Mazda2 2009 review
The 2011 Mazda2 may very well be the cutest car I've driven to date. Despite its more than adorable look, the Mazda2 and I took a few days to get to know each other. Upon my first drive, I have to admit that I wasn't a fan of the all-new subcompact.
It was because the five-speed manual transmission and I didn't get along. On more than one occasion, I accidentally shifted into 5th gear, rather than 3rd, from 2nd. That wasn't my only complaint. Shifting felt jerky; the hollow sound the door made when it closed didn't instill a sense of confidence, and the loud road, wind and engine noise pouring into the cabin was exhausting to my senses.
With its 100-horsepower 1.5-liter engine and manual transmission, I can't really say that there's any zoom-zoom with the Mazda2. The other thing that is kind of puny with this car is its EPA-estimated fuel economy of 29/35 mpg city/highway. I expected more mileage out of such a small, lightweight car.
After the initial annoyances I reminded myself that with a starting price of $14,180 for the base Sport trim level and $15,635 for the Touring trim level, this car is one of the cheapest I've driven to date and reset my expectation level. My test car, a top-of-the-line Mazda2 Touring, cost $16,000; it packed in a few extra features that were surprising for this price point.
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Cell Phones Warning
WARNING:
Please comply with the legal regulations concerning the use of communication
equipment in vehicles in your State or Province:
Use of any electrical devices such as cell phones, computers, ...
Driving In Flooded Area
WARNING:
Dry wet brakes by driving very slowly
and applying the brakes lightly until
brake performance returns to normal:
Driving with wet brakes is
dangerous. Increased stopping
distance or the ...
Brake System
Foot Brake
Your Mazda has power-assisted brakes
that adjust automatically through normal
use.
Should power-assist fail, you can stop by
applying greater force than normal to the
brake pedal. But ...