Mazda has been making cars for decades and many have been compact cars that also look great. The 2011 Mazda2 Touring MT keeps that tradition going strong and we enjoyed our time behind the wheel. Was Mazda able to pull it off again with a reasonable price tag coupled with great styling and performance? Read our review for our take on the 2011 Mazda2 Touring.
Exterior
The Mazda2 looked vibrant in the spirited green metallic paint and 15 inch alloy wheels so we were pumped to drive this car. Mazda meant business when they designed the 2 as they established an exterior design theme of “coordinated movement.” In line with this theme, the design team combined the visual movements created by the car’s silhouette, its body lines, and the way in which patterns of light played on the body to create dynamic, multifaceted expressions not typically seen on a B-car. These expressions exude a powerful energy that makes the new MAZDA2 look as though it’s moving while standing still. That might be easier to do with an expensive sports car, but Mazda pulled it off with a relatively inexpensive compact! Our test model also came with a rear roof spoiler, body color grille insert, halogen headlights and fog lights, body color dual-power mirrors, and exhaust outlet with a chrome tip. All in all, the 2011 Mazda2 Touring MT is one of the best looking small cars on the road.
Interior
Mazda designed a well-thought-out and no-frills interior for the Mazda2 that is much roomier than it appears from the exterior. The fit and finish was top notch and there is a refinement that usually is attained by much more expensive vehicles. Our test model sported 5 passenger seating capacity, tilt leather steering wheel with audio, cruise controls, power door locks and windows with driver side one touch up and down, remote keyless entry, upgraded touring black clothe seating with red piping, 12v power outlet, A/C, 60/40 split fold down rear seats, AM/FM/CD with MP3 and 6 speaker audio. Mazda obviously spent time and investment to create a quiet cabin and it appears they succeeded. We tested with 5 passengers and we fit nicely into the Mazda2, which can’t be said for many of her competitors.
Performance
Even though the Mazda2 is a compact car, it’s still a Mazda, and that means customers will expect a certain level of performance. We’re here to report that the 2011 Mazda2 Touring MT delivers that performance. According to Mazda, “The Zoom-Zoom driving experience that Mazda strives for has two key attributes: 1) a sense of linear acceleration and deceleration that responds crisply to how far the accelerator pedal is depressed, allowing the driver to control car speed as desired; and 2) a sense of liveliness through immediate response to the accelerator for quick off-the-line acceleration and overtaking. The development team targeted a performance feel reflecting enhancement of both of these key attributes without adversely impacting on the MAZDA2’s superior fuel economy as a subcompact car.” The 1.5 liter DOHC 16 valve VVT I4 engine was matched with a 5 speed manual transmission that delivered a smooth and sporty ride as shifting was effortless. Handling was exceptional and that attributed to the electronic power assist steering system and independent front suspension, to name a few equipment features. Fuel economy is important these days and the 2011 Mazda2 Touring MT is spot on with 29 mpg in the city and 35 mpg in highway driving.
Overview
If there is one word we used to describe the 2011 Mazda2 Touring MT during our test week, it’s surely “athletic.” To be athletic, the Mazda2 is not only stylish, eco-friendly, and a fun-to-drive five-door hatchback, but it also scores well in the Zoom-Zoom category. Exhilarating driving performance and eye-catching design can’t be easy to achieve with a sticker price of $16,680, but Mazda delivered style and substance with the Mazda2, so hats off to the folks at Mazda.
