Mazda Mazda2 Review Covering 2003

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Quick Summary of the Mazda Mazda2

OVERALL

The Mazda2 may not be the first choice on a shortlist of used superminis but it definitely merits a look. With solid build quality, a range of decent engines and plenty of space inside, it makes a different choice to the usual run of the mill supermini models and at prices which are starting to look a steal, you won’t be penalised for your individuality.

2 GOOD TO BE TRUE?

The Mazda2 is a car that has slipped under the public radar a little. While the MX5, the Mazda3 and the Mazda6 have both sold well, the 2 left quite a few customers scratching their heads and wondering quite where it fitted in. This is slightly strange as it’s a solid no-nonsense supermini that although not the most exciting car in its class, nevertheless represents one of the best screwed together cars of its ilk. With used examples now looking attractively priced, getting hold of a nearly new Mazda2 is a very smart way of getting quality and modernity at realistic pricing.
Used Mazda Mazda2 for sale

History of the Mazda2

Although Mazda would like to claim the credit for the 2, much of the donkey work in the car’s design and development can be attributed to Ford. Riding on the same chassis as the Fusion, the Mazda2 has done its bit in turning the Hiroshima company from a one-trick pony into a brand with a nicely rounded product portfolio and a whole heap of exciting future potential. The Mazda2 first arrived in the UK in March 2003, the Ford Fusion having enjoyed a seven-month advantage over its Mazda cousin. Although many customers were puzzled over quite what a Fusion offered over a Fiesta, with no ‘conventional’ supermini in the Mazda line up, there wasn’t quite the confusion. Nevertheless, the tall roofline of the Mazda2 does give it a slight element of supermini-MPV and it’s a whole lot more comprehensible than its predecessor, the Demio. Trim levels began in Mazda’s usual S, TS, TS2, mould but in 2004 they were rather inexplicably renamed Antares and Capella.The Mazda2 was facelifted in Spring 2006 but in truth, the alterations didn’t amount to much. Steps were taken to render the 1.4-litre diesel engine compliant with the Euro4 emissions regulations and the car got clear-lens light clusters front and rear. Elsewhere, it was a case of better quality interior trim in new colours. An all new 2 arrived in September 2007, replacing this model.
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Mazda Mazda2 Road Test

Built into every Mazda2 are ISOFIX child seat brackets and twin airbags, as is a smart system whereby in a head-on collision, the brake pedal decouples and is pulled away from the driver’s legs to reduce the risk of leg injuries. Apparently there’s also an ‘ingenious’ body structure design that distributes impact energy equally through the car’s cross members and side beams to help prevent deformation of the passenger cell. A cell which, by the way, is 45% stiffer than this car’s predecessor, the Demio - though this may say more about the Demio than it does about the Mazda2.All the engines on offer are forgettable, if willing and reasonably economical. Only the 1.6-litre unit has any sort of real zip to it, sixty being reached in 11.4s on the way to 112mph. The diesel manages to average over 60mpg but does have the unfortunate drawback of being a little noisy. Given the lack of sporting pretensions and this car’s eminent suitability for the urban environment, we’d recommend that you try and find a used example fitted with the optional Automatic Shift Manual (ASM) transmission, an alternative that was only on offer to 1.4-litre petrol and diesel buyers.
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Buying a Mazda Mazda2

The Mazda2 has performed very well in customer satisfaction surveys and the mechanicals are largely tried and tested fare. The interior plastics quality could be better and the metallic surfaces are prone to scratching but other than that, a clean bill of health for Mazda’s baby. As with any car that’s often used for city/shopping duties, check for knocks and scrapes.
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Mazda Mazda2 Typical Pricing

Bottom book for a 2003 Mazda2 1.25 is £3,675 in basic S trim although most will hover around the £4,000 mark. The 1.4-litre models start at £3,925 for an S with either a diesel engine and the 1.6-litre Mazda2 opens at a chunky £4,475. Insurance for all Mazda2 versions is very affordable with the 1.25S being rated at a lowly Group 2 and even the zippy 1.6-litreSport only just scraping into Group 6.
Used Mazda Mazda2 for sale

Mazda Mazda2 Parts

(approx based on a Mazda2 1.4) With many mechanical parts interchangeable with Ford items, spares can be found relatively inexpensively. A clutch assembly and an alternator will both be around £75. Front brake pads are around £30 a set and the rears £20, a replacement headlamp is close to £80 and a manual door mirror should be in the region of £50. A full exhaust is about £120 and a catalyst is about £220. A starter motor around is around £110, front wing is around £90, a windscreen about £70.
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Mazda Mazda2 Rated

Performance Performance 3 out of 5

Comfort

Handling

Economy

Styling

Equipment

Build

Depreciation Depreciation 2.5 out of 5

Insurance

Value

Mazda Mazda2 Review2003 - 2008