The New Mazda 2 Hatchback

Finally, after all the rumours and teasers, our newborn baby has finally arrived. Yes, it's the new Mazda 2 Hatchback. Bit confusing though, especially after the prediction that its clone, the Ford Fiesta would be launched before the Mazda. These twins are actually a joint venture project between the Ford Motor Company and Mazda Motor Corporation, producing decent small cars. It is not the first time they build cars together. Many of its lineup are actually same car with a different clothes, especially in the Asian markets. The Ford Escape is the same car as Mazda Tribute, as well as Ford Ranger and Mazda BT50, and the good old Ford Laser and the Mazda 323 in the early 1990's.

Back to the Mazda 2. Starting with 175.000K pricetag for the S model with manual transmission, it sure has excellent value of money, comparing to Honda New Jazz which priced 196.000K for the base model with manual transmission. There are two trim levels, the "S" and the "R", which both are available in manual or automatic transmission. What you get is a 4 cylinder 1.5 litre DOHC 16 valves engine which produce 102bhp, 0-60 mph in around 11 seconds, flat out to 115mph and a great deal of 45 miles per gallon, it is a vey good choice of city runner. Aircond, integrated audio system, airbags, ABS+EBD comes as standards as well.

Add another 18.000K, you will get the manual "R" model with stiffer suspension for more sporty handling, 16 inches alloy wheels, bigger foglamps, and much more chrome in the interior. But this is not what you want in a city cruiser. So I have to say that the "S" model is the best buy. Why spent more on something you cannot see when you're driving it?

The ride of the Mazda 2 is acceptably comfort, although some road noises are still heard. The handling is surprisingly good, with good response from the steering wheel, and it's quite heavy as well. It's a bit understeery though, but in town this is a glorious little terrier. The engine respond very well, and revving it up is not a big deal. The rooms on the front are spacious, but the back seat passenger rooms are a bit small. The boots are reasonable for a compact hatchback, giving you 250 litres of space with the back seats are up, and 780 litres with the back seats are folded.

Another brilliant thing about the Mazda 2 is, some guy from the Mazda Indonesia have made a research of how much will you spend on running the Mazda 2 compared to the Honda New Jazz, for 60.000 miles haul. It shows that the Mazda 2 costs only 7.900K for maintenances, whilst the Jazz costs 10.200K for the same circumstances.

Finally, I have to say that this is a hell of a good car. Cheap to run, fun to drive, good looking, and well equipped as well. The 4 door saloon version is reported to avaliable, though it isn't yet known when it might occur.