The Garage – Mazda 2 Maxx

There’s nothing like the feeling of a simple yet well put together vehicle.  Mazda do the looks, they do the quality, and they have a good grip on what a car should feel like on the road.  The Mazda 2 is almost the perfect entry-level vehicle – and that’s coming from someone who purchased one just over three years ago.

Make: Mazda

Model: 2

Variant: Maxx

Engine: 1.5 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT

Transmission: 4-speed Auto

Vital Stats: 76 kW Power @ 6,000 rpm

Torque: 135 Nm @ 4,000 rpm

Mazda Claimed Fuel Economy: 6.8

EFTM Claimed Fuel Economy: 7.1 in the City, 6.5 on the highway so pretty spot on

MRRP Price:  $22,000 (Drive away – Sydney suburban price)

Wow Factor: Over and above the base-model Mazda 2 Neo – You’re getting a chrome tipped exhaust and fog lights, a little spoiler at the top of the rear hatch, Climate control and outside air temp display, A leather wrapped steering wheel, Trip computer showing your fuel usage stats – for the extra couple of grand it’s probably well worth it.

Most Impressive: There is no doubting Mazda’s ability to put together a well sorted, well presented vehicle.  The 2 drives well around town and at no point feels cheap.  It’s great value.  I own a Mazda 2 and the feel of the car on the road doesn’t diminish even after the 40,000km’s I’ve done.

Not So Impressive : Bluetooth? Hello?  It’s 2014 and this thing doesn’t have Bluetooth – one can only assume that all changes with an all new Mazda 2 due out soon – regardless, it’s a big oversight when compared like for like with its competitors.