New and improved is used by those Madmen in advertising land, like bad chefs use Aromat, but the “All-New” label does apply to this fresh thinking on four wheels from Mazda. Released last year, the Mazda2 platform is one of those sleepers that grows on drivers and their passengers, until suddenly everyone who matters has one and the price goes through the roof.
For me the Mazda2 is the most refined fusion of SKYACTIV Technology and the KODO – Soul of Motion design theme todate. The starter pack or B segment market is full of pretenders, this however, is a true contender. Enhanced for a supermini’s dimensions and market distinctions, the all-new Mazda2 features a wealth of class-beating and confidence-inspiring qualities.
Ok, enough waxing lyrical from the scribe, lets get to the task at hand, review the Mazda2 DE Hazumi 1.5 – Auto. While waiting for the demo vehicle, I met two very satisfied customers. Even journos have to wait, pay for coffee and make small talk with strangers in the dealership holding area. Strangely enough the chat was good, the coffee worth paying for and waiting paid dividends.
For my female and non technical readers I am afraid that there are more figures and motoring techno terms, that prove that the new Mazda2 is lighter, but stronger than the previous generation model. The lightweight high and ultra-high tensile steels now make up 65 per cent of the body, also allowing developers to eliminate certain parts and shed further weight.
Torsional rigidity increased by 22 per cent while reducing bodyshell weight by 7 per cent. This means better fuel economy which is good for the planet and better safety for the occupants. The 5 star Euro NCAP safety rating, is not common for this segment of the market, reinforcing my contender belief.
Of course, the all-new Mazda2 also gets the full range of SKYACTIV Technology, including specially developed smaller and lighter powertrains. Even i-ELOOP, another new feature for the Mazda2, is 5kg lighter than the already unique brake energy regeneration system used so far on other Mazdas.
Mazda’s new SKYACTIV-D 1.5 features low compression, superior ignition, superb torque and outstanding fuel economy – the same virtues of its award- winning SKYACTIV-D 2.2 sibling. Only now, the carmaker has adapted this innovative powerplant for the smaller displacement, removing anything unnecessary to minimise cooling losses, mechanical resistance and weight.
While on an 800km round trip on a cold winter’s day (when diesel engines are not as efficient), we were able to get a figure of 5.4 liters per 100km; close to the 4.4 combined cycle claimed. Better than many of the other vehicles I’ve driven. I am sure that as the car and driver become more acquainted, the figure should improve. This will be especially true around town where the i-stop (idle stop) saves you a few drops of fuel at red lights and batteries recharge off when braking. In the long run, every drop counts.
The engine is powerful in the Hazumi. It has a workmanlike attitude where the compression ratio of 14.8:1 belies the 1.5 liter displacement. Maximum power is 105PS at 4000RPM, with a grunty torque of 220Nm between 1400 and 3200rpm. All of this means that taking off around town is fun, but overtaking on the open road is a real pleasure.
The overall image pressed on us by driving the Hazumi for a week is that the thought that went into the SKYACTIV technology was well worth it: the Hazumi is less regular diesel, more “Vin Diesel”.
Airline like entertainment in the cabin, the only thing missing is the movies and a Trolly Dolly with a Beef or Chicken back track. Hook up an iPhone or Android smart- phone to MZD Connect via Bluetooth (or USB cable) and enjoy a surplus of mobile content via the cloud platform-based Aha service. It features tens of thousands of stations, from radio and podcasts to audio books, as well as personalised location- based services and Twitter and Facebook audio feeds, including “like” and “shout” functionality. This means when all else fails, CapelliniFM’s java powered cool tunes can be streamed along with the best radio stations on the planet.
MZD Connect uses NAVTEQ map data from an SD card to show locations and routes. Users can set destinations from a contact list or search online. The navigation software can also utilise the smart- phone’s tethering capabilities to locate things like the nearest filling station and Coffee shops.
Operated either via the new rotary commander on the centre console or voice command, MZD Connect builds upon Mazda’s SMS and readout functions. At the same time, it supports iPod, MP3 and CD playback as well as terrestrial AM/ FM radio reception. MZD Connect also comes with Mazda’s own vehicle apps like Eco-display, maintenance reminders and warnings, allowing drivers to track things like fuel consumption.
The 7 inch screen that sticks out of the dashboard looks almost like an i-Pad, and I wonder if that won’t make it a target for less upstanding citizens. That is the only crit I have of the system and it does enable the driver to focus on the road while operating this system vocally with a perfectly positioned button on the steering wheel. The sound system is superb and handled a wide range of music in “noisy” town driving, where subtle nuances could still be distinguished through the speakers.
For a car of this size it is both quiet and spacious. In the video you will see Steve fit over R15 000 worth of entertainment hardware and appropriate snacks and drinks into the 950 liters of load space with the back seats pushed down giving an extra 280 liters. There was space for much more, making this a town car that has exactly what you need, when you need it.
The Mazda2 DE Hazumi 1.5 – Auto has a full bells & whistles includes all price tag of R286 700. All Mazda2 models come standard with the 3 year unlimited mileage warranty and service plan. Yes, you get 3 years of unlimited services when purchasing a new Mazda. Their warranty seems to be more comprehensive than most.
Nuff said, grab the popcorn and enjoy the Mazda2 Hazumi DE 1.5 Auto Movie.
The behind the scenes links are here:
All-new Mazda2: Unconventional Training School – Skateboard
All-new Mazda2: Unconventional Training School – Breakdance
All-new Mazda2: Unconventional Training School – Parkour