Mazda Mazda2 2014 Review

It's pouring rain at the Togochi race track in Japan -- the kind of place you'd expect to be testing an all-wheel drive hybrid supercar.

Scything its way through a sweeping left-hander, the plucky little Mazda2 is no supercar, yet I'm smiling because thankfully it retains its fun-to-drive character.

The new Mazda2 has all the hallmarks of Mazda's zoom-zoom ethos: a taut chassis, eager engine, responsive steering and excellent balance, but perhaps the biggest surprise as the car leans forward under heavy braking is its refinement.

It's quieter than before and the engine – while keen to rev – isn't as thrashy or noisy as previously. Together with a schmick new interior (more on than later) the car makes a solid first impression.

Placing the car where I want it on the track comes naturally, despite the rain pouring down, wipers set to maximum slap. The Toyo tyres of the Singaporean-market car on test combine with a 30 per cent stiffer body and new suspension (independent front, torsion beam rear) to deliver tenacious grip.

Australian Mazda2s are likely to get Dunlop tyres, and engineers for the company say that grip and noise levels won't be dissimilar to the Toyos.

Although the car does exhibit a touch more body roll than its predecessor when leaning into corners, it rarely feels ponderous or skittish, and a handy side effect is improved ride quality.

After a couple of laps on the track, it's off to a short road course, complete with broken, patchy sections of bitumen, where the car absorbs the lumps and bumps more smoothly than before.

This bodes well for its use as both stable everyday runabout and a country cruiser, without losing any of its tenaciousness.

It's a shame Mazda insists on using low-tech and inferior drum rear brakes on the rear axle of the car, but on the wet track the brakes function well.

Unlike our first test of the European-spec 55kW 1.5-litre four-cylinder SKYACTIV-G engine, the high-output 85kW/144Nm Asian-spec powerplant has none of the throttle hanging or overt engine noise issues.

It revs to beyond 6000rpm cleanly and with zeal, and the six-speed automatic (with paddle shifters) snaps through gears with decent haste at wide open throttle.

Driven at a more pedestrian pace on the road course, the gear changes are suitably smooth and quiet, adding to the car's more sophisticated persona. A six-speed manual will also be offered, but most buyers will opt for the auto.

The car doesn't necessarily feel faster in a straight line than its predecessor, which could mean the car's overall weight has increased. That Mazda is not revealing the car's mass yet adds weight to this theory, no pun intended.

Tipping the scales at 1010kg previously, the new Mazda2 is unlikely to shed the significant kilos (up to 100kg) its 3 and 6 siblings did when they launched in 2014 and 2013 respectively.

However, even with a potential increase in mass, Mazda says its new 2 will be up to 25 per cent more efficient than the previous model, expected to return fuel economy of under 6.0L/100km, and possibly as low as 5.5L/100km when features like engine idle-stop are factored in.

Will it be frugal enough to match new sub-5.0L/100km VW Polo? Time will tell.

The Asian-spec engine on test features a 14:1 compression ratio, the highest in its class, and requires a strict diet of premium petrol as such. But it is not being offered in Australia.

Instead we will get detuned versions of the 1.5-litre unit, with 13:1 and 12:1 compression ratios, pumping out 81W and 79kW respectively, allowing them to use our lower quality 91 RON petrol.

The 81kW/139Nm (F-P5) engine will be the more powerful and efficient (and expensive) engine offered in Oz, and is expected to be packaged only with mid- and high-end variants of the Mazda2.

It gets lots of SKYACTIV techno-doodads to improve efficiency, such as 4-2-1 exhaust system, electric intake valve timing and an electric oil pump.

The less efficient but almost as powerful 79kW/139Nm (V-P5) engine is expected to be offered in the most affordable entry-level Mazda2, and gets the lower compression ratio, 4-1 exhaust and a belt-operated oil pump.

Although it's disappointing the highly efficient Asian-spec engine on test isn’t coming to Australia, the other two engines should offer similar performance, which is a good thing.

A quick walk around the new Mazda2 shows an attention to detail not often seen in the price-sensitive compact car segment. Sporting a sleek, flowing design, the front-end punctuated by technical headlights complete with circular LEDs, the company's 'Kodo' design language also ties the car very closely to its bigger sibings, Mazda3, Mazda6 and CX-5.

The changes in design ensure the new model stands out, but it also makes the drive a little easier; the A-pillars are moved forward and with a larger windscreen vision is improved. The rear window is pretty dinky but it's a moot point as the current model's rearward vision is not spectacular.

The new compact car will be launched in Australia on October 28 and although pricing and specification for local models are still being worked out – expect a sub $16K entry price – it's understood there will be three variants from the get go, up from the current two.

All models are likely to get fuel-saving idle-stop tech, Bluetooth streaming functionality, cruise control and electric windows, but top-spec models will get the real snazzy stuff. That includes the new MZD Connect infotainment system, comprising a high-res colour touch-screen with a rotary controller located behind the gear shifter.

It’s a really neat system that's easy to use via the touch-screen or the simple dial and can sync with music streaming and social media apps.

Top-shelf models will also be offered with iACTIVESENSE tech, including blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, automatic high-beam headlights and even a low-speed automatic braking system, although which systems will be offered and on what variants is not yet known.

One of the most impressive aspects of the new car is the interior. It really hits home how far the car has come, the stylish new dashpad, Audi-esque circular vents and use of high quality materials combining to great effect.

Unlike some of its rivals, Mazda has gone for a 'less is more' approach (in more ways than one) in terms of layout, with a minimal take on the centre console that sees all infotainment, heating and cooling controls located in the lower part of the dashboard.

It looks gorgeous and works a treat because everything is within the easy reach and there's no clutter – just a minimalistic, Euro-inspired take on interior design.

The driving position is also much improved, with plenty of wheel and seat adjustment, and comfort levels are likewise significantly higher than the current model. We tested a high-grade model complete with white leather seat upholstery and the suppleness of the material was pleasing.

Another surprise is the sacrifice of interior space the new Mazda2 makes. This is all the more perplexing considering the car is now longer and taller by 160mm and 20mm, at a respective 4060mm long and 1495mm tall.

Mazda says the contraction of interior space is due in large part to the trend-setting new exterior design, but cargo space has shrunk from 250 to 220 litres, making it one of the smallest boots in its class. Front headroom has shrunk 20mm, and legroom front and rear is also down.

However, when sitting in the car it doesn't feel any smaller, suggesting the interior adjustments won't be deal breakers… That said, rear-seat room is pretty tight.

The new Mazda2 makes impressive strides forward in terms of refinement, comfort and interior ambience, and though there are a few little quibbles here and there it's a very impressive vehicle.

Whether it will be good enough to see it rocket back to the top of the sales charts remains to be seen, particularly as Mazda is yet to reveal key details like pricing, efficiency and equipment levels. We wait with baited breath.