In pursuit of a solid form and a richly expressive exterior design, Mazda
established an exterior design theme of "coordinated movement". In line with
this theme, the design team combined the visual movements created by the car's
silhouette, its body lines, and the way in which patterns of light played on the
body to create dynamic, multifaceted expressions not typically seen on a
subcompact car. These expressions exude a powerful energy that makes the new
MAZDA2 look as though it is moving while standing still. Key exterior design
elements include: a sporty wedge shape that conveys a strong sense of forward
motion; a deeply sculpted form in which the body is drawn inward fore and aft of
the A-pillars; and distinctive character lines that extend from the front fender
arches to the body shoulders.
The 2011 MAZDA2 is available in six
exterior colors - Brilliant Black Clearcoat, Liquid Silver, True Red, Crystal
White Pearl, Aquatic Blue (late availability) and Spirited Green (the featured
color).
Interior Design
The interior design theme for the
MAZDA2 is "a space that communicates movement". Whereas most subcompact cabins
have monotonous design treatments with flat surfaces, the design team made the
MAZDA2's cabin strikingly different through contoured forms that combine
reassuring thickness with strong visual movement. Particular effort was devoted
to optimizing the position and cross-sectional shape of the A-pillars, which,
when combined with an extremely low belt line, enables excellent forward
visibility. As a result the MAZDA2 feels surprisingly open and roomy.
The
instrument panel helps to create a sense of space, style and substance. Its
shape prevents it from looking heavy and making occupants feel constrained. The
controls are concentrated in the central area, and those that are frequently
used by the driver are as close as possible to the driver. The instrument
panel's left- and right-hand portions, where there are no controls, curve
forward and away from occupants, creating an impression of airiness that stops
the cabin from feeling cramped.
At the same time, the instrument panel's
middle area has a substantial form that communicates a unique character. The
climate-control vents and various controls possess distinctive circular details
that contribute to a fresh, emotionally appealing look and feel. It emphasizes
the sportiness of the new MAZDA2's cabin and conveys a sense of friendliness. A
simple centre-stack shape is complemented by a swath of piano black trim to
express a distinctive personality and a sense of quality. Both audio controls
and climate controls are laid out for easy legibility. Related control buttons
are grouped according to function for intuitive ease of use.
Although the
cabin has a stimulating, enjoyable look and feel befitting a subcompact car,
Mazda's design team chose not to use bright colors for the trim, instead using
black and silver for a strong contrast that gives a sharp, sporty impression.
Silver was used sparingly, limited to the sides of the steering wheel, the
automatic transmission's shift gate, and a few other key places in order to
maximize its effect. The seats are structurally slim and are upholstered with
textured fabric that has a black keynote color.
Safety Features
All MAZDA2's include a long and impressive list of safety features,
including: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with
Traction Control System (TCS), Electric Power Assist (EPAS) steering system,
"Triple H" body construction, side-impact door beams, crushable brake and
accelerator pedal assembly, advanced dual front air bags, front seat side air
bags, side air curtains, engine immobilizer anti-theft system, second row LATCH
child safety seat anchors and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Two Trim Levels
The 2011 MAZDA2 is available in two trim levels -
the entry-level Sport and top-grade Touring. Both trim levels offer the
versatility, features and style consumers in the market for a subcompact want,
at a price they can afford.
The well-equipped MAZDA2 Sport is powered by
a 100 horsepower, 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine and is available with either a
five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Standard features
include 15-inch steel wheels with full wheel covers, 185/55 R15 all-weather
tires, body-colored door handles and power mirrors, air conditioning, power
windows and door locks, AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo with four speakers, audio auxiliary
jack, tilt steering wheel, remote keyless entry system, rear window wiper/washer
and 60/40 split fold-down rear seats.
The MAZDA2 Touring takes everything
on the MAZDA2 Sport and pumps it up a notch. The MAZDA2 Touring is equipped with
a five-speed manual transmission or available four-speed automatic transmission.
All Touring models feature upgraded cloth seat fabric with red piping, 15-inch
alloy wheels, fog lights, rear roof spoiler, chrome exhaust tip, leather-wrapped
steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls, trip computer and a
six-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo system.
Available accessories include a
rear bumper guard, wheel locks (Touring models only), all-weather floor mats,
cargo net, center console with armrest and auto-dimming rearview mirror with
compass, Homelink and orange backlit buttons.
Driving Dynamics
Mazda focused on realizing driver-oriented maneuverability and
confidence-inspiring driving dynamics for a Zoom-Zoom driving experience that is
unique in this segment.
The driving experience that Mazda strives for has
two key attributes:
- A sense of linear acceleration and deceleration that responds crisply to
how far the accelerator pedal is depressed, allowing the driver to control
car speed as desired.
- A sense of liveliness through immediate response to the accelerator for
quick off-the-line acceleration and overtaking.
The development team targeted a performance feel reflecting enhancement of
both of these key attributes without adversely impacting on the MAZDA2's
superior fuel economy as a subcompact car.
Preliminary tests indicate
that all MAZDA2s equipped with five-speed manual transmissions are expected to
return 28/35 MPG (city/highway), while models equipped with available four-speed
automatics are expected to return 28/34 MPG (city/highway).
The new
MAZDA2 inherits a highly regarded suspension system, which has MacPherson struts
at the front and a torsion-beam axle at the rear. With improved steering and
braking systems, the resulting dynamic performance yields consistently
responsive handling and a smooth, stable ride that customers have come to expect
from Mazda.
In order to create more comfortable day-to-day driving, Mazda
took various measures to achieve a quiet cabin environment. Mazda also improved
the coefficient of drag values to achieve better aerodynamics, contributing not
only to the MAZDA2's quietness, but also to a more sporty ride and fuel
efficiency.
In order to form the best balance between lower fuel
consumption, outstanding driving dynamics and top-level safety performance, the
new MAZDA2 reflects the close attention paid to minimizing weight through its
smaller body shell, optimization of the structure, extensive use of high-tensile
steel and many other weight-saving measures implemented throughout the car.
Under this approach, Mazda made the best use of weight-saving know-how, similar
to the "gram" strategy employed during the development of the MX-5 sports car.
As a result, the MAZDA2 has achieved world-leading crash safety ratings
(five stars in the Euro New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), the highest possible
result) without compromising driving performance and fuel economy. In line with
the way subcompact cars are mainly used as day-to-day commuters, with a
driver-oriented development philosophy, the MAZDA2 has achieved a level of
drivability and nimbleness that enables easy maneuverability, even in small
car-parking areas and other tight spaces.
Mazda MAZDA2: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications