Revised Mazda 2 arrives
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Mazda
6th May, 2010
- Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Traction Control System (TCS) now standard
- New Mazda 2 Maxx models now get side and curtain airbags as standard
- New sedan added to the range
Safer, stylish and offering value, the new Mazda 2 is now available in a five-door hatch and a
four-door sedan. This is the first time Mazda has offered a sedan in the Light segment since the
Mazda 121 ‘bubble’ was launched in November 1990.
The current Mazda 2 hit Australian shores in September 2007. A dramatic step away from its boxier
predecessor, the Mazda 2 opened Mazda up to a new and much younger group of buyers.
Since then Mazda 2 has increased Australian sales by 170 per cent.
The new Mazda 2 further evolves the current model’s ‘Dynamic and Exquisite’ design theme through
the addition of a more expressive five-point grille – the signature element of Mazda’s ‘Family Face’.
This more dynamic front face is complemented by exterior and interior design and safety upgrades. Not
to mention an all-new variant.
Produced in Mazda’s AutoAlliance Thailand (AAT) passenger car plant in Thailand, the new Mazda 2
five-door hatch is available in three grades: Neo, Maxx and Genki.
And for the first time ever, an all-new four-door sedan version of the new Mazda 2 is being offered
in Maxx grade boasting the practicality of an additional 200 litres of boot space (450 litres
total).
With an Manufacturer's List Price (MLP) of $16,500, new Mazda 2 Neo hatch now gets Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC) with Traction Control System (TSC) as standard equipment. Even with the
addition of this new potentially life-saving technology new Mazda 2 Neo is $1,005 less than its
out-going equivalent model.
Better still,the Mazda 2 Neo is available with a National Driveaway Price of just $16,990.
Other standard features include an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force
Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), remote locking, driver’s seat height adjustment,
front (driver and passenger) SRS airbags, a centre rear head restraint and an AUX jack that enables
any MP3 player (including iPod®) to be played through the car’s stereo.
Air-conditioning, power windows and mirrors, 15 inch steel wheels and an MP3 compatible CD player
with four speakers are also part of the package.
Priced from $19,090 (MLP) new Mazda 2 Maxx is available in both hatch and sedan and adds alloy
wheels, side (front) and curtain (front and rear) airbags, six-disc CD player; steering wheel mounted
audio controls and a rear spoiler (hatch only). Taking into account this array of new equipment new
Mazda 2 Maxx is $1,085 less than its equivalent outgoing hatch variant.
The range-topping Genki is priced from $20,940 (MLP) and adds 16 inch alloys, leather-trimmed
steering wheel, a sports body kit and fog-lamps. That’s $1,030 less than the equivalent outgoing
model.
For the new Mazda 2, designers have incorporated Mazda’s signature five-point grille in-keeping
with other Mazda 'family' members. This new front styling is a more dynamic feature of the visual
movement in the front 'face' and body of each model. The fog-lamp bezels in the front bumper have
also been re-designed.
While the front-end of the new Mazda 2 Maxx sedan is exactly the same as its hatch equivalent,
the rear design is distinctively different.
Although based on the rear design of the hatchback, it incorporates a wedge-shaped profile.
The range-topping Mazda 2 Genki has its own distinctive look thanks to black panel inserts in
its top sports grille and a unique fog lamp bezel design and the addition of the fog lamps
themselves.
Mazda 2’s prominent front guards have a lot of 'presence' in them. Not surprising given it was
designed by Ikuo Maeda – the man responsible for the RX-8 and whose father designed the original
RX-7. A true testimony to his abilities Ikuo Maeda is now Mazda Motor Corporation’s General Manager
of Design.
These front guards and the steeply sloping 'shoulder' line are just two elements that ensure the
Mazda 2 looks like an athlete in the starting blocks – it looks like it’s moving even when it’s
standing still.
This look also brings practical benefits. Driver visibility is enhanced at the front and down
through a lower beltline and the low positioning of the side mirrors. This results in increased
safety when driving on narrow roads and turning at intersections, where pedestrians could cross
the road.
The new Mazda 2 is available in a choice of eight colours per body style. Six of which are
mica/metallic, which is a no cost option at Mazda and is a saving of up to $395 on some competitor
models.
Inside, the new Mazda 2 cabin is designed to be a space that communicates movement. Unlike
interiors with flat surfaces, the architecture selected combines confidence-inspiring solidity with
strong visual movement.
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By emphasising the horizontal plane, a subjectively large spatial feel is achieved. The contrast
between silver accents and an otherwise dark background, along with many round elements, add
sportiness and individuality to the cockpit.
The cabin layout also aids driving enjoyment with the gearbox shift lever integrated into the
centre console and mounted close to the driver to promote shifting ease.
While most of the interior design elements are carried over from the former Mazda, the new 2 adds
new seat trim.
Neo gets a hard-wearing grey cloth with black keynote for contrast, while Maxx and Genki gets a
higher-quality black trim complete with red and grey highlights and a black keynote for a sportier
look.
Mazda 2’s overall shape is aerodynamic, boasting a drag co-efficient (Cd) of 0.32 for the hatch
and 0.30 for the sedan, ultimately benefiting both fuel economy and wind noise.
New Mazda 2 benefits from a reduction of wind and road noise reduced with the launch of the outgoing
Mazda 2 in 2007. Similarly, the new Mazda 2 is a significant 2.3 decibels lower than the first-generation
model.
The new Mazda 2 models comply with the Euro Stage IV emission regulations and are powered by a 1.5 litre
engine that features Sequential Valve Timing (S-VT) to boost cylinder charging efficiency and Tumble Swirl
Control Valves in the intake manifold that optimise the air/fuel ratio to promote combustion stability.
Like with all Mazdas, the new Mazda 2 sports a responsive and dynamic handling package making it a fun
car to drive. A lower centre of gravity and carefully weighted electric power steering, with just 2.7 turns
lock-to-lock, ensures the driver great steering feedback from the front wheels.
This agile handling coupled with refinements in braking and suspension, and the new Mazda 2 sits among
the leaders its class when it comes to driving fun. The New Mazda 2, like the rest of the Mazda passenger
and SUV range, comes with a three year/unlimited kilometre warranty.
Mazda Australia expects to sell approximately 1,100 new Mazda 2s each month with 60% of those being Neo,
30% Maxx and 10% Genki.
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