The 2016 Mazda2 is the driver’s subcompact. Now, before you giggle, take a look at the little Mazda in profile. The Mazda2 has an upright grille, long hood and windshield pillars that are mounted farther back on the body than usual. While most subcompacts look like a computer mouse when viewed in profile, the tiny 2 strikes a surprisingly powerful stance.
Inside, the driver is greeted by a large central tachometer where most manufacturers would place a speedometer. This is a layout much like you would find in a Ferrari 458, though don’t expect performance to be similar.
Mazda’s all-new subcompact hatch made its North American debut Thursday at the 2015 Montreal International Auto Show. The previous Mazda2 shared a powertrain with the Ford Fiesta but the new model features an all-Mazda drivetrain. The Mazda2 is available only with a 1.5-litre gasoline engine producing around 110 horsepower. Final power specs have yet to be released. In Europe, the 2 is offered with a 1.5-litre diesel engine but there are no official plans to bring that engine to the Canadian market.
The 2016 Mazda2 at the Montreal International Auto Show.
Clayton Seams, Driving
The 2 is available with a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. Three pedal devotees will be happy to learn that the manual transmission is available in all trim levels. Shift-it-yourself die-hards won’t have to be relegated to the base model.
The new body has been styled to cohesively fit within Mazda’s Kodo design language. Mazda says the curves and creases on the body help to increase torsional rigidity by 22% over the outgoing model.
To quote the Mazda2 pamphlet, the headlights “are designed to resemble the eyes of an untamed animal.” You won’t find that in a Yaris brochure.
Interesting details fill the interior. The air-conditioning vents are reminiscent of jet engines and the centre console is small and unobtrusive to accentuate the feeling of width. This is important for a car that’s only 1.7 metres wide.
The 2016 Mazda2 at the Montreal International Auto Show.
Clayton Seams, Driving
In fact, it’s no wider than the design it replaces which is somewhat rare in an age where cars seem to grow in size each refresh.
Something that has shrunk in size are the available colors for the Mazda2. The much-loved “spirited green metallic,” lovingly referred to as “tree frog green” has been dropped. Mazda offers many shades of silver, grey, white and black but just two colourful options; a dark blue and the dramatic red seen here. It seems that Mazda is trying to eschew the adorable jellybean image of the previous model and promote the new 2 as a more aggressive, sporty car.
The centre console is small and unobtrusive to accentuate the feeling of width. This is important for a car that’s only 1.7 metres wide.
Handout, Mazda
But who is the Mazda2 for? Who is shopping for a tiny hatchback with untamed tiger-eyes for headlights and jet exhausts for air vents?
Mazda is aiming the 2 at a younger buying demographic. The diminutive car is positioned to appeal to young drivers who live an active lifestyle, love to stay connected on social media and want something fun and distinctive to drive.
While there’s a crippling irony in releasing a great subcompact at a time when gasoline prices are setting record lows, there’s a sure place for the Mazda2 in the market. The new 2 occupies the void between the practical but anonymous Honda Fit and the adorable but less-than-roomy Fiat 500. But seriously, Mazda, please bring back tree frog green.
The 2016 Mazda2 at the Montreal International Auto Show.
Clayton Seams, Driving
