- Enthusiastic 1.5-litre petrol engines
- Manual transmission provides precise gearshifts
- High standard of interior fit and finish
- Generally impressive ride/handling balance…
- … though suspension lacks low-speed compliance
- Poor rear visibility
- Uncomfortable rear seats
- Noisy cabin
- Cruise control only available from 11/2011
Review: Mazda DE.I Mazda2 (2007-10)
Overview
Released in September 2007, the Mazda DE Series I (DE.I) Mazda2 was initially available as a light, five-door hatchback. Manufactured in Hiroshima, Japan, the front-wheel drive Mazda2 was powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine that mated to either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission. The Mazda2 range initially consisted of Neo, Maxx and Genki variants; in May 2008, however, the range was expanded with the introduction of three-door Neo and Maxx variants.
ZY-VE engine
The 1.5-litre ZY-VE petrol engine had an aluminium alloy block and cylinder head, cast-iron cylinder liners, double overhead camshafts (chain-driven), four valves per cylinder, Mazda’s Sequential Valve Timing (variable intake valve timing) and a compression ratio of 10.0:1.
Although shared with the DY Mazda2 , peak outputs for the ZY-VE engine were lower due to Euro IV emissions compliance and the measurement of outputs from beyond the catalytic converter (previously measured before it).
Dimensions and suspension
Compared to the DY Mazda2 , the DE Mazda2 was 40 mm shorter (at 3885 mm), 15 mm wider (1695 mm), 65 mm lower (1475 mm) and had a 2 mm shorter wheelbase (2490 mm). An increase in the proportion of high-tensile steel – from 5 per cent to 31 per cent – contributed to a five per cent increase in torsional rigidity for the new body, while kerb mass was reduced by 60 kg.
Like its DY predecessor, the DE Mazda2 had MacPherson strut front suspension and H-type torsion-beam rear suspension.
| Body | Variants | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3dr hatch | Neo, Maxx |
1.5-litre ZY-VE petrol I4 | 4sp auto, 5sp man. |
76 kW at 6000 rpm | 137 Nm at 4000 rpm |
| 5dr hatch | Neo, Maxx, Genki |
1.5-litre ZY-VE petrol I4 | 4sp auto, 5sp man. |
76 kW at 6000 rpm | 137 Nm at 4000 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Mazda DE.I Mazda2 Neo and Maxx included dual front airbags, ABS, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters; the Genki was further equipped with front side airbags and full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants). Electronic stability control (ESC) and traction control were available as options across the range; for the Neo and Maxx, they were available in a safety pack which included front and curtain airbags.
Euro NCAP crash testing
In Euro NCAP crash testing , a Mazda2 fitted with dual front airbags received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 30.85 out of 37. In the frontal offset crash test, there was a slight risk of serious chest and leg injury for the driver. In the side impact crash test, there was a slight risk of serious chest injury for the driver.
When the Mazda2 was further equipped with front side airbags and curtain airbags – as per the Genki variant – a five star adult occupant protection rating was achieved with a score of 34.33 out of 37. Under ANCAP’s methodology , however, ESC was required for a five star rating such that only models with ESC received this rating.
Features: Mazda2 Neo, Maxx and Genki
Standard features for the Mazda DE.I Mazda2 Neo included a four speaker sound system with a CD player, MP3-compatibility and auxiliary inputs (3.5 mm/iPod), air conditioning, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, a height adjustable steering wheel and an immobiliser.
The Mazda2 Maxx was further equipped with 15-inch alloy wheels, a six-stack CD player, steering wheel audio controls and a rear spoiler. The range-topping Mazda2 Genki was distinguished by its 16-inch alloy wheels, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift, front fog lights and side skirts.
Related links
Review: Mazda DE.II Mazda2 (2010-14)
Overview
Released in May 2010, the Mazda DE Series II (DE.II) Mazda2 introduced four-door sedan models, improved safety equipment and revised suspension settings. Unlike its Japanese-built predecessor, the DE.II Mazda2 was initially manufactured in Thailand such that the DE.I three-door hatch was discontinued and a four-door sedan was introduced. Visually, the DE.II Mazda2 could be identified by its five-point grille; inside, there were new seat trims.
From December 2010, the Mazda2 was sourced from Japan and this led to the sedan being discontinued. Furthermore, the Neo and Maxx received body-coloured exterior door handles, updated seat trims and piano black interior finishes.
In September 2013, the DE.II Mazda2 range was simplified and consisted solely of the Neo Sport and Maxx Sport variants.
| Body | Variants | Years | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5dr hatch | Neo, Maxx, Genki |
2010-13 | 1.5-litre ZY-VE petrol I4 | 4sp auto, 5sp man. |
76 kW at 6000 rpm | 137 Nm at 4000 rpm |
| Neo Sport, Maxx Sport |
2013-14 | 1.5-litre ZY-VE petrol I4 | 4sp auto, 5sp man. |
76 kW at 6000 rpm | 137 Nm at 4000 rpm | |
| 4dr sedan | Maxx | 2010 | 1.5-litre ZY-VE petrol I4 | 4sp auto, 5sp man. |
76 kW at 6000 rpm | 137 Nm at 4000 rpm |
Safety equipment
Safety equipment for the DE.II Mazda2 was enhanced with electronic stability and traction control made standard across the range; the Maxx variants were also fitted with front side and full-length curtain airbags (previously limited to the Genki). From October 2011, the Neo was also fitted with front side and full-length curtain airbags.
Features
Standard features for the DE.II Mazda2 were substantially the same as its DE.I predecessor. In October 2011, however, standard features were extended to include cruise control and steering wheel audio controls. From August 2012, USB connectivity was standard (with support for MP3, WMA and AAC file formats).
June 2011: Mazda2 Genki update
Following its withdrawal from the market in early 2011, the Genki variant was reintroduced in June 2011 with additional features including climate control air conditioning, cruise control, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers and trip computer. Visually, the updated Genki could be identified by its revised bumpers, alloy wheel designs and chromed exhaust outlet.
September 2013: Neo Sport and Maxx Sport
Compared to the Neo, the Neo Sport was further equipped with 15-inch alloy wheels.
Relative to the Maxx, the Maxx Sport was further equipped with climate control air conditioning, front fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, trip computer and chrome exhaust tip; models with manual transmissions also featured a leather-wrapped gearshift knob.
Brochure
Related links
- Press Kit: Mazda DE.II Mazda2 (May 2010)
- Specifications: Mazda DE.II Mazda2 (May 2010)
- Mazda News: New Mazda2 range offers greater value (September 2013)
- Wikipedia.org: Mazda DE Mazda2
