We would like to share our test drive session review on New Mazda 2 which newly arrived in Malaysia. Mazda is a well known brand for its good handling and stability compare to other Japanese car like “T” and “H”. Mazda2 follows the characteristic of European handling which is more towards comfort and relaxing drive that combines stability during cornering. That is the speciality of Mazda2 compare to other Japanese car brand under RM100k.
The Price of Mazda2 is from RM79,859.50 for the Sedan V-Spec to RM85,799.90 for Mazda2 R-Spec Hatchback. All mazda2 in Malaysia is available only with automatic transmission 4 speed. It falls under small sedan and hatchback car. Downpayment of 10% is needed for you to buy the Mazda2. This car has won the World Car Of The year 2008.
Exteriorly, we can see the attractive design of front fascia of Mazda2 which follows the curves of all other Mazda car family like mazda6 and mazda3. The famous smiling face which shaped on the front grill. Unfortunately the rear part is too high which gives a weird look from rear and side of rear wheel. The wheel arch is too big until you can see the inner side of the wheel compartment wall which is not really nice.
The dimension of mazda2 is 4263mm long, 1695mm width and 1483mm high for the Mazda2 sedan while mazda2 Hatchback dimension is 4263mm long, 1695mm width and 1485mm high.
There is slight difference in higher spec which is R Grade. The R Grade Sedan height is 1476mm while R Grade hatchback is 1478mm
The interior space is quite small compare to other small sedan and hatchback but the boot space is quite huge with 450 litre. The driver seat space also quite small. Sitting on the rear passenger seat, not so comfortable due to less width and you will feel the rear seat is quite high. The dashboard and all the door panel made of plastic material where you will feel nothing surprise in the interior.
The highest spec is R-Grade which has the tuned sport suspension system, 16 inches sport rim with 195/45 R16 tyres, fog lamp and the sport Mazda2 bodykit only for hatchback R Spec model.
Performance wise, the MZR 1.5 litre engine with sequential valve timing (S-VT) is really not enough. During the test drive, I have tried to push the mazda2 performance to the maximum until the paddle touching the floor but the Mazda2 engine roar loudly and moving slowly to 80kmh. I also tried to chase a Proton Waja which has just passed by the round about but cannot even get close to it. This is the negative point of mazda2 but maybe the Mazda2 is built for fuel efficient not for performance. It has only 135Nm of torque at 4000 low RPM for low RPM high torque drive in the city and 76kw at 6000 RPM.
The braking system is really good and responsive with front disc brake and rear drum brake with ABS. The body is tougher with high tensile steel and the body design has very good aerodynamic curve whith the coefficient of drag of only 0.30.
Overall, this car is suitable for those who needs a unique and sporty design car. The high price is due to the model is imported as CBU from thailand. This is another option for you to have a cheaper imported car.
PRICE OF MAZDA2
Mazda2 1.5SDN V-spec
(DN59-RAA) 1.5L Sedan, 1498cc OTR RM 77,622.00
without Insurance
(DP55-RAA) 1.5L Sedan, 1498cc OTR RM 80,622.00
without Insurance
(DN77-RAA) 1.5L HB, 1498cc OTR RM 79,822.00
without Insurance
(DN78-RAB) 1.5L HB, 1498cc OTR RM 82,822.00
without Insurance
I like this car and I wish to buy it with monthly instalment