Not re-defining the subcompact segment but 2011 Mazda2 brings out exciting experiences that most of the same segment models have not done. However, whether the impressive driving features of Mazda member can erase its disadvantages in terms of capacity, equipment and technology or not?

Faithful to the current language design of the Japanese car-manufacturer, 2011 Mazda2 owns a pretty cute look. With smiley style grille and the front is “gentle,” 2011 Mazda2 can irritate loyal fans but also attract some new customers who preferred the lovely car.

The detail which is not very matching on 2011 Mazda2 is the oversized pair of headlights on the hood. Though the design is nothing to blame, the front headlights’ possibility of lighting is not satisfactory. Even when driving dark, the user must also add fog lights to turn up the brightness.

At first glance, most people have a general impression about the Mazda2 to be a pretty small car. Comparing with the more massive “elders” like MX-5 Miata, Mazda2 is 45.7 mm (3949 mm) shorter, 25.4 mm (1694 mm) narrower but 221 mm (1475 mm) higher. The “measures” above create the car model which proposes on the Town Car game on Facebook.

Anyway, Mazda2 is the combination of what is little pretty into a harmonious whole. Located below the Mazda member is the 15-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Yokohama 4-season tires in size 185/55 R15. In addition, we need to mention soft veins running from the cavity of front wheels to tail lights. Coating outside of Mazda2 is the white pearl appearance, which increasingly makes the radiator grille, fog lamps edge and rear fenders more prominent and avoid feeling cheap.

Entering into Mazda2, interesting impression of the exterior design seems to vanish completely. Instead the interior is black and gray gloomy. In fact, the red line appears on the seat fabric is the only bright color in 2011 Mazda2. More unfortunately is the lack of attractive equipment. Apart from air conditioning and AM / FM / CD 6-speaker audio system with AUX jack, Mazda2 seems not to be provided with any more interesting device. Clearly, Mazda wants to send a message to customers, which is “You sit here to drive.”

If unsatisfactory with the original models shipped from the factory, customers can find spare parts for Mazda2 in the market. Basically, the smallest member of Mazda 2 is divided into two trims, including Sport priced $ 14,180 and Touring is with $ 15,635. When buying the Touring, customers will realize the difference of $ 1,455 is to add the alloy wheels, halogen fog lights, rear wing, cruise control system, the fabric seats, the volume control bar on the steering wheel, 6 speakers instead of four and a computer. It can be said, both trims of the Mazda2 “disregard” the optional accessories.

Of course, sometimes the weaknesses become strength. Mazda2 is the most eloquent evidence. Comparing with the “brother” Miata, Mazda2 is smaller. Therefore, member of the subcompact is naturally 79 kg lighter and reaches 1046 kg. Furthermore, despite owning a pretty small design, Mazda2 still provides enough space for the driver with average body size. Nodding steering wheel and integrated audio controls do not interfere. The gear clutch is hightened while the sound system and air conditioning are easy to use. However, Mazda2 is lack of a little detail, which is central handrail which is quite necessary in the long journey.

“The heart” of the Mazda2 is the 4-cylinder in a straight line engine block, producing the capacity of 1.5 liter capacity of 100 horsepower at 6,000 revolutions / min and torque of 98 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm / min. Clearly, the power of the engine cannot help Mazda2 become a “rocket” on the road. The entire 100-horsepower can help Mazda2 accelerate from 0-96 km / h in 10.2 seconds. Fortunately, when running on the highway, acceleration of the Mazda2 is not too disappointed.

The idea of driving a “feeble” car with the high speed is the interest that the user can find from Mazda2. Anyone can climb into a 1,000-horsepower supercar and drive with terrifying speed. However, not everyone is patient enough to do so with the Mazda2. Yokohama tires, independent suspension and front anti-roll bars ensure compact Japanese cars to operate correctly when quickly taking a turning. Front brakes have good braking capability without requiring much effort by the driver, and combine perfectly with the rear drum brakes.

Accompanying with the engine is the standard 5-speed manual transmission. If agreeing to spend an extra money of $ 400, customers will have a Mazda2 with 4-speed automatic transmission version. The engine and gearbox work pretty smoothly. Thanks to the flexible gear clutch, the driver can transfer more easily.

According to the assessment of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency EPA, 1.5 liter engine block on the Mazda2 consumes only about 8.11 ltr per 100 km in city and 6.72 ltr per 100 km in highway. Meanwhile, the formidable opponents such as the Chevrolet Aveo and Nissan Versa “consume” more than Mazda2. Specifically, the Chevrolet Aveo consumes 8.71 lit per 100 km in city and the Nissan Versa comes along with the number of 6.92 lit/100 km in highway. Of course, the difference about fuel consumption is not too much. But, on a sense of interesting driving feeling, both Aveo and Versa would be “yielded” to Mazda2. I am not saying that Mazda2 has no rival. In the subcompact segment, Japanese cars still have to compete with a lot of rivalry with the ability to save fuel more efficiently such as the Ford Fiesta and 2011 Hyundai Elantra.