Consumer Road Test: The 2011 Mazda2 Promises Fuel Efficient Miles and Years of Giddy Smiles

When it comes to new cars, it's easy to get all caught up in the latest technological features out there, like push-button starting, 4-zone climate control, transmissions with 8-gears and on-board computers that can parallel park for you. Or you can do something completely out of sync with the times and simplify your life with a car like the deliciously different 2011 Mazda2.

It doesn't need back-up cameras or blind-spot warning systems because it is small and easy to see out of from every direction. Do be warned that you still have to turn actual round shaped dials to activate the standard air conditioning system and that they are so simple you may start to wonder why other cars make it all so complicated. Other than that, this top of the line 2011 Mazda2 Touring model tested here stickered for $15,635, yet never left this driver wanting for a single thing.

Normally when a new test vehicle doesn't have USB/iPod integration, it registers as an immediate negative but the 6-speaker AM/FM/CD system did such a fine job at maintaining audio clarity and distortion even at high volumes that I just forgot about my iPod. And while built-in Bluetooth might be a nice option, for $15,635 you can afford to buy a headset for your phone and deal with looking like Uhura from Star Trek.

Also included on all 2011 Mazda2 Touring models are power windows, power door locks, keyless entry, handy steering wheel mounted audio controls, 15-inch aluminum alloy wheels, a tiny rear spoiler over the hatch, cruise control, a nicely sized leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, foglights, floormats, highly durable seat fabric that was very easy to clean after my large breed Boxer dog spent a week in the back seat with only a center armrest being missed for long freeway drives. A 4-speed automatic is available as an option but to order a Mazda2 like that would be nearly criminal and allow me a moment to explain why.

First off, the 2011 Mazda2's five-speed manual is the sweetest shifting and most user friendly stick shift I have experienced in all my years of driving and preferring these three pedal shifters. Nothing at this price comes close, not even the Honda Fit. And even though the 2011 Mazda 2 only comes with a 1.5 liter 100 horsepower/98 lb. feet of torque 4-cylinder engine, the manual transmission always keeps the "Zoom-Zoom" pumping away with ample force all the way to the zingy redline.

Most economical hatchback engines get noisy and gutless the harder you push them but the 2011 Mazda2 eggs you on like some sort of fuel sipping automotive hooligan. EPA fuel economy estimates are 29 city/35 highway and during a week where I rarely gave the engine a break from full throttle acceleration and redline upshifts, my fuel economy averaged a miraculous 35.4 miles per gallon. This is the first time in nearly 100 road tests that I have bettered the EPA highway estimates. And honestly, I did not drive this car with any thought about being fuel efficient.

Part of the 2011 Mazda2's seemingly effortless efficiency is also down to its light weight, which seems to be something only Mazda sees as a logical and important path to good fuel economy in the real world. Now, the 2011 Mazda2 can fit four adults in reasonable comfort but its interior is smaller than the Fit but no worse than a Yaris or Versa when it comes to passenger room. There is also just a visually pleasing simplicity to the interior design of the 2 ranging from the minimalist yet durable feeling inner door handles to the stereo controls all the way to the fashionably round air conditioning vents.

Cargo volume behind the second row of seats is 13.3 cubic feet but that grows to 27.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat. That's plenty of space for most people's everyday needs and could probably also handle the dreaded quarterly visit to Costco or Sam's Club. You know, as long as no one rides in the back seat.

But where the 2011 Mazda2 really earns its stripes is in the way it rides, steers and handles so beautifully, much like a quieter and smoother Miata. The steering is direct and feels natural and the ride absorbs bumps and potholes better than a 2011 Hyundai Sonata we tested. No matter how short the trip, all of these expertly engineered pieces of the Mazda2 coalesce into an incredibly appealing whole. We haven't had this much fun in a test car for months. Seriously. And it only costs a little over $15,000. You can keep your $20,000 Fiesta, thank you.

So get off your lazy behind and buy yourself a 2011 Mazda2 Touring. Your wallet, heart, soul, spirit and once vivid love of driving will thank you for it.

Source:
Mazda USA