There may be nothing quite like horsepower, but making use of all of it is another thing. Pirelli says that power is nothing without control. Although tires have much to do with managing HPs, a car's chassis and suspension setup have an equal if not greater amount of influence on the car's behaviour.
The new-for-North-America Mazda2 is one such vehicle from Mazda where power does not overwhelm but complements the car's innate abilities and limits. Another product from Mazda that is like this is the RX-8. Though modest by today's standards, 232 hp are sufficient to keep the driver entertained in a straight line but not a handful when the car slices through apexes and esses. It is something that every driver and so-called pilot should experience in a lifetime: real control.
I know this may sound like much for such a bantam car, but the Mazda2 genuinely excels in the drive department. In our recent subcompact comparative test, the Mazda2 climbed onto the lowest step of podium in overall ranking, however it was hands-down the best driver’s car of the lot. Zoom-zoom for real!
Little 2 in the inside
Yes, the 2 is small, but it happens to play a huge part in this car's charm. As stated in the comparison test, packing four full-sized adults in the 2 is nearly like trying to cram 10 lbs of poop into a 5-lb bag (thanks Marc). I might be making it sound worse than it actually is, but if you factor in a backpack per person, you will have exceeded the car's load limit, not to mention frayed the patience of your passengers.
The 2 is destined for students or bachelors and bachelorettes that live life in the fast yet economical lane. Once again, in our test, it provided the best fuel economy of the group. It can also serve as a perfect daily driver for a retired couple looking to enjoy life. It will fit a pair of golf bags once the back seats are down so you'll never be able to give anyone a lift. Is that a bad thing?
The 2's cabin is well appointed, reasonably finished but not necessarily modern. Somehow, the genially ergonomic design fails to be attractive or even really appealing. The width of the lower part of the centre stack protrudes into the driver's leg and foot room, and so did not help me like the layout any more. Seats are fine and the driving position is better than fair.
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| I know this may sound like much for such a bantam car, but the Mazda2 genuinely excels in the drive department. (Photo: Philippe Champoux/Auto123.com) |
The new-for-North-America Mazda2 is one such vehicle from Mazda where power does not overwhelm but complements the car's innate abilities and limits. Another product from Mazda that is like this is the RX-8. Though modest by today's standards, 232 hp are sufficient to keep the driver entertained in a straight line but not a handful when the car slices through apexes and esses. It is something that every driver and so-called pilot should experience in a lifetime: real control.
I know this may sound like much for such a bantam car, but the Mazda2 genuinely excels in the drive department. In our recent subcompact comparative test, the Mazda2 climbed onto the lowest step of podium in overall ranking, however it was hands-down the best driver’s car of the lot. Zoom-zoom for real!
Little 2 in the inside
Yes, the 2 is small, but it happens to play a huge part in this car's charm. As stated in the comparison test, packing four full-sized adults in the 2 is nearly like trying to cram 10 lbs of poop into a 5-lb bag (thanks Marc). I might be making it sound worse than it actually is, but if you factor in a backpack per person, you will have exceeded the car's load limit, not to mention frayed the patience of your passengers.
The 2 is destined for students or bachelors and bachelorettes that live life in the fast yet economical lane. Once again, in our test, it provided the best fuel economy of the group. It can also serve as a perfect daily driver for a retired couple looking to enjoy life. It will fit a pair of golf bags once the back seats are down so you'll never be able to give anyone a lift. Is that a bad thing?
The 2's cabin is well appointed, reasonably finished but not necessarily modern. Somehow, the genially ergonomic design fails to be attractive or even really appealing. The width of the lower part of the centre stack protrudes into the driver's leg and foot room, and so did not help me like the layout any more. Seats are fine and the driving position is better than fair.
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| The 2's cabin is well appointed, reasonably finished but not necessarily modern. (Photo: Philippe Champoux/Auto123.com) |