Mazda 2 Neo Sport: Car pool
Popular small car gets more gear, but is starting to show its age.
The car: Mazda2 Neo Sport
The price: From $15,790 plus on-road costs
Vital statistics: 1.5-litre 4-cyl petrol; 76kW/135Nm; 5-speed manual; FWD; 6.4L/100km and 152g/km CO2.
Why we're driving it
Mazda recently rationalised its Mazda2 city car range, adding more standard gear across the range ahead of a replacement due next year. Here we’re testing the base model Neo Sport offering.
Likes
The Mazda2 is a solid no-frills type of proposition. It boasts linear and predictable driving dynamics, great vision all-round and a simple, no-fuss four-cylinder engine. The cabin is fairly accommodating, with comfortable seats, decent proportions for all passengers and a 250-litre boot. Standard features now include 15-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, air-con, steering-wheel mounted controls, split-fold seats, auxiliary input and MP3-compatible CD player. Gets a five-star safety rating and comes with a three-year, unlimited kilometre warranty.
Dislikes
The Mazda misses out on some basic items: there’s no option for Bluetooth phone or audio streaming and it doesn’t get a trip computer to display petrol consumption average, distance to empty and average vehicle speed. The cabin lacks refinement compared with some rivals: cheap, hard plastics are used throughout the dash and door trims, and road noise does become noticeable at speed. There’s no centre console and space is a little skimped-on. Isn’t offered with a capped-price servicing program and requires six-month servicing intervals (or every 10,000km).
Would I buy one?
Probably not. While the 2 is a fairly good package overall, there’s an all-new model due for release next year. If that doesn’t take your fancy, there are other options on the market that still offer more gear for less.