Vehicle Overview

Launched internationally in 2007, the subcompact Mazda2 arrives stateside for 2011 as Mazda's entry-level offering. It's only available as a hatchback and is slotted below the Mazda3. However, the Mazda2 has more standard features than its larger sibling. The Honda Fit looks to be a major Mazda2 competitor, as do a host of other small cars, from the Ford Fiesta and Chevy Aveo to the Nissan Versa and Toyota Yaris. The Mazda2 comes in Sport and Touring trim levels. Both employ a 100-horsepower, 1.5-liter four-cylinder. Manual and automatic transmissions are available.

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    Seating & Cargo
    Touring and Grand Touring trims have leather seats, which offer good lateral support but could use a bit more cushioning. Both trims also get a power driver's seat with an impressive range of trav ...

    Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
    The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC). automatically controls braking and engine torque in conjunction with systems such as ABS and TCS to help control side slip when driving on slippery surfaces, o ...

    Hazard Warning Flasher
    The hazard warning lights should always be used when you stop on or near a roadway in an emergency. The hazard warning lights warn other drivers that your vehicle is a traffic hazard and that t ...