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Mazda 2 Maxx Really Zooms

Mazda 2 Maxx

By Robert Wilson

To professional cynics it comes as an appalling shock to find a car company slogan that serves as a fair guide to its products. And it's not Audi's austere "vorschsprung durch technik", or even BMW's "ultimate driving machine". It's Mazda's "zoom-zoom".

The rationale behind that annoying zoom-zooming jingle is that all Mazdas have the soul of a sportscar. We can't speak for the Bravo ute or E-series van but the Mazda 2 - despite being an entry-level urban runabout lives up to the claim. The way its 1.5-litre engine turns raspy and urgent as you rev it to join a motorway, the way its automatic transmission batters against the rev limiter in manual mode rather than give up by changing up, the way it sniffs into corners like a puppy - or a Mini Cooper. Yeah, that's soul - not in James Brown quantities but more than you'd expect to find in a high-bodied $20,000 hatchback.

The Mazda 2 first appeared in 2002, and was revised this year with bigger headlamps, a sports manual mode on automatic models and minor engineering changes including an electrically driven power steering pump.

From the outside it now looks a little like a Ford Fiesta - which would be fitting because it shares its mechanical platform with that car. But perhaps the most significant change is a neat and appealing flick-knife style key, of the type used by Volkswagen, Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Holden in the Astra. Each key probably costs about $10 wholesale, if that, but it gives the feeling of a much more luxurious and expensive car - and it doesn't wear out your pocket lining.

The 1.5-litre engine remains unchanged apart from now complying with next year's Euro 3 pollution controls. It keeps its pleasingly rorty feel, delivering its 82kW of power and 141Nm of torque, high in the range but never feels strained while puttering around at lower revs. Mazda says an electronic throttle, replacing the throttle cable of the previous model, increases torque between 1500 and 3000rpm.

The four-speed automatic is one of the better examples of its kind. As mentioned, it delegates full control to the driver when the lever is pushed across to make it a four-speed manual - just like a sportscar. It's also calibrated to allow a lively launch for a small car, although a dash-mounted gear indicator shows it gets quickly into top gear if you're not in a hurry. Where many small autos feel wheezy and lethargic, the 2 is willing.

Fuel use on test was a not particularly good 8.1 litres per 100km, making the point that if you want automatic in a small car you'll pay twice ? at the dealership and at the pumps.

Safety is another hard sell on small cars with their price-conscious buyers. But to Mazda's credit safety equipment remains an affordable option across the Mazda 2 range with a package of side airbags, curtain airbags and ABS brakes available on all models for a modest $1150.

In a refreshing change from the usual cynical practice of specifying media cars with as much optional equipment as they can stand, the test car had no ABS brakes or extra airbags. The screech that accompanied our routine 40km/h brake feel test almost made us nostalgic for the bad old days, but not something we'd tolerate when the alternative is so cheap. For what its worth, the brakes have a nice firm yet progressive pedal feel.

Cabin decor lies in Siberia - halfway between Europe and Japan, in other words. Expanses of grey plastic and velour recall some dreary Mazdas from the company's lean years in the 1990s but the instrument display has a funky Italianate look, there's plenty of storage space and the controls feel substantial in use. What's more they are fully aligned for right-hand drive, a rare concession in these days of global manufacturing.

The stereo looks classy and is easy to use - what more could you ask for? Actually a bit of peace and quiet to listen to it would be nice. At highway speeds the cabin of a Mazda 2 can be a lively place with the engine spinning at 3000rpm at 110km/h, a fair amount of tyre noise and the whole lot amplified by its van-like back seat and boot.

That back seat can be moved fore and aft, depending on whether your priority is to transport passengers or luggage. Set fully back, the rear seat has room for adult heads and feet but is only wide enough for two full-sized people. With plenty of room around the front seats as well, the 2 is a genuine four-adult car. As well as having good space inside there's easy access through wide-opening doors.

The boot is a little narrow but a serious drawback are the childseat mounting points - just inside the rear bumper. The top strap of the restraint cuts through the luggage compartment, making it useless for bulky loads - such as a pram. That pulls the pin for parents.

But singletons looking for a practical yet perky little car are in luck. The 2's agility belies its wardrobe-like appearance. The steering has an immediate feel, with no ill-effects from the change from a belt-driven to an electric hydraulic pump.

Handling exceeds expectations, with a flat cornering stance, impressive grip and no dramas over rough surfaces. It has something of the feel of the original Mini, which for those with long memories, is high praise indeed.

It's matched with a ride which avoids the extremes of crashing and pitching that small cars are prone to. Controlled rather than cushy sums it up. Noise is more of a problem than bumping in the 2, but at least suspension doesn't contribute to the racket.

If you're in the market for a small car check out this Mazda. You've nothing 2 lose.