New 2008 Mazda2
September 5, 2007 by George Skentzos
The Zoom-Zoom philosophy continues at Mazda with the release of the new lighter, stronger, safer and cuter Mazda2.
The Mazda2 is available in three model variants – Neo, Maxx and Genki, all of which share the same 76 kW 1.5L engine.
The “super little” Mazda2 is surprisingly even smaller than the superseeded model, with 41mm cut from its length (now 3885mm), 65mm from its height, although the wheelbase stays the same (2490mm) and width has increased a little (15mm). However, interior space for people and cargo remains very competitive.
This downsizing helped Mazda cut 100kg from the first generation Mazda2. As a result, Mazda has improved the standard feature list on the Australian Neo models which are now about 60kg lighter than before.
The Mazda2’s body may be lighter but it’s also stronger, being the first Mazda to use new generation ultra high-tensile steel, while the proportion of high-tensile steel has jumped from just 5 per cent in the superseded car to 31 per cent.
The gear shift lever is positioned 38mm higher than on the previous Mazda2 making it easy to reach and operate. The parking brake lever is also placed closer to the driver by 43mm.
New standard features include an anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), remote locking, driver’s seat height adjustment and a centre rear headrest. It has also become the first Japanese model in the light car class available with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) across all models.
Standard creature comforts include air conditioning, power windows and mirrors and an MP3 compatible CD player with four speakers and an AUX jack that enables any MP3 player (including the iPod) to be played through the car’s stereo.
At just $16,500, the new Mazda2 Neo is only $165 more than the superseded model yet adds about $1000 of additional value.
Priced from $18,710, the Maxx variant adds 15 inch alloy wheels, six-disc CD player, steering wheel mounted audio controls and a rear spoiler.
Boasting a body kit, the range-topping Genki model now comes with 16 inch alloys, unique seat trim, six airbags, leather-trimmed steering wheel and front fog lamps from $20,845.
All Mazda2 models now comply with the strict Euro Stage 4 emission regulations and are powered by a 1.5-litre MZR engine that features Sequential Valve Timing (S-VT) equating to fuel consumption of just 6.4L/100km on the ADR 81/01 cycle compared with 6.6L/100km on the outgoing model. While automatic transmission versions now average 6.8L/100km compared with 7.0L/100km previously.
“The new Mazda2 demonstrates that Mazda is not resting on its laurels. As the first of our second generation of Zoom-Zoom cars it ticks all the boxes and we expect it to sell in much larger numbers than the original car.”
Doug Dickson, Managing Director of Mazda Australia.
Mazda Australia expects to sell about 850 Mazda2s a month, compared to an average of just 450 a month for the previous model.
The new Mazda2, like the rest of the Mazda passenger and SUV range, comes with a three year/unlimited kilometre warranty.
George Skentzos
Print it: 
I don’t think they will have a problem shifting 800 a month.
The interior will require a bit of getting used to, but the exterior is super, especially compared to the box it replaces. Looks like it ticks all the required boxes, and it’s a Mazda, ’nuff said.
Will be looking at this very closely, possibly the replacement for the Sirion GTvI
its a mazda fronted yaris.
yay
LMAOOO thats soo true troy… i was like ive seen that car before lol
Bloody really nice and dash would take getting used to. Touch of Yaris in design side and rear?
I like, Mazda seems to be maintaining it’s styling success.
I think it have a more cohesive look than the yaris, less bloated looking and more efficient looking.
I bet it will drive better than yaris.
Are they still making the MPS version???
Nik they have made it, but chances of it coming to AUS are still a little sketchy, so prob not for another 2-3 years.
They have made an MPS 2? where!? dying to see this package…
Great looking small car and Mazda shouldn’t have any problem moving these the only prob will be getting them…bring on the MPS.
Man am i glad i didnt buy one of those houses down port melb.
