Mazda2 grants wishes

MONTREAL – “For years and years our dealers have been asking for a subcompact car,” says Mazda Canada spokesman Greg Young at the introduction of the Mazda2 to Canadian media. “No vehicle has been more anticipated,” mainly because not having one in the stable has cost those dealers. In 2009, the company says some 14% of consumers defected from the marque in order to buy a subcompact.

In July 2010, Mazda dealers get their wishes when the new North Americanized Mazda2 – voted 2008 World Car of the Year – goes on sale.

Mazda Canada estimates sales of 20,000 per year – half of those in Quebec - and the subcompact segment is expected to grow from 13% of new car sales to 17% by 2014.

It’s an update on a vehicle that has been sold in Asia and Europe since 2007, with a sportier exterior, 15 inch wheels and a higher quality interior for Canada and the U.S. One of the front cupholders also has been enlarged for our supersized takeout tastes.

Mazda tried to give the car “a lightweight feeling,” says program manager Shigeo Mizuno, so it embarked on a “gram by gram” examination of the previous model and was able to reduce curb weight by 100 kg, even though 22 kg of safety enhancements are added for North America. Some of those improvements include extra side impact bars, bigger side curtain airbags and increased body rigidity on all sides.

Big weight savings (23 kg) comes from the use of more high-tensile-strength steel in the body structure.

Mazda2 comes in two trim levels, GX and GS, starting at $13,995. The base car includes power locks/windows/mirrors, tilt steering, and AM/FM/CD sound system with MP3 capability (but only two speakers), anti-lock brakes and dynamic stability control with traction control.

The even better equipped GS (automatic headlamps, rain-sensing wipers) starts at $18,195 and a unique-to-Canada Yozora edition (in black only, and limited to 500 units) has an MSRP of $19,280. But the high-volume model likely will be the GX with air and a bargain $895 convenience package for $16,085.

The only powerplant is a 1.5-litre inline four that churns out a modest 100 hp. But Mazda claims the car has one of the best power-to-weight ratios in its class. Torque output is equally modest, at 98 lb.-ft., but it’s available across a wide rpm range.

The standard transmission is a five-speed manual with a four-speed automatic optional. The car feels more sprightly with the slick-shifting stick and is also much quieter. Under hard acceleration the automatic has to hold on to third gear too long and gets quite buzzy. A five-speed automatic would improve matters.

The ride is quite refined for a short-wheelbase car, thanks in part to retuned front and rear dampers from the version sold in Europe and Asia. Electric power steering not only saves weight but provides light, precise road feel.

The cloth seats are comfortable for four and the simple dashboard layout is attractive and functional with a centre pod containing most controls. A centre armrest is available only as a dealer-installed accessory.

With its sporty wedge shape and sculpted form there’s a real family resemblance to bigger siblings Mazda3 and RX8, which isn’t a bad thing. Colours tend to be quite bright and give the car the desired youthful appearance, especially in True Red, Aquatic Blue and Spirited Green. Because subcompact buyers tend to be younger, Mazda2 has an extensive line of accessories to help customize vehicles including four colourful body-side decals called “Mazda skins.”

“It costs just as much to create an ugly car as a pretty one,” says Ken Saward, design manager for Mazda North America. “So, we chose pretty.”