- Willing 1.5-litre petrol engines
- Impressive ride/handling balance
- Accurate, well-weighted steering
- High standard of fit and finish
- Spacious interior
- Cabin lacks sound insulation
- Manual transmission has clunky action and late take-up clutch
- Electric steering for DY.II Mazda2 provides inconsistent assistance when parking
Review: Mazda DY.I Mazda2 (2002-05)
Overview
Released in December 2002, the Mazda DY Series I (DY.I) Mazda2 was a light, five-door hatchback. Manufactured in Hiroshima, Japan, the front-wheel drive Mazda DY Mazda2 was powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that was mated to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The Mazda2 range consisted of three variants: the entry-level Neo, mid-range Maxx and range-topping Genki. In 2004, the Mazda2 underwent a minor update with new trim and revised tail-lights.
1.5-litre 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.
Dimensions and suspension
Compared to its DW 121 Metro predecessor, the DY Mazda2 was 125 mm longer (at 3925 mm), 10 mm wider (1680 mm), 40 mm taller (1540 mm) and had a 102 mm longer wheelbase (2492 mm). Like the 121 Metro, the DY Mazda2 had MacPherson strut front suspension (albeit with lower A-arms) and a torsion beam rear axle.
| Variants | Body | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neo, Maxx, Genki |
5dr hatch | 1.5-litre ZY-VE petrol I4 | 4sp auto, 5sp man. |
82 kW at 6000 rpm | 141 Nm at 4000 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Mazda2 Neo and Maxx included dual front airbags and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters; the Genki was further equipped with ABS, electronic brake force distribution and brake assist.
Euro NCAP crash testing
In Euro NCAP crash testing , a 2003 Mazda2 with dual front airbags received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 25.38. In the frontal offset crash test, protection from serious leg injury was marginal for the driver, while protection from serious chest injury was marginal for the front passenger; the front occupants’ knees were also at risk. In the side impact crash test, there was a slight risk of serious pelvis injury for the driver.
Features: Mazda2 Neo, Maxx and Genki
Standard features for the Mazda DY.I Mazda2 Neo included 14-inch steel wheels, two speaker sound system with CD player, air conditioning, a 50/50 split and folding rear seat, central locking, a tilt adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable driver’s seat and an immobiliser.
Beyond this, the Mazda2 Maxx added 15-inch alloy wheels, a four speaker sound system with a six-stack CD player, velour interior trim, steering wheel audio controls, remote central locking, power windows and power mirrors. The Maxx was also fitted with a roof-mounted spoiler.
Finally, the range-topping Mazda2 Genki was distinguished by its front fog lamps, sports-themed interior trim and body kit (front spoiler, side and rear skirts and rear spoiler).
Review: Mazda DY.II Mazda2 (2005-07)
Overview
Released in June 2005, the Mazda DY Series II (DY.II) Mazda2 introduced updated styling and a stiffer chassis which provided greater safety and refinement. Furthermore, the newly introduced four-speed ‘Activematic’ automatic transmission provided improved fuel economy and featured a manual gear selection mode. Electric power steering was also introduced, providing lighter steering at low speeds and greater resistance at higher speeds.
Visually, the DY.II Mazda2 could be identified by its larger headlights and revised front guards, bonnet, front bumper and grille; at the rear, the LED stop lamp was slimmer, the tail-lights were updated and the rear bumper featured round reflectors. Furthermore, the Neo was also fitted with restyled wheel covers, while the Maxx and Genki had new 15-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels; the Genki was also differentiated from the other variants by its ‘sports’ grille and driving lights within the front bumper.
| Variants | Body | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neo, Maxx, Genki |
5dr hatch | 1.5-litre ZY-VE petrol I4 | 4sp auto, 5sp man. |
82 kW at 6000 rpm | 141 Nm at 4000 rpm |
Safety equipment
Safety was enhanced for the Mazda2 Genki which was fitted with front side airbags and full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants). An optional safety pack including ABS, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, front side and curtain airbags was optional for the Neo and Maxx variants.
Features
Standard features for the DY.II Mazda2 were largely unchanged.
Related links
