An Exhaustive Report by Eric Poon

Test Drivers: Eric Poon & Sharon Chew

(Please Click To Enlarge Images)

The Little Hatch That Could

I just love my job. I get a call requesting me to come the very next down to Bermaz Motor, distributors for Mazda cars in Malaysia, bright and early to collect a brand spanking new Mazda 2 or Demio as its known in Japan. Spontaneity is the order of the day. I was in a daze for a bit, while I let the words sink in. I was rather tied up with other work commitments that require follow up. So, my mind had to work fast either to commit or to reject the offer for another test drive from Bermaz Motor, the first being the fantastic Mazda 3 2.0 Sport. 

Hailed as the 2008 World Car Of The Year, the Mazda 2 is a supermini that has been thoroughly re-worked and re-designed since its predecessor the Mazda 121. Its design is fresh and based upon Mazda's Nagare design philosophy which means Flow and Motion in Japanese. I was left utterly speechless in the awesome Mazda 3 and since Mazda has raised the bar in overall performance, comfort and handling, I'm left hoping, wondering if the same DNA has been administered to the Mazda 2. It certainly is a looker, no doubt about that, but is it merely a 1.5 compact that people buy for their daily city grind and toil? Or is it something more. 

And once more, as I try to put the words flowing in motion all around me in proper order, I leave you with the review of the 2010 MAZDA 2 1.5 HATCHBACK. 

"... It looks like its ready to pounce and strike from the moment you turn the key..."

The Mazda design team are certainly not conservative, for there are bold moves in the design of the 2. Exaggerated is not something I'd coin either. There's a subtle line of balance between these 2 polar opposites and that can be seen in the lines of the Mazda 2. Its design is smooth, modern, stylish and sexy. The lines have a nice flow from the front to the rear and they exude a sense of purpose. I'm usually not a fan of supermini's as they are also known as un-adventurous, un-exciting econoboxes that takes you from home to (take your pick) the shopping mall / college / nearest hypermarket etc. but the Mazda 2 struck a different note. It tells of a hidden purpose from just looking at it and you'd sense that there's something more than meets the eye, pardon the cliche. I love the visual appeal of the whole car. It looks like its ready to pounce and strike from the moment you turn the key and the Spirited Green color does add to its striking charm.

I open those doors and take a quick peek at the interior before dropping my posterior onto those maroon and black tone leather seats. I like what I my sight beholds. There's a JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) sportscar like impression that flows from the design of the dashboard. Circular aircond vents all round and the center dash and player bears a certain resemblance to the Rotary powered sportscar.  No surprises here as I scan my surroundings. Not yet anyway, and that's the beauty of Mazda. They leave enough additional appointments in their cars for you to discover them along the way which will probably leave you with some form of awe for the next few moments.

Seats are comfortable, very. Rear seats also have decent legroom and headroom. 2 6-footer adults comfortably. As my hands make their way towards the steering, the sense of excitement grows. I'm not sure what to expect but the indicator point towards fun. The whole concept of the interior promotes the feeling of fun, excitement and involvement. 

With a twist of the key, I went into ignition and as the lights go off I started up the 2 up to be greeted by a high pitched induction wheeze from the engine. just my kind of music and sound insulation is good. 

The Mazda 2 has all the industry standard appointments. Dual SRS airbags, CD Player with MP3 and WMA functions. Steering has the audio control functions. My kind of interior. Basic, purposeful and primed for action. This does not mean that the Mazda 2 will leave you shortchanged. Every amenity in your surrounding well placed and appointed that you feel the convenience at your fingertips as everything is integrated together. A generous helping of black and silver trimmings adorn the dashboard.

The meter cluster has a very beautiful backlight which a mix of fire orange for the digits and red for the needle which reminds me of Vader's Lightsaber, the audio player display and air cond controls share the same orange glow. Audio volume and channel switching / track skipping is controlled via the buttons on the steering. 

The steering feels very good to hold and there's this solid quality about it that shows more promise of a good time with the Mazda 2. Audio control buttons are neatly laid out on the steering, it does not hamper the grip while driving. No shortage of compartments in the 2 and everything is easily accessible without causing much distraction to the driver. A definite plus point.

As I zoomed off from the Mazda Dealership, Bermaz Motor I was already encouraged by the zippy response from the 2 and started mapping my way to the places I knew best that would, hopefully, bring out the best in the Mazda 2.

The 2010 Mazda 2 is powered by a pitchy, peppy rev happy 1.5-litre, that has been tuned to be powerful and torqueful, and yet delivers improved fuel economy. The MZR 1.5 , inline-four-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve engine with Sequential-Valve-Timing system (SV-T) delivers impressive performance and on-the-road behavior for this class of cars, with a pleasant level of NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness)  Other features include low-tension piston rings and shimless tappets. 

