2nd Place: 2013 Mazda2, by Peter Bleakney
   2013 Mazda2. Click image to enlarge |
Being auto writers, we are generally appreciative of cars that juice our enthusiasm for driving, and as such, this little offering from Mazda had most of us grinning. With only 100 hp and 98 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm from its 1.5L four, it was the weakling of the group, but with only 1,051 kg to haul about, the smooth and willing four-banger went about its business like a frisky puppy.
The Mazda2 is a complete driving package showing a sharp chassis, direct steering and a stubby, five-speed shift lever spouting from the base of the centre stack that isn’t all that far removed from cousin MX-5’s (née Miata) legendary rifle-bolt device.
The seats are good, driving position fine, and while the interior is not daringly styled it has a sense of quality and no-nonsense ease of use, although the head unit and vent’s resemblance to Mickey Mouse are an odd design inspiration. The four-speaker audio (part of the $895 Convenience Package) wasn’t bad either, although there wasn’t much else in the way of features to speak of.
The ride is certainly firm, and because of its short wheelbase this diminutive Mazda gets pitchy on some surfaces. That said, it’s a commendably refined firmness bereft of crashy harshness. Can’t say that for the Fit.
Being the smallest of the group, it’s no surprise it fared the worst when we did our two- and three-person back seat test. It also scored lowest for cargo space.
Not only does its lightness pay off dynamically, the Mazda2 tied for best fuel economy here with the Hyundai Accent. Factor in its lowest as-tested price and this cheeky little runabout has a lot to offer for drivers who want to have some fun on a budget.
    2013 Mazda2. Click image to enlarge |
Pricing: 2013 Mazda2 GX
Base Price (GX): $14,450
Options: Air conditioning – $1,195; Convenience Package – $895
Freight & PDI: $1,495
A/C Tax: $100
Total: $18,135
Energuide estimated fuel consumption: 6.8/5.6 L/100 km
Observed fuel consumption: 7.9 L/100 km