So many of you jurnos take photos out front its not funny [Hint: find somewhere new and fresh]
Cheers
F-0
Lol nice little car, but look at that shot of the blue one on the road, that would be a major hit to any mans ego. Very much a chix car.
Yaris on the side indeed.
Not a bad car, doubt it would touch the Yaris though.
To all those who say that it looks like a Yaris, well then that’s what Toyota spin makers want you to think. To those I say go out and check the car out in the flesh. It’s sportier, more aggressive looking and drives with one thing that alludes all Toyota’s … Character. A quick glance at the specs for Yaris against Mazda2 reveal that the 2 is lower, longer and packed with more standard features. The new 2 is definately more engaging and fun to drive. It’s definately a head turner, which is something that the Yaris will never be accused of being.
Lol using the phrases ‘aggressive looking’ or ‘head turning’ for a Yaris OR Mazda2.
i have just bought one of these but test drove others before making a decision. i tested yaris, tiida, barina, focus and festiva.
for those of you who say it is like a yaris need your heads read!!! i found the yaris unfomfortable to drive, sluggish and hated the speedo etc in the centre of the console. it was also $2500 more expensive than the mazda i bought (i wanted a 5 door)
it is a personal preference though and i personally felt the mazda was better looking, better finished off, better fuel economy (that is a fact!!) and better to drive. but hey that’s me
x
I completely agree with D’Lish. The Yaris is a nice car but the digital speedometer is surprisingly off-putting and doesn’t come with the features that you get STANDARD on even the base model of the Mazda2. I have test driven alot of small cars from alot of dealerships in the past few months and the Mazda2 topped them all with features, looks and feul economy. You don’t even have to pay extra to get a different colour. If your looking for something that is good looking, has heaps of features and a great fuel economy, buy the Mazda2 because that is exactly what I am doing.
I picked myself up one of these 2 weeks ago and ive already done my first 1000k :) Nice car i got myself a neo with Tinting windows and Mazda mats for $20,400 after much haggling ( I went to every single dealership in Sydney and that was the lowest i could get …NO JOKE! )
I almost fell asleep driving this car…. i don’t know about the rest of you guys but i’m a motorbike rider and driving any car puts me to sleep!
I tested the Jazz, Yaris and a Carola and they all felt sluggish and slow The Mazda is very quick with turns and quick when you want speed.. very nice to drive still nothing beats a motorbike.
I’m very happy with my buy… the Yaris was an option but i’m glad i got the mazda
Want a real thrill get a motorbike! want a people mover thats zippier then most small cars .. get a Mazda 2
Looks like a yarris? WTF? You people need glasses!!
Compared to others in its class it’s definitely aggressively styled.
Hey~
Which colour did you buy?
The green and golden yellow colours look so nice
but they seem too lingt to me.
How about everyone’s openion?
Hey~
Which colour did you buy?
The green and golden yellow colours look so nice
but they seem too light to me.
How about everyone’s opinion?
You are so lucky in Australia to have this car – I am envious. The corporate jokers in the US are too blockheaded to ever bring the Mazda2 in there. Maybe I’ll be able to buy one in Canada one day.
I want to buy a new car and i am really confused if I choose the Yaris or Mazda2.
I think that mazda is slightly better now. But i was told that the Yaris is better on long term. (mechanically wise)
What do you think?????
Get a Mazda, I pick mine up today, metro grey, it took me six months to choose a new car, Neo was the best. Zoom Zoom
Where did Vid_ghost get his Mazda 2 from????
Recently purchased a Mazda2 after comparing all the compeditors.
I used to own a Echo and loved it but the Mazda is a much better package than the Yaris it handles better and looks better I will miss the flat loading back of the Echo and its load carrying ability but overall the Mazda is a much better package.
As for mechanicals sure the Toyota is tops here but I dont anticipate the Mazda being too far behind and I dont expect to have it for 15-20 years to appreciate the difference.
