3-month test: Mazda2 1,5 Individual Plus AT
Three months with the Mazda2 and only one question: is there a more characterful B-segment hatch out there?
BEING bombarded with myriad new B-segment models, it’s easy to forget there are worthy alternatives to the slew of models and variants from the likes of Volkswagen, Ford and the Koreans. There’s a veritable sense of theatre to the jostle between these big players of the B-segment. But, while vying for your attention is a centre-stage affair, a glimpse beyond the limelight often reveals a hero waiting calmly in the wings.
That is very much the case with Mazda’s smallest offering. Our long-termer’s Meteor Grey Mica metallic paint lent it a “stealth hatch” appearance but everything – from the taut bodywork to the 16-inch dual-tone alloys – is tempered with an air of sportiness largely absent from its rivals. Thankfully, the 2’s driving characteristics mirror those sporty lines with a supple chassis and meaty, direct steering, giving it a dynamic edge over most of its rivals.
I was a bit wary of this model’s small engine-auto transmission arrangement, especially since Mazda has a knack for producing especially snappy, direct manual shifters, but the 1,5-litre naturally aspirated four feels stronger than its 82 kw suggest. This is a plus on my 80 km commute, where the 2 holds its own in traffic. Motorway driving has revealed the little Mazda to be surprisingly substantial and it deals well with crosswinds despite weighing a shade more than 1 000 kg.
The cabin’s dark colour scheme makes it feel snugger than it actually is but, even with a brace of broader-shouldered folk up front, there’s enough width to ensure little chance of awkward bodily contact. It’s neatly trimmed, with soft-touch panels and carbonfibre-effect accents lending some variety. Ergonomics are generally sound, with bolstered front seats set low but not to the detriment of on-road visibility. The pod-like instrument binnacle is a hit-andmiss affair, favouring rev counter legibility over the small digital speedometer. Thankfully, the head-up display is crisp, bright and easy to position, and it is packed with useful info: speed, sat-nav and warnings for speed limits and unintended lane departure. It initially seems superfluous but quickly becomes a boon. The Individual Plus is also particularly well stocked with partial-leather trim, climate control and keyless entry among the items onboard.
We encountered few points of criticism during our three-month term with the Mazda. There were some grumbles regarding the tight rear legroom and a boot that, although fairly generous for a car in this class, has a small aperture and a somewhat high-sited loading-bay lip, but little else (the headlamps are a touch too dim).
A niggle did, however, present itself towards the end of the car’s tenure when a rattle began at the passenger side of the dashboard at speeds above 80 km/h. Despite posting keen-eared passengers shotgun to locate the buzz and an elbow-deep rummage behind the glovebox, the source was impossible to pinpoint.
With this car turning 12 months old in December, I had planned to kill two birds with one stone by booking it in for its first annual service at Rola Mazda in Somerset West, where someone could potentially root out the rattle. The experience was pleasant: the appointment was quickly organised, the status updates were regular, the service prompt and the car valeted. Unfortunately, the technician tasked with investigating the rattle was off on the day and the next available appointment would be after the car’s return to Mazda, so the mystery noise remained just that.
TEST SUMMARY
A trim rattle may sound rather trivial but, seeing as this has never before materialised in the solid cabins of other Mazdas we’ve tested, we can only assume it’s rare; the issue barely removed any sheen from our test unit’s polished performance.
For the price, the amount of standard kit and the engaging drive it serves up, the Mazda2 is a hidden gem in a market dominated by the Polo, Fiesta and the Koreans. It may not hog the sales limelight, but Mazda’s small hatch is a star in its own right.