City Driving
City driving is the Mazda2's forte. I drove the Mazda2 with both available
transmissions: a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic. Obviously, having
the right gear on hand for quick maneuvers is simple with the manual because you
control the gear selection, but the automatic is also very well-matched to the
engine. When I wanted to zip into a spot in traffic, the automatic usually chose
the right gear.
The manual has a light clutch that's easy to feel when it's picking up the gear,
and the shifter is short and direct. There's none of the rubbery feeling that
can plague some entry-level cars. It's fun to shift through the gears in the
Mazda2, and it happens with a good, solid feeling.
The steering is also good. It's very light and quick, but it doesn't feel
over-boosted or twitchy in city driving. It just felt like I was steering a very
light car — because I was. Like the transmission, the steering feels like it's
dialed-in well to the car. The same can be said for the brakes: Instead of a
mushy pedal, it gave me the right amount of feedback to judge how hard I needed
to press the pedal to stop. There isn't a lot of effort required, mind you, but
the brakes are easy to get a feel for. It cornered well, too, even in the tight
confines of Chicago.
All the stuff that makes you stop, go and turn is really well-tuned. The car
feels like a unified machine, ready to zip wherever you want it to in the city.
There was only one real issue I noticed: The sloping A-pillar (the one that
supports the windshield) can obscure pedestrians stepping off the curb. I got
used to it the more I drove, but you'll have to judge for yourself. Other than
that, visibility is really good.
See also:
Ignition Switch
Auxiliary key (with advanced key)
NOTE:
When starting the engine using the advanced
key, refer to Starting the Engine.
When starting the engine with the
auxiliary key, perform the following
pr ...
Automatic Transaxle Fluid (ATF)
Inspecting Automatic Transaxle
Fluid Level
The automatic transaxle fluid level should
be inspected regularly. Measure it as
described below.
5AT
CAUTION:
Always check the automatic
transaxle ...
Interior Lights
Illuminated Entry System
When the illuminated entry system
operates, the overhead light (switch is in
the DOOR position) turns on for:
- About 30 seconds after the driver's
door is unlocked and t ...