The 2011 Mazda2 unveiled: Destined for success

Québec’s Mazda dealers are all smiles. Indeed, the Japanese manufacturer that they represent just unveiled the new Mazda2 at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Mazda Canada and its dealerships have been expecting this compact car for several years, as Mazda decision makers in Canada knew all too well that such a car’s arrival would have a very positive impact on domestic sales, particularly in Québec. So what took it so long? Basically, the timing wasn’t right. On the whole, the North American market favours compacts and intermediates, and the Hiroshima-based manufacturer refused to risk selling only a few tens of thousands of units of this model in North America in general, and in Canada specifically.

But times have changed. When gas prices skyrocketed a few months back, it frightened Americans. Since then, they’ve started to accept that they’ll never see the same ridiculously low prices again and that small cars are a solution that’s here to stay. Moreover, the Ford Company, with its Fiesta, which will be marketed practically at the same time as the Mazda2 at the end of the summer of 2010, is bringing out promotion after promotion to hype this car category in general and this model in particular. This will have positive repercussions for all compacts, including those currently on the market and those that will arrive later. But contrary to what many believe, the Ford and the Mazda are not produced at the same plant. For months, rumour had it that these two manufacturers were working together to assemble their respective model in a plant located in Mexico. This is absolutely false, since the Mazda2 is being produced in Hiroshima, Japan.

A landslide of honours

First and foremost, it must be said that this newcomer’s considerable reputation precedes it. Its last generation was launched in 2007 and it’s still racking up awards all over the planet. Furthermore, the Mazda2 made its debut in certain parts of Europe, Japan and Australia, before making a name for itself in New Zealand, Chile, Bulgaria and Greece. What’s more, it earned itself the title of 2008 World Car of the Year in addition to earning the Car of the Year title in each of these respective markets. Finally, since its arrival, this model has sold more than 370,000 units worldwide.

This car’s success can be explained by several elements. First, somewhat unusually for cars in this category, it has a very sporty shape. Generally speaking, stylists tend to opt for a boxier shape in order to maximize spaciousness while emphasizing the car’s practical nature. Mazda, however, preferred to opt for a sportier silhouette that was consistent with Mazda’s other models. The designers have also chosen extremely short overhangs in order to guarantee a spacious interior.

Pure Zoom Zoom

You may smile at the sound of this title, but it doesn’t change the fact that it’s a very fitting description for this car. Its shape and passenger compartment alone will make you realize that despite its slightly more modest dimensions, it manages to hang on to the features of other Mazda sedans. This manufacturer insists on emphasizing the almost sporty character of this newcomer’s ride. Up to now, most cars in this category were settling for getting us from point A to point B using a minimum of gas and an equally limited amount of fun. Over the years, cars like the Volkswagen Polo, the European Ford Fiesta and the Mazda2 spoiled drivers by offering interesting performances, sport-like handling and pampering their occupants with a comfortable passenger compartment. We’re a long way from the era when all that mattered for vehicles in this category was a low purchase price and savings at the pump. Speaking of fuel consumption, Mazda hasn’t come out with the average numbers yet, but we’re told that it’s the most fuel efficient Mazda ever sold on our continent.

It’s also noteworthy that the press release that was handed out during the unveiling at the Los Angeles Auto Show didn’t mention much about its technical aspects. However, we know that this model will be powered by a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engine, which will be paired with either the factory standard five-speed manual transmission or the optional four-speed automatic. We also learned that it will come with 15-inch tires, a McPherson front suspension and a rear torsion bar suspension. We’ll have more information after the car is launched, which should be some time in the spring.

Dynamic ride?

I didn’t have the opportunity to drive the Mazda2 since this was a simple unveiling at an auto show, but I can tell you about its elegant shape and the quality of the finish of the models on display. There was even a concept version of a MazdaSpeed2 that was only for the gallery, but that may someday become a reality. Only one model will be available, a five-door hatchback that is still the most popular version in most markets. However, I made some inquiries on this little Japanese car with my European colleagues and most of them said that the big reasons for the Mazda2’s success in most countries was its fun ride, vehicle handling, practicality and the refinement of its passenger compartment.
Mazda likes to say that the Mazda2 keeps all of the main features of its big sister, the Mazda3, but in a smaller, more concentrated version. Its arrival on the Québec market will attract a lot of attention just like the Ford Fiesta. It sounds like the makings of an interesting battle...