Engine power is rated at 76 KW / 103 PS @ 6,000 RPM and a heady 137 NM of Torque @ 4,000 RPM. Engine compression is a decent 10.0:1. Exhaust header is a 4 - 1 configuration which adds to a more streamlined and consistent power delivery yet having a nice top-end. All these features implemented in the new MZR engine was meant for low emissions and better fuel economy. Power and torque figures do not seem that impressive and boy, I've got a lot of those coming from people I know, but its no slouch on power either as it demonstrates quick throttle response from standstill and just continues zooming from there on.

The engine has a high pitched induction note when revved and at high revs (5,000 - 6,500 RPM) the sound becomes much sweeter. Could have sworn it sounded like Amazing Grace to me. Its a very gutsy, spirited and willing engine and it always wants to impress. The 2 feels most at home when driven at full throttle. Half effort dictates fuel economy while full effort provides a ton of fun. The tires light up a little and watch the revs zoom past to its 6,500 RPM redline and it rewards you with providing a constant flow of involvement and fun. The MZR 1.5 engine does indeed have something up its sleeves and torque steer is imminent when I throttle through the corners.

Transmission is a 4-speed automatic. Gear change is smooth and slick and becomes more interesting once driven hard. No Shift Shock moments at all. Gear change and revs respond to every ministrations of your throttle input. One fantastic feature is the 'HOLD' Button right below the transmission lock button. It holds your revs at the gear that you're at to either maintain consistent cruising or maintain efficient power delivery at lower gears.  It also drops you a gear lower when you reach a certain speed. 

To make the most out of the Mazda 2, you'll have to play around with your brakes and gears, which is utterly absorbing, but you will never feel shortchanged or found wanting.

"...Its a very gutsy, spirited and willing engine and it always wants to impress..."

The moment I left Bermaz Motor, I floored the accelerator and was rewarded with surprising sprightliness and gusto from the 2. It jumps, it springs, it leaps forward. Maybe Mazda has the power and torque figures mixed up, I was thinking to myself. 103 PS seems like 130 PS to me. Taking it around the urban and sub-urban motorways and smaller roads (B Roads), was really a surprise for me. Drove it around the sub-urban roads with careless abandon like I was doing a time-attack and a flying lap on a tarmac rally. It is very willing to go all out and it really does. The throttle response is really something else. There's no hint of performance lag in the lower gears and the power delivery is very linear and torque is consistent, just prod the throttle and it goes fast with the engine doing its favorite aria. Even in cruising gear the car is pushing 160 KM/H easy and still climbing if not for some idiots who suddenly decided that 90 KM/H was the maximum speed limit in the fast lane.

I had to brake, and then it hit me. Damn, these brakes are good. The bite is strong, it is solid and firm yet progressive enough not to jerk you around the car and yet have a safe stoppage distance. Mind you, I was braking at around 140 KM/H as cars usually love to dart in to your lane at 80 KM/H. These drivers have their brains stuck in Neutral. Or maybe its just the Mazda 2. It inspires me to go flat out all the time as if wanting me to bestow a 'Hot Hatch' status on it when I'm done with the test drive. Whichever the case, the brakes are fantastic. 

I don't like most drivers on the road. They go way too slow and if they go any slower, they'll be driving backwards. On the road, one might think that the Mazda 2 is just one of those daily grind vehicles that is not capable of carrying any speed to do any overtaking. Big mistake. I downshift to 2nd, press the HOLD button, the floor the throttle pedal. The 2 changes lanes, zooms past a few cars and I decided, what the heck, I'm going to overtake a few more cars given the burst of momentum the 2 has and I do, which turns out to be another pleasant surprise for me. The handling is superb. The chassis is entertaining, lively, agile and responsive much likened to a mysterious belly dancer that holds you in her thrall. It sways you very persuasively. Towards corners the 2 leads and eggs you to think that it may go out of control and then just then, you realize its your mind playing tricks on you. It holds its line, barely dips, I drop gears and it sweeps through the corner without breaking much of sweat. It has composure and yet its a tease to your senses, it heightens them and things get interesting from there on.

I wanted to head for the hill on the first day itself but because of erratic weather conditions, I found myself driving along the highways instead in the heavy torrential downpour. I'm still doing 130 KM/H in wet conditions and the Mazda 2 still has ample grip. Gosh, I love this car already. It always tries its hardest, going all out when driven hard looking to please the driver and that says a lot about the character of the 2.

Already impressed with the 2's ability on urban roads and motorways, I decided to head for the hills where there would be a nice winding highway between the city and the hills. This time around I decided to head for Genting Highlands. This would be the ultimate proving ground for the Mazda 2. With my camera equipment and my notepad packed up, I headed over to a good friend's place, had a spot of lunch and made our way up. 