I have a mazda 2 Genki, in Icey Blue – I’ve had her for a couple of months now, and im totally in love. Would recommend this car to anyone =o)
I bought the 2 Genki in red for the wife, she rarely gets to drive it, I’m having way too much fun! its really great to drive, for a small car!
I am looking at buying a 2 for the wife, is it worth the extra $ to get the Genki model. It would also be nice Maz adds cruise control (too much to ask?)
Does anyone have any issues with the brakes? I took the Mazda 2 on a test drive, and when I slammed the brakes from 60km/h, it stopped great, but didn’t feel very strong, felt I almost broke the pedal. The rear brakes are drums, doesn anyone know why they are still using drum brakes?
I felt the previous model of the mazda small Car sieze where too box like in shape. Kind of ugly looking to be frank. But” When I saw this new Mazda2 for the first time here in Adelaide, i had to look twice and check it out more closely.
Much better styling and more streamlike, making this model more appealing to the eye. The interior looks nice too. Fuel ceonomy and all the rest seems great an an attractive vehicle for me to consider. Being a 1.5 litre engine; I just wonder how well the car does on power with the Airconditioner running.
Currently I have an old Mazda Astina 232 SP and it has been a very reliable car for 8 years.
Besed on that experience alone, i am not hesitant to purchase this newer model of Mazda2
vic bran i got my Mazda from westend Mazda Blacktown . there’s also one in Parramatta .. I picked up neo Auto trans with tinting and mats for $20,400 drive away back in Oct 2007 so i don’t know what there going for these days
Had the second service on the car last week, It’s still a great car to drive but i am experiencing the car shaking a little at idle, the mechanic told me its bad fuel but i think his wrong because its been doing this for 3 months … i think on the service where they clean the 4 fuel intakes I’ll know for sure .. he wanted $500 to clean all 4 of them and the fuel tank then and there but i wasn’t interested in blowing that money for nothing … i’ll just live with it until the next service, Not the best service from Eurocars Mazda service centre but meh .. cas still drives better then a yaris.
Oh and the car tends to shake more when your sitting in drive with your foot on the break .. anyone else getting this problem??? :( For WORLD car of the year i’m not very happy and dont think it should of won that with issue’s like mine popping up only after 3 months and 4000k’s on the clock.
Every brand has problems… I doubt the shaking is a characteristic it should have and what it was judged on… get it checked out
I did get it checked out they said it has no problems..
Well if what you describe is accurate they are talking shyte, Id personally get a third party to diagnose the problem (such as NRMA) and then shove that down their throats and threaten further action (tbh Ive never had to do this, so I dont know exactly who youd do to… but Im sure there is someone…FairTrading tribunal? Dunno)
Your mechanic is clearly feeding you BS, get a second opinion.
Just scored myself a Maxx in metro grey for $21,000…not bad at all, and after reading feedback am confident this is a gonna be a great car…I’m very excited :)
Leave brittany alone! im serious!
Congrats Ren.
I’m looking to buy the Neo atm, was yours a manual or auto?
Thanks Jen
Definitely manual. It’s a small car, wouldn’t be much fun as an auto.
hey i read that the neo has problems handling in the wet cause the tyres are crap and you cant put any others on but yokos, they only said it was a problem in the neo cause the mazz and genki have diff wheel size and therefore tyres, i dunno if its true, iv only read it in wheels mag though everywhere else says its a great drive but im not sure, so if anyones got a neo and has driven it in heavy rain could you tell me if wheels is right or what? cause presonally i like staying on the road not the foot path..
ty people :]
I got my ruff idle issue fixed after threatening Mazda Australia to take the matter to NSW fair trading,, they replaced a major part that’s spoused to last as long as the car itself .. “apparently not” :)
They said its a 1 om 1000 chance this part fails. lucky me
Anyways all is good now … The NRMA gave the neo a low score in wet weather so Mazda have changed the tire’s to 15″ standard on the neo models :) still with hub caps though. I went to my local tire shop and got some nice allows to replace my 14″ steel wheels .. almost 1 year on now and apart from the idle problem that’s over now I’m very happy with the car … Go out and buy yourself a neo… even better value now with 15″ wheels.
