What's so special about the all-new Mazda 2 compact car?

Like some other small cars on the Vietnamese market, the all-new Mazda 2 has two versions: sedan and hatchback.

New generation Mazda2 at the launch ceremony. (Photo: Nguyen Son/VNA)

However, the two cars launched this time are imported and will be distributed until October this year before officially being put on the domestic assembly line, according to information from Truong Hai Auto Corporation (THACO).

Also according to official information, VinaMazda confidently emphasized that Mazda 2 "surpasses all limits of small cars". How much of that statement is true? And what are the outstanding features of Mazda 2 in the segment where the Ford Fiesta Ecoboost 1.0L is currently the leader (according to Autocar Vietnam's assessment)?

Exterior design

It is easy to imagine the hatchback with the typical design solutions of KODO language like familiar Mazda cars. But the surprise is that the B-class sedan has a very balanced size ratio and looks very solid. The wheelbase of both Mazda 2 versions is 2,570mm, the largest in the small hatchback segment (while the Fiesta is 2,489mm and the Yaris is 2,550mm).

Compared to the sedan, the hatchback also has LED daytime running lights and an automatic headlight leveling system (the sedan only has halogen lights). In addition, the rear of the hatchback also has a spoiler.

Amenities

Mazda 2's interior amenities are quite good in the small urban car segment. Leather seats create a sense of high-class space, along with a leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio control knobs, automatic air conditioning, 1-touch auto-up and down windshield, 7-inch TFT screen combined with a central control knob. However, Autocar Vietnam still prefers the Fiesta's interior with a more sophisticated design and the SYNC voice control system, which is very useful for the driver.

SkyActiv engine

There is only one engine, 1.5L, unlike many rumors on some information channels before its launch. SkyActiv technology has truly become the "weapon" of Mazda 2 against competitors in the small car segment in Vietnam today. This engine produces up to 109 horsepower and 141Nm of torque, far surpassing the 1.3G engine of Toyota Yaris (84 horsepower) or the 1.4L engine of Suzuki Swift (94 horsepower) and is only behind the famous 1.0L Ecoboost engine of Ford Fiesta (125 horsepower).

Automatic transmission

Along with the impressive engine specifications, both versions of the all-new Mazda 2 are equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission – equivalent to the number of gears of the Fiesta hatchback's PowerShift automatic transmission. Meanwhile, both the remaining competitors of Toyota and Suzuki are equipped with 4-speed automatic transmissions. The 6-speed transmission is a prerequisite for the car to operate more smoothly and also save fuel.

Safety equipment

Compared to its competitors, Mazda 2 is currently leading the list of safety equipment. In addition to basic equipment such as ABS anti-lock brakes, EBD electronic brake force distribution or BA emergency brake assist, smart key, anti-theft system... Mazda 2 also has DSC electronic balance system and TCS anti-slip system - technologies that are only found on many more high-end cars. In addition, Mazda 2 is also equipped with hill start assist system like Fiesta Ecoboost, but only has 2 airbags for the front seats while Ford's model has up to 7 airbags.

Retail price

The all-new Mazda 2 has an announced price of 629 million VND for the sedan version and 689 million VND for the hatchback version. Thus, the selling price of Mazda 2 is between the Ford Fiesta Ecoboost (659 million VND) and Toyota Yaris G (683 million VND). With the stimulus policy that VinaMazda is applying (a 10 million VND discount on both versions), Mazda 2 clearly has a huge competitive advantage in the small car segment. /.

According to Vietnam+