Mazda Demio

by

Wednesday – High Flying Mazda

cropped-maaz.jpg

Jeremy I’m just back from interviewing Declan Clifford – the UK’s top cable wakeboarder. Number two in the last world championships, he could jump over the Mazda2 without a take-off ramp!

The hottest day of the year so far was the perfect moment for me to have a masterclass from the youngster. It was like learning to drive all over again and I went flying every time I was dragged from the bank by the cable pulley.

It’s my last day with the Mazda and I wasn’t really looking forward to the 300-mile round trip in the supermini. Suffice to say, the 2 was a lot better than I expected on a long dustance, high-speed run.

It does lack power from a standing start and can be sluggish uphill but once you have the engine wound up, it fair zips along. Noise levels are pretty low at motorway speeds but I think the next generation 2 would benefit from a sixth gear.

It’s been a fairly uneventful week in the Mazda, which is probably what any prospective buyer wants to hear! I’d say this was the perfect car for urbanites, espeically those who have to make the odd longer distance drive.

The styling still works five years after launch, interior space is excellent and because it’s a Mazda, it’s unlikely to let you down any time soon. Great fun but the Sport we drove just needs a slightly more powerful engine…

 

 

 

by

Tuesday – Air Conned?

cropped-mazda7.jpg

Jeremy – Gone are the days of annoying rattles from the dashboard and squeaks that drive you mad on even the shortest of journeys. My father seemed to suffer more than most – every car he owned had a habit of developing a rattle from somewhere deep in the heart of the trim.

Thankfully, that’s one trait I haven’t inherited but there is something quirky about the Mazda2 that I have never experienced in any car before.

It started today when I was driving up a long, steep hill towards Painswick, in Gloucestershire. With temperatures touching 30 degrees all week, the air conditioning has been on for every journey.

So, as I wound my way up and into the Cotswolds, I noticed the air con only kicked in for short bursts, which is perfectly adequate to keep the cockpit cool. However, every time it did come on, there was a noticeable drop in power from the engine.

I know air conditioning can increase fuel consumption because it draws so heavily on the engine but I had no idea it would also have such an impact.

And now that I have noticed it is happening, I can’t seem to ignore the power loss! Just like one of the annoying rattles, the 2 has a small Achilles heel that isn’t going away anytime soon. Now, where’s that squeak…

by

Monday – 2 Good

cropped-photo-4.jpg

Jeremy Funny how car companies go through peaks and troughs with their range of cars. The arrival of the Mazda2 in 2007 was a definite turning point for the Japanese manufacturer.

The 2 was an instant hit and went on to win World Car of the Year in 2008 – no small achievement. Perhaps because the car it replaced, the rather dull 121, was nowhere near as good and just a re-worked Ford Fiesta.

The Mazda2 is still a sibling of the Fiesta but looks much prettier, despite having no major bodywork design overhaul since launch five years ago.

Light, fuel efficient and exceptionally well engineered for a little car, it’s still a match for some of the very latest supermini offerings, such as the current VW Polo, Honda Jazz and Kia Rio.

But when a new version is surely launched over the next year or two, I think there’s every chance the Mazda2 could go to the top of the pile.

 

 

 

by

Sunday – Fabulous 2 x 5

cropped-mazda13.jpg

Jeremy – Vauxhall Corsa, Ford Ka, Citroen Saxo – there’s not a huge amount of choice if you are a bright young thing searching for your first cheap car. With average insurance bill exceeding £1500, the paperwork costs more than the vehicle in most cases.

Shame really because the Mazda2 would make a great first car. Cute, well-built and not too expensive to run, it’s the sort of ‘sensible’ runabout any parent would want their little darling driving to and from uni.

That’s especially true when you consider the 2 has a five-star NCAP safety rating for adult occupants in a crash. Instead, young drivers are priced out of the market for the latest, safest cars and forced into ten or 15-year-old hacks that just don’t meet the same standards.

The Mazda comes equipped with up to six airbags, front, side and curtain, plus ABS and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution as standard, helping to reduce the risk of a skid. A steel bodyshell with a special system that absorbs the impact of a collision is impressive on such a modestly price car too.

The best parents can hope for is a secondhand Mazda2, which shouldn’t be too hard to find as this model first appeared back in 2007.

 

 

by

Friday – Fun In The Sun

cropped-mazda5.jpg

Jeremy Another scorcher – I’m writing this in the garden as the sun still burns down bright over the Cotswolds. I have the cricket on the radio and Malin the dog is waiting for me to chuck a tennis ball into the long grass.

The Mazda2 has had a long run today and I have to say it’s remarkably refined for a small car. Despite the short wheelbase, the modest price tag and slightly budget interior, it’s another of those vehicles that does exactly what you expect of it.

The 2 reminds me of the Suzuki Swift – another great little runabout that you can read about on Car Couture. As I’ve already said, it’s not a head-turner like the Alfa Mito or Citroen DS3 but it’s just as much fun to drive and immensely practical. Having five doors and a decent-sized boot is a great advantage.

The Mazda2 hasn’t changed much since it was launched about five years ago but it still has a freshness about it. The new Mazda3 is out later this year and the design cues of that car will do doubt extend to the next version of the 2 too.

by

Thursday – Fun Behind The Wheel

mazda8

Jeremy The Mazda2 is one of those city cars that rather blends in with the crowd. It’s well styled and almost cute but you aren’t going to turn heads like you would driving a Citroen DS3 or an Alfa Romeo Mito.

Never mind because it still has more about it than the bland Ford Fiesta and is something of a revelation once you slip behind the steering wheel. Why? Because just like the Suzuki Swift, this is a car that loves to be driven hard and rewards you with a thoroughly entertaining drive.

The 2 has such a short wheelbase that it is very controllable at speed. I found it very easy to turn in hard to a corner and come out the other side on exactly the right driving line.

If it all goes horribly wrong, then the good news is that this Sport version has Dynamic Stability Control to get you out of a fix. The 16-inch alloys add to the grip and the sporty seats keep you and your front seat passenger firmly in place.

Good things come in small packages and the Mazda2 is no exception.