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Great urban zoom-zoom car

AUTOBAM
By Bam Santiago Olivares

06/15/2010

The all new 2010 Mazda 2 Hatchback is so nimble it could slip through traffic almost like a motorcycle. It goes to say with its size parking would not be problem. Inside the bonnet you will find a MZR 1.5L inline-four-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve petrol engine that is capable to perform a maximum output of 103ps/6000rpm and a maximum torque of 135Nm/4000rpm linked to a four speed automatic transmission (five speed manual transmission is also available). With the engine and transmission combined, the Mazda 2 can accelerate from zero km/h to your desired speed without effort. This is ideal for stop and go traffic, anyway who would want to be left behind when the light turns green. To make sure the Mazda 2 could be put into a halt the front 14-inch diameter ventilated discs and rear 8-inch diameter leading/trailing drum brakes can achieve the task with the ABS (anti-lock brake system)and EBD (electronic brake-force distribution) ready for those unexpected moments. When you talk about handling the Mazda 2 has an EPAS (electric power assist steering) system with quick steering-gear ratio that gives assistance to the driver for that just right feel during maneuvers and for those split second turns when road obstacles are encountered. Although at high speeds I felt the steering wheel is a bit to light for me. To keep the body roll to a minimum the suspension system with front MacPherson struts and rear torsion-beam axle mounted on a rigid chassis does the work.

Inside the cabin the seats are firm yet comfortable with adequate leg, head and elbow room for each passenger on board (considering all are of average size). Seated at the driver’s seat all switches are within reach, the steering wheel diameter is good to the feel and the accelerator together with the brake pedals are spaced properly. To keep you company during bumper to bumper traffic and for listening pleasure the standard CD in-dash sound system is good enough. The glow of the instrument cluster is ideal during night driving and the headlight density can beam the road ahead even with standard halogen bulbs. Inside the boot you could load several five gallon water containers and if you need more cargo space the backseat could split fold for long things you might want to haul.

Outside the Mazda 2 is a scene stealer from the simple but sporty alloy wheels to the lines of the side body design, to the connecting lines of the bumpers to the fender and the headlights and tail lights integrated to the overall form design that sends a positive signal to the onlooker the Mazda 2 not only is for show but it can go.

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