The roads that lead up to Genting Highlands, the other being Bukit Tinggi was none other than the yet again infamous Karak Highway. Its a highway of twists and bends with uphill turns and downhill straights and plenty of blind corners that entice the unwary. This was already a challenge prior to the hill climb. The Mazda 2 was on Sports mode (3rd Gear Max) and my foot was constantly at full throttle, occasionally shifting it up to 'D' and then nudging the brakes and downshifting to overtake the rest on the road. During the drive, there's more noticeable body roll going through the fast corners due to the lightweight nature of the car. This just means I had to nurse the car a little more instead of going flat out. Its fine as I'm already doing around 120 - 130 KM/H through the corners. Going uphill, I was giving certain continental marques a hard time as I overtook 2 of them through the corners from the outside. 

The Mazda 2 comes equipped with 16" rims and 195/45/R16 profile tires along with a front Macpherson strut and a Torsion Beam rear suspension setup. On the go at lower speeds, the suspension is pliant and very comfortable. Its suppleness belies its true nature and intentions. Yet at speeds between 80 - 120 KM/H the agile and snappy side takes over and the suspension becomes active to the point that it sharpens the 2's handling so that it zips in and out of traffic easily and smoothly.

I do pay my visits to Mr. Handbrake often enough to know that the Mazda 2 is very capable of being tail happy and boy, I love it. Its very easy to induce oversteer in the car. 

I'm left wide wide ear to ear grins as the Mazda 2 exposes its fun side. The best part about the 2 is the response and reaction to steering input. The steering feel is sharp and responsive. Its full of fun because I'm at full throttle, listening to that awesome MZR engine belt out every single horse it has and the quick response from the chassis and suspension make the 2 an absolute stunning entertainer.

"...It has composure and yet its a tease to your senses..."

"...no hint of performance lag in the lower gears and the power delivery is very linear and torque is consistent..."

The Mazda 2 has all the industry standard appointments with some extras like an Auxiliary input and a proximity sensor for the front bumper which is activated by a switch below the driver's side air cond vent. Cool stuff.

Seats are leather and are snug and comfortable and has good lumbar support. The two tone dark maroon and black works very well in the favor of adding a touch of class to the whole interior. It also has a front passenger sensor which beeps if the passenger does not belt up. Mazda didn't neglect safety here as well. Legroom for the rear passengers are good and 4 huge adults can sit comfortably without feeling claustrophobic and cramped. Boot space is a decent 250 liters which allows a few big overnighters for the whole family. 

Something that really impressed me is that the audio function has an ALC function that increases audio volume as you drive faster. I was left wondering as I turned on my CD player, I was thinking, I didn't set the volume this high and then I realized that it was the ALC setting on the Audio player and this can be adjusted to suit your needs. 

These little appointments adds in to the whole fun experience. Mazda added these touches so that the driver can focus on enjoying the drive and being less distracted with the nitty gritty things.

• Taut, agile, sharp and precise handling
• Steering is sharp and responsive
• The chassis and suspension work in perfect harmony and responds to the driver's throttle input
• Sporty exterior and interior
• Induction note is sporty and sweet and Engine revs close to 6,700 RPM.
• Throttle response, seamless gear change and power delivery
• Invokes excitement and tons of fun
• Small turning radius
• Braking is superb
• Good driving position and view

• Chassis could be a little stiffer
• Could be shod with slightly stickier tires
• Lacking the water temperature gauge

I always supported the underdog teams in Formula 1 in days long past like Jordan, Arrows and Prost. I love to see how these teams make do with what little resources they have and are constantly trying their hardest which is always an inspiration for me. For me, everyone always deserve a chance in life. If we could only see beyond the superficial bits, then we'd realize that there's always potential from each and everyone and the same goes for the Mazda 2.

Forget what you see on paper. The horsepower and torque figures do not tell the picture at all. Get down to a nearest Mazda dealer and test it out yourself. If you forgot about how to have fun, the Mazda 2 will re-instate it in you once more. I'd dare say that the experience that I had with the awesome Mazda 3 earlier has been carried forward into this Mazda 2. They share the same DNA mould but the 3 is more grown up, matured and more refined whilst the 2 is eager to impress and please. Both have merits in these aspects as they both have very different characteristics. 

The Mazda 2 oozes sex appeal and draws attention from both the young and elderly alike. Its beautiful, nubile and lithe yet here's an almost bestial nature to the 2 which takes on the animal aspect of a scorpion. A striking scorpion to be exact. Its small, yet deadly and capable, unassuming yet efficient and strikes when you least expect it to. 

The drive is all about fun and it comes in loads. I could just downshift to 2nd, press that 'HOLD' button and put my foot on full throttle and witness the 2 overtake the unsuspecting cars in front and dart in and out of traffic without losing its composure which is why it presents confidence and boldness in its stride. Everything is in complete sync and harmony and power delivery and handling dynamics becomes a well executed combo to entertain and tingle your senses.

I mentioned earlier that I'm not much of a fan of compacts and superminis but this Mazda 2 is really something else. It may be small but it has a big heart and it really shows. It has all the qualities of a hot hatch and its basically the little hatch that could. As I type down the final words of this report, I'm still smiling as the memories of this great little hatch still lingers on in my mind and it will stay for a long time to come.