EFTM Test Drive – Mazda 2 Neo, small car packing a punch but lacking one thing

A while back the Mazda range was downright ugly, today it’s evolved into something very special for the price. The base model Mazda 2 hasn’t yet had the huge overhaul the 6 and 3 have, but it’s still a great looking car in the price range, and is as reliable as ever – but it’s missing something very simple.

The 10 Minute Test Drive

Sitting down the car is comfortable, the seats firm. Being small everything really is within reach and the experience is almost textbook driving.
In the latest model steering wheel controls are added which is a big step up for basic technology, however for some reason Mazda just can’t seem to get it into their heads that hands-free Bluetooth connectivity for the phone should be as standard as air conditioning in this day and age.

On the road the car isn’t too light – unlike the Mitsubishi Mirage it still feels solid, yet it’s not so heavy that you feel uncomfortable, it’s a really direct experience mainly because there really isn’t a lot between you and the road to complicate things.

As the owner of a 2010 Mazda 2 I can tell you they are great to own and great to drive for many hours past your 10 minute test drive.

Ins and outs

This is as basic as it comes, while also being up there for quality and fit out in this price range.

Under the bonnet is a 1.5l 4 cylinder engine, with a whopping 135Nm of torque.. Well, it goes ok for the price anyway.
The 42 litre tank should offer around 6.5-7 litres per 100km and in the manual model we drive the transmission was smooth and easy on the arm.

Bragging rights

Let’s be honest, you aren’t bragging about buying a Mazda 2, but if your mates are forced to buy one of its competitors hit them for the styling, the fit-out and the reliability of this little champion, and just hope they don’t reply with “yeah, but do you have Bluetooth?”

Lasting Impression

Overall, it’s a car which can seamlessly blend into your life, and one that is also very easy to drive.

The Hip Pocket

You should walk away from the dealer with change from $16,000 for the base model, and if you strike while the iron is hot at the end of the month, if not the end of the year you might even get an automatic transmission for that. It’s pure bang for your buck – unless you are a big mobile phone user, in which case haggle the dealer about the fact every single Hyundai has it as standard so why on earth that hasn’t hit home to Mazda is beyond you.

The EFTM Rubber Stamp

I know I’m harping on it, but the lack of Bluetooth should be a fail, but the rest of the package brings it over the line to pass. It would jump ahead again with the simple inclusion of Bluetooth audio.