Topic: Test Drive: 2012 Mazda2 GS

[Autos_Editor]

While not the best value in its class, the Mazda2 is a fun little car with a 'lively, free-revving engine.'

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[libraman]

Buy the manual. Excellent real world fuel economy. Good handling basic transportation. Was looking at the new Scion IQ. Saw that it was only offered with a CVT. Mazda 2 is more useful and has a manual.

[JohnM]

This review is consistent with the others I've read on the M2.  On paper it looks slow, over-priced and under optioned with less than advanced transmissions and engine.

However, people seem to love driving these things and they are comfortable on the highway as well.

If this were a Honda, I'd be beating it up for using 4 and 5 speed transmissions but the M2 appears to get away with it unless you are looking at straight line acceleration.

Obviously a nice package which punches above its specs.

Cheers,
John M.

[shenyyc]

pricing is off.  You can get a 3 with the new motor for only a thousand or two more.  similar fuel economy, but 6 spd manual and another 50 horse motor!  heated seats as well.

[DKaz]

I test drove the 2, fun little car to throw around, would've liked it to be more planted on turns like its bigger sibling but steering is responsive.

I find it odd that the Mazda 2 GX with convenience package comes with a fuel economy computer while the Mazda 3 GS Skyactiv doesn't have one available.  

[wing]

Lol that is odd!  Computer only available on the GT for the 3


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[D70]

I have driven a number of cars in this category, most with manual gearboxes. The Mazda2 stands out for the most nimble to drive, The Rio sedan would be next on my list.

I came across an interesting variation of the Mazda2 last month while on holiday

http://www.flickr.com/photos/d70w7/6718084317/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/d70w7/6718084175/

[dirtyjeffer]

i returned my Kia Rio5 loaner today and came away thoroughly impressed with it...for about $2k less, anyone considering this 2 GS should look at the LX+ Rio5...heck, if you really want to spend that $20k, you could even get into the EX model.

[JohnM]

"I returned my Kia Rio5 loaner today and came away thoroughly impressed with it."

How would you compare it to your ET in terms of handling, noise and refinement?

Cheers,
John M.

[dirtyjeffer]

"I returned my Kia Rio5 loaner today and came away thoroughly impressed with it."

How would you compare it to your ET in terms of handling, noise and refinement?

Cheers,
John M.

they are two very different cars...the ET has lighter steering (with less "feel"), but is larger (space)...the Rio5 had a slightly better stereo (ET is average, Rio5 was a little better and had satellite radio, plus it looked better), the Rio had a better "drive" to it...it is hard to describe, but you know how people describe how a Golf feels on the road (connected, good feedback, balanced and planted), that is kind of how it was...i'm not saying it is as good as a Golf, i would have to drive them back to back, but it is a very good car to drive...i would say it is by far the best small car i have ever driven...road noise was about average (i didn't find it any more noisy than any other car) and revs at 100km/hr were about 2200...handling was light and nimble, with very good feedback through the steering wheel...i found this car to be substantially better than the Fiesta i drove last year, and this car was $5k LESS...of course, had i had a top trim Rio5, that would narrow the gap to $1k, but the Rio would have still included things the Fiesta didn't and was still $1k less (MSRP)...having driven both, i can't honestly see how anyone would buy a Fiesta over this car...it delivered everything you expect in a subcompact, but looked great, was very well equipped and was actually a very good driving car.

[DKaz]

How about compared to a Mazda 2...?

[dirtyjeffer]

How about compared to a Mazda 2...?

me?

i've never driven the 2...as good as it may be, i just don't see the overal value equation with it...sure, it might be a bit better in terms of driving dynamics, but we're talking about a subcompact car here, not a Mini Fighter...i would gladly trade a marginal difference in driving dynamics (if there even is one) to get the higher level of content, money savings and better warranty from the Kia...and if more people could ignore the "Kia" badge and actually give the car an honest look, i think many would agree...i'm not saying the Rio5 is the best subcompact, but there is no denying it is still a great car, that offers a lot of value for your dollar, and in this segment, that is often a very important factor.