Still the best small car ever made! unfortunate for the US Ford doesnt sell it there… i guess they dont want it to cut into there SUV sales… US Greed
Hey Vid_Ghost
Do you know what the part was that Mazda replaced?
My sister has a Max auto that sounds like it has the same idle problem as yours. The idle speed drops down when she has stopped with her foot on the brake (at traffic lights etc).
She took it to the local Mazda dealer and they said they couldn’t find any faults!
Hi Vid_Ghost/David7,
My 2007 Mazda 2 has the idle problem as well, so I’m interested to hear what was fixed.
I also have major pains with the brakes. I got the car end of May 2007 (it is an April ‘07 model), and noticed pretty much right away the brakes made grinding noises and the car would often shudder when slowing down. I took it to the dealer at 10K, 20K and 30K services and told them the problem. They couldn’t replicate it, so in July 2008, at 32K, one of the techs drove around the block with me. Suprise, suprise, they heard (and felt) the problem. A new set of front discs (free from Mazda; as a ‘goodwill gesture’) and I had about a month of shudder-free braking. This has gradually returned over the last two months, and I’m at 35K, having done 3,000km on the newer discs.
I’m hoping Mazda will be able to fix the brakes, even better if under warranty. They’re not usually covered because discs are ‘wear-and-tear’ items.
DAVID7 i suggest you write a letter detailing the problem and email it to Mazda Australia the dealer will only waste your time and will never fix the problem unless instructed to by Mazda … they can only ever check the car computer for error’s and that it… As for the part i don’t remember what it was but it had physically snapped off inside the car and was collecting black soot.. get this fixed ASAP
the car will have more power and be better on fuel.
Vid_Ghost
Thanks for that.
Latest development…. my sister took her car back to the Mazda dealer again, she has a Scanguage fitted and was able to show them that the idle speed drops from around 700+ rpm to around 540 rpm as soon as she put her foot on the brake (in drive, handbrake on).
The dealer rang Mazda Australia for any info on warranty repairs for this problem and then had the car for 2 full days trying to find the problem. As you said, because the computer is not showing any fault codes they are completely stumped. They said they had another Mazda 2 auto and swaped over various parts (not sure which one’s) trying to fix it. In the end they couldn’t find a problem with the engine/electronics and said that the lower idle speed specification is 500 rpm (in drive), so it’s within spec. They then said they had “adjusted” the engine mount/s to reduce the vibration.
The end result is that the car is exactly the same as before. I think the next step (as you suggest) might be a letter of complaint to Mazda Australia.
DAVID7:
If your still having problems with the mazda 2 ruff idle issue please give Euro Cars Mazda service centre a call and ask them what part they fixed on Gabriel’s Mazda 2 neo Rego: BDM27F
google Euro Cars Mazda Artarmon for contact info ..
They can then instruct your dealer what part was replaced and assist the repair!
Sorry for the late reply! hope this helps
I brought a Mazda 2 a couple of months ago. I am lucky to get 400kms out of a tank. Its crap. I did not spend $22,ooo for it to use too much fuel. Its a manual. I brought it from OGR in South Australia and they not help me. I apparently dont no what I’m talking about because I’m female. I even got asked if I were driving with the hand brake on..wat the?
LOL you obviously don’t know how to drive…
A cheap and reliable Japanese version of trend setting Peugeot 206, I think Peugeot were criding their teeth when they first saw this. Will sell to the masses of mostly girls in the 22 to 32 age group. A much better design than the previous 2 which was an ugly box on wheels.
Had my Mazda 2 Maxx for nearly a year now GREAT little car… Still turns heads and sticks out like dog balls (In a good way) I got the bright green, My Mazda 2 rocks!