Mazda 2 Sedan

Overview

Mazda vehicles have a relatively larger generation cycle change. The first Mazda 2 for example, was launched in 2002. Now the world is getting the third generation. A good 16 years later. During this time, Hyundai would be in its fourth or if the model isn’t doing too well, then fifth generation. However, while we can go on and on about Hyundai’s accomplishments, the topic of relevance today is the Mazda 2 sedan. It joins the rank of B-segment vehicles which have hatchbacks at the core and sedan body styles built around them. The Mazda 2 has now been refreshed and we take it out for a spin.

Interior & Features

The cabin of the new age Mazdas is way better than before. The Mazda 2 sedan subscribes to this thought as well. This includes soft-touch materials, generally pleasing lines and a very simple format for everything. What’s more, head-up display is being offered as standard. We wish companies which have a much higher spending capacity than Mazda should also start offering all these goodies as part of the standard fare. The MZD touchscreen infotainment system is very good with respect to the touch functionality. However, we wish Mazda updated it to have the now norm, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. These may end as deal breakers for many customers and we are certain no company wants to lose out on the sales numbers. Space for the front row is decent enough,  however at the back things aren’t as rosy. The car falls short of leg room for anyone above 6ft in height. The wheelbase hasn’t changed between the hatchback and the sedan and this is a bit disappointing. But, we understand Mazda’s point as that would have required a bit more of engineering and in the process increased the cost of developing the car too. Remember, we are on a tight budget here.

The boot space is decent at 350 litres, however, the rear seats don’t fold flat into the floor. This leaves a sort of hump that may hinder carrying bigger stuff around. We liked the automatic air conditioning unit. However, vents for the back seat passengers would have been a bonus.

What we would have liked even more will be the storage spaces around the cabin. They seem woefully inadequate. There are bottle holders for the front passengers but the rear ones have to share a single bottle holder placed behind the handbrake unit. There are none on the rear door pockets.

Exterior

It looks exactly like the hatchback, except if you look from the side or from the rear. This car is also the recipient of Kodo design language. Something most of the modern day Mazdas are now receiving. The sedan is roughly 260 mm more than the hatchback in terms of length. Speaking of which, the dimensions are 4,320 mm in length, 1,695 mm width and 1,495 mm height. The weight difference between the two is a mere 10 kg. This explains why Mazda says that the performance is vastly the same between the two. Ground clearance of the sedan though is 3 mm lower than that of the hatchback. We love the smooth flowing lines and the sedan doesn’t look like a boot slapped on version of the hatchback. Instead, it carves its own identity. The 15-inch wheels are shared with the hatchback though. There are two trims of the Mazda 2 sedan - MID and LED. The differences are cosmetic as most of the safety features, as well as the engine, are the same. All trims of the Mazda 2 are brought in through the CBU route. There are four colours to choose from.

Ride & Handling

Mazda offers the 2 sedan with the same hardware as the hatch. This means MacPherson struts in the front and a torsion beam at the back. These have been tuned for better handling as is the case with most Mazdas. The handling is very good and you can easily turn the 2 sedan at a higher speed than you usually will in any other comparable car. The GVC system comes as standard and maintains body control irrespective of the speeds one is carrying around a corner. Ride quality feels a tad stiff, however, as we all know, it is the driver who has the most fun in a Mazda. The steering wheel is electrically assisted but then it has a wholesome connect with the roads and informs the driver accordingly as well. We liked the way the NVH is controlled in the cabin and even tyre noise only comes in when you reach speeds that will generally give you a speeding ticket. We don’t want that now, do we? All wheel disc brakes stop the car in safe distances within no time. There is less brake fade as well.

Braking & Safety

Earlier Mazda used to be criticised for not giving sufficient safety features in its cars. However, with this new iteration, things have changed. The new Mazda 2 sedan brings in dual airbags, ABS, Dynamic Stability Control, EBD, Emergency Brake Assist, Traction Control System, Hill Launch Assist,  Walk Away Lock, seat belt warning and ISOFIX tethers. It is easily arguable that Mazda could have got more airbags to the equation, however, that is a debate for another day.

Verdict

The Mazda 2 sedan is priced between RM 82,000 to RM 87,000. If you want Mazda’s special Soul Red colour, then you pay RM 500 extra. This will get you the famed MID and a lot more value for money. It is the car to look for to if you love driving. Otherwise, there are many other more practical options out there.