Mazda 2 Hatch 2017

Jumping into a small hatch when you’re late for a meeting can be way better than trying to slip through traffic in a large SUV.  Where the SUV has its large dimensions for intimidation for go forward power, the new Mazda 2 Hatch has light responsive steering, small dimensions and lively engines.  Finding the right parking spot also gets easier in a small city hatch.  GPS and satellite mapping in higher-end Mazda 2 models also means you can plan your attack for getting from A-to-B that little bit more fluid.  There’s a lot to like about the 2017 Mazda 2, so let’s take a look.

Looking at the new exterior, the Mazda 2 has a slightly broader face and a tad musclier looks.  Four new paint colours are also available.  Intent on producing cars with flowing design, the Mazda design team have done a great job with the new 2 looks, straying little from the successful predecessor’s looks.  For a small hatch, the car seems bigger than it really looks.  Clean, attractive styling always wins hearts and a strong following, but you’ll not only find the exterior attractive.

Slip inside the new Mazda 2, and you’re met with a delightful interior that looks way more upmarket than you expect.  Elegance, balanced symmetry, flair and practicality all flow together to make the Mazda 2 Hatch a desirable cabin to pass the time in.  A strong feature that predominantly impresses the moment you sit yourself down into the new Mazda 2 is the chunky, solid and comfortable steering wheel that fits into your hand as well as it looks.  Angular design lines across the dash, quality plastics and neat switchgear also impress the eye without being too busy and muddled.

Mazda 2 Interior 2017

Seating comfort is especially good, and there is not much skimping on padding and support.  Even in the Neo models, the Mazda 2 Hatch still provides its owners with strong air-conditioning flow, power windows, cruise control, driver and passenger vanity mirrors, map reading lamps, smart cloth seating upholstery, cup holders, four-speaker audio, Bluetooth communications, auxiliary audio inputs, a monochrome infotainment screen, steering wheel mounted audio controls, two USB inputs, keyless push button start, and a full array of premium safety features.

Automated emergency braking is available on every 2017 Mazda 2 Hatch, while the car also has an improved feel on the road with Mazda’s new G-Vectoring dynamics system.  The Maxx costs a little more than the $16k price tag of the base Neo.  This extra cost covers 15-inch alloy wheels, a 7.0-inch colour multi-media display, six-speaker sound, internet radio apps and a reverse camera. Rear emergency braking and digital radio are also standard features.

Genki models are really nice.  Sitting on larger 16-inch alloys, and with LED headlights and DRLs, you are driving a well-priced and well-equipped small hatch.  Rain sensing wipers, climate control, satellite navigation, rear cross traffic alert and blind spot monitoring keep it hugely competitive.

Top of the range Mazda 2 Hatch models come in the form of the GT level.  Costing a little north of $23,500 the GT model features gunmetal and machined alloys, striking white leather and black cloth seats, white leather trim on the dash, white leather on the door panels and centre console, and red ring accents on the air vents.

Drive a 2017 Mazda 2 Hatch Neo and you’re served up the option of a six-speed manual or six-speed auto transmission.  Both of which do their job really well.  Auto makes it a little more relaxed in town, as the car does it all for you.  The 1.5-litre DOHC petrol engine is lively and packs 79 kW at 6000 rpm, while the pulling power is 139 Nm of torque which is reached at 4000 rpm.  The Maxx, Genki and GT models run with the slightly more sophisticated and powerful 81 kW, 141 Nm 1.5-litre petrol motor.  Fuel consumption for the 81 kW motor has an average around 5 litres/100 km for normal combined driving.

To drive, the dynamic upgrade across the range has made the ride and control really good.  Steering the new 2 is light and precise – just perfect for the city.  Open road dynamics are also engaging, and the small 2 Hatch can be a lot of fun with plenty of grip.  Ride remains first class.  Without the power of some of the European turbo hatches, the 2017 Mazda 2 still impresses with a lively drive, good acceleration and excellent handling.

Mazda 2 Hatch Rear

The current Mazda 2 Hatch model series includes the:

• Mazda 2 Neo
• Mazda 2 Maxx
• Mazda 2 Genki
• Mazda 2 GT

For any more information on the Mazda 2 Hatch or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Mazda dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!