2012 Mazda Mazda2 Preview

Mazda's popular Mazda2 hatchback will be the second year of availability here in the U.S. after three years of successful sales in Europe, Australia and Japan. So far, the Mazda2 has proved itself a worthy player in the small car segment and the world looks at the popularity here in North America to continue its impressive usability, comfort, and fun, quirky styling.

Powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, the Mazda2 produces only a modest 100 horsepower, one of the lowest in every new car. That said, the relatively low weight makes the best hatchback, and offers good handling car with some pep and sportiness, especially with the manual transmission. The four-speed automatic transmission could use refining, and other gear.

America's smallest Mazda shares its chassis with the Ford Fiesta, but that's about all they have in common. Handling, powertrain selection and interior / exterior characters are unique for each. Inside the cabin feels spacious and sports outlines many forms for a modern and vibrant passenger compartment. There are numerous storage compartments and cup holders too. Plus, the rear seats folded for cargo capacity. Under the motto "Zoom-Zoom Concentrated," the Mazda2 looks to the owners to provide spirited driving personality of its bigger brothers and sisters are known for. The EPA estimated 28 mpg city/35 mpg highway rating with a five-speed manual transmission on board should continue to make new buyers looking for a cheap, economical option to attract.

Bodystyle: Hatchback

Engine: 1.5-liter, inline-4

Transmissions: five-speed manual, four-speed automatic

Models: Sport, Touring

Reflected in the Mazda2 styling design elements seen in other models. Perhaps most notable is the smiling grille that seems to work on the mini-wagon, as it was meant for a fun, spirited get-about-town car. 15-inch wheels with wheel covers are standard, the Touring trim gets 15-inch alloy wheels. The higher trim also receives chrome exhaust tips, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, improved seats with red trim, and two speakers to the audio improvement. In short, for Mazda2 and rear overhangs give a sporty look. Even in "concentrated" form, it maintains the prominent smiling front end.

The Mazda2 is powered by a 100 horsepower 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder, the only available motor vehicle. It is not a street light racer, but it makes for his lack of speed and power with a pony and good handling unexpected sportsmanship, probably due to relatively light weight of the car. Controller reacts just like brakes. We found the manual transmission model, fun to drive. The automatic will get the city in an efficient manner, but lacks the promised "concentrated Zoom Zoom."

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Mazda2 are top "good" rating in frontal crash tests, and "Acceptable" in side-impact tests. Standard on the Mazda2 are driver and passenger front and side airbags, side airbags as well as curtains and side impact door beams. There is also a crushable pedal assembly, anti-lock brakes (ABS) and Dynamic Stability Control with traction control.

Driver and passenger front and side airbags are standard, as are curtain side airbags and side impact door beams. There is also a crushable pedal assembly, anti-lock brakes (ABS) and Dynamic Stability Control with traction control.

2012 Mazda Mazda2 EPA Fuel Economy

Manual transmission: 30 mpg city/35 mpg highway

Automatic transmission: 28 mpg city/34 mpg highway