for the Mazda MX5 but due to some filing mix-up and changes in the test schedule. They told me they’ll swap it once I’m done with this one. For the meantime, the Mazda2 will do for most of my city driving.

The Mazda 2 was once on top of my consideration when I was getting my 3rd car. It’s sub-compact, not too heavy on the gas and the pocket, yet still has that slight semblance of its sporty sibling, the Mazda 3. It was up there on my list together with the Honda Jazz, Honda City and Chevrolet Cruze (though not all are in the same category).

As most sub-compact naturally go, the Mazda 2 is indeed small both from the outside and the inside. There’s enough leg-room to move around but not that much if you want to stretch your legs any further. Even the luggage compartment at the back didn’t have enough space although I think you can fold the back seats to allow more storage space. The cabin is a bit low for my height (I’m only 5’8″) too.

What it lacks in storage space it makes up for looks — the Mazda 2 has the edgy and sporty design that will certainly catch your attention. Those sharp window frames, the curves and angles at the right places give it a sexy appeal. The front view even has that same Angry Birds-like demeanor as the Mazda 3 (though a bit toned down). The Mazda 2 actually reminds me of the Mini and I sometimes mistake the one for the other.

Driving the Mazda2 is really fun and easy (like driving a golf cart) — very smooth and light on the steering wheel, responsive and gives you enough power to kick up to desired speed. Was able to bring it to 120kmph at C5 without so much effort. I reckon I can push it to 150 or 160kmph if I had more road space. It even pumps out that relatively loud sporty sound when you step on the gas and rev it up to 3.5k or higher.

The car manages a relatively smooth drive along the somewhat rugged roads of EDSA (with minimal thuds and rattling). It’s not the smoothest I’ve driven but nevertheless surprising and pleasant for its size and category.

For a more detail specification, you can check this slide (put on full screen or just download the PDF).

Mazda 2 Complete Specs:

As for gas consumption, I can’t be very accurate but from memory I was able to use up less than half of the tank in the last 140km that I’ve driven the car around the city (that’s at least 8+km per liter for city driving).

I like the fact that Mazda included controls in the steering wheel for music controls and the headlamps are situated in the front and not the top middle corner.

Was a bit curious on what those S and L mode meant in the gear shifts. Read somewhere they’re special modes for Second and Low. Haven’t tried them yet though.

The entire Mazda2 line-up are as follows (mine is the 1.5L A/T):

Mazda 2 Variants and Prices

Mazda2 Sport R
MZR 1.5L , In-line 4 Cylinder, DOHC, 16-Valve, S-VT, 4-speed Automatic (Electronic)
Price: Php799,000

Mazda2 R
MZR 1.5L , In-line 4 Cylinder, DOHC, 16-Valve, S-VT, 4-speed Automatic
Price: Php789,000

Mazda2 V
MZR 1.5L , In-line 4 Cylinder, DOHC, 16-Valve, S-VT, 5-speed Manual
Price: Php729,000

Mazda2 S
1.3L I4 DOHC 16-valve, S-VT, 5-speed manual
Body styles: 5-Door and 4-Door
Price: Php689,000

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Avatar for Abe Olandres

Abe is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of YugaTech with over 20 years of experience in the technology industry. He is one of the pioneers of blogging in the country and considered by many as the Father of Tech Blogging in the Philippines. He is also a technology consultant, a tech columnist with several national publications, resource speaker and mentor/advisor to several start-up companies.

25 Responses

  1. Avatar for pcspaule pcspaule says:

    Good points Barney…

    I’m getting a Mazda 2 this week! Thanks for all the inputs.

  2. Avatar for minecraft for pc minecraft for pc says:

    Hello, yes this paragraph is in fact pleasant and I
    have learned lot of things from it concerning blogging.
    thanks.

  3. Avatar for Barney Barney says:

    Obviously, the people who commented before me aren’t the type of people to buy the Mazda2.

    It was never about space. The Accent and Jazz are the subcompact leaders in space.

    It was never about pace. With only 103 horsepower on tap, in a straight line, the Mazda2 will be smoked by the 1.6 Accent, the 1.6 Fiesta and even the 1.5 Vios (if in MT form).

    It was never about fuel efficiency. Nothing beats the Vios in terms of fuel efficiency. It must be noted though that ~9 km/L (this is the average of several Mazda 2 owners in city driving) is respectable for a 1.5 AT. Only the Vios 1.5 is more efficient than this. Even the Accent/Rio 1.4 consume roughly 9 km/L in city driving.

    So what’s the Mazda 2 about? Like the 3 and the 6, the 2 isn’t very pretty in terms of paper specs. Where it shines is the driving experience. It’s the sharp steering, the nimble handling, the eager engine.

    If you’re looking for a practical car, look elsewhere. But if you’re looking for a fun subcompact, it doesn’t get any better than this.

  4. Avatar for M2NERS M2NERS says:

    bulok ang mazda 2… masirain ang suspension… known issue ito worldwide…

    ito ang link:

    http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?123801347-suspension-or-cowel-noise/page2&s=d5783e9d998859c0abd29ffe0a22973f

  5. Avatar for ben ben says:

    i like mazda 2, but malakas ba sya sa gas?

  6. Avatar for pop pop says:

    masikip

  7. Avatar for nexusboy nexusboy says:

    not my type! tiny, un-economical and ugly. :(

    • Avatar for nexusboy nexusboy says:

      Oops, i just realized lahat ng comments ay negative. but seriously, I meant what I just said.

  8. Avatar for Matipid Matipid says:

    8 km/l???? For this small ride??? That ain’t cool

  9. Avatar for RJCA RJCA says:

    I think the Mazda 2 is leagues behind compared to the Honda Jazz and Ford Fiesta. I’m 5’10” and I’ve been inside a Mazda 2, if I adjust the drivers seat to my setting then sit behind in the backseat it is way too cramp, my legs dig in to the seat.

    I’m getting the Ford Fiesta soon, best in class in my opinion.

  10. Avatar for Zo Zo says:

    i’d have to agree with burbs on this one. The new Jazz can outclass the Mazda 2.

  11. Avatar for brian brian says:

    ford fiesta gets my vote.. and the latest jazz, too.

  12. Avatar for wreek888 wreek888 says:

    Shifting to Motoring Today abe ?

  13. Avatar for pabs pabs says:

    with that price range, my toyota vios is the best buy of them all,

  14. Avatar for Mat Mat says:

    The model is too small and has very little legroom. I find the Hyundei Gets a more comfortable ride.

  15. Avatar for burbs burbs says:

    This car is ugly and mazda cars are known to be gas guzzlers. I’d rather get a honda jazz if i were you. Also, the front resembles the joker smiling. Thumbs down on this one.

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