1.3 Tamura

Excellent all rounder

I have to admit, I originally viewed the Mazda 2 as a stylish but "not so good poor man's Fiesta" based on reviews from WhatCar? magazine. However, in Nov 2011, I ended up getting one as a courtesy car whilst, ironically, our Fiesta was in getting its service. Ended up loving it and so when the time came to replace our trusty Toyota Yaris 1.0VVTi, the Mazda 2 was at the top of the list.

We bought our 2 year old 1.3 Tamura with 10k miles and have covered approximately 2500 miles in the current 2 months of ownership. It has been a great car overall which I would have no hesitation In recommending to people.

The Good:
- Excellent fuel economy, always achieving over 50mpg, with a best of 55mpg.
- Excellent, sharp handling
- Looks good with stylish, yet understated, body kit
- Very hushed engine
- Practical
- Simple, clear dashboard and controls
- Cheapest car I've ever owned to insure
- Cheaper than an equivalent Fiesta 1.25 Zetec (both new and used).

The Bad:
- Quite a hard ride with noisy suspension over bad bumps
- Very tall gearing (probably to aid fuel economy) blunts in-gear acceleration
- Laquer peeling from alloy wheels*
- Some rattles coming from under the dashboard and from the rear hatch
- Cheapish looking interior
- Overall not as refined as a Fiesta 1.25 Zetec.

*ADDITIONAL NOTE: 3 of the 4 alloy wheels on our car have now been replaced under the cars remaining warranty. Mazda appear to be replacing corroding alloy wheels on cars still under warranty, however have not issued a recall notice, instead relying on the owner to come in and complain (hence me only giving 3 star to "How you rate the manufacturer").

Report as offensive