Mazda2 SkyActiv V 5-door: The fun hatchback

CDN PHOTO/BRIAN J. OCHOA

Fun to drive.

 
This is what best describes the Mazda2 SkyActiv subcompact hatchback.

 
The latest generation of Mazda’s micro hatchback was released mid this year in the country and has started to make noise in the local automotive scene.

 
Cebu Daily News was given the chance to drive the 2014-2015 Japan car of the Year by local distributor Mazda Cebu and we believe this car has so much potential in our streets.

This version of the Mazda2 finally carries the SkyActiv technology of the company.  SkyActiv, for those who are new to the term, is a technology of Mazda that improves fuel efficiency through better engines (through higher compression), better transmission assemblies, and lighter yet stronger bodies and suspension subframes.

CDN PHOTO/BRIAN J. OCHOA

This is also the first Mazda2 that sports the patented Kodo design that is already present in other models of the Japanese carmaker.

 
Even with just these two features, the Mazda2 can already be considered as one of the hottest hatchbacks in the market today, one that its competitors should be worried about.

 
But the SkyActiv technology and the Kodo design are not the only attractive traits of the Mazda2.

 
The Mazda2’s compact stature is one of its advantages, considering how narrow and congested our roads are, not to mention how hard it is to find parking spaces nowadays.

The Mazda2’s dashboard is neatly laid out and feels very premium. It’s actually a combination that one won’t expect from a subcompact hatchback. CDN PHOTO/BRIAN J. OCHOA

The Mazda2 measures 4060mm long, 1695mm wide and 1495mm tall with a wheelbase of 2570mm. This means whizzing through our godforsaken streets won’t be that much of a problem, not that we want you to, for obvious reasons.

 
But the most important factor for having this size is the parking capability. With a shorter wheelbase, fitting into a tight spot won’t be as difficult.

 
The sporty design appeals to the younger generation, which means even the young at heart would want to drive one to keep in step with the current generation.

 
The hatch just looks good from any angle with well-patterned curves and lines.

 
The sporty feel of the Mazda2’s exterior also continues in the cabin. The dashboard is neat, functional and, more importantly, has  more premium feel than other vehicles in its class.

 
Seats are comfortable and secure. From the driver’s seat, visibility is great and the SkyActiv frame has something to do with this.
The feel of the materials and the way everything is laid out is so upscale that sometimes you forget you’re in a subcompact hatchback.

 
The tilt and telescopic-adjustable steering wheel feels well-connected and modern with all the usual controls present. The shifter is as cool as the car, with the availability of a manual and sports mode (Yes, kids, we know this excites you).

The shifter boasts of a sports mode toggle switch. Fun to play with, especially for the younger generation.
CDN PHOTO/BRIAN J. OCHOA

Shifting to manual will bring out one of the Mazda2’s  most noticeable plus features, which is its performance.

 
With a very able Skyactiv engine and compact body frame, the Mazda2 can be really very fun to drive on any stretch of road, be it the tracks, highways or even the busy city streets.

 
The hatch is powered by a 1.5-liter twincam, 16-valve SkyActiv engine that produces 108 PS and 139 Nm of torque. It is paired with a front-wheel drive SkyActiv 6-speed automatic transmission that responds  very well on manual mode.

 
Being a mid variant, this Mazda2 does not have the high-tech human machine interface as seen in the Mazda3 and 6. But it has what we need: dash-top audio unit, USB input, an Aux port and Bluetooth.

 
The digital gauges flanking the large speedometer is also a fun thing to look at although the daylight glare can make them hard to see at times.

 
Suspension is a bit on the stiff side but this isn’t a downside since this helps maintain great stability on highways.  Sitting in the rear may be a bit uncomfortable in long drives because of this and space issues.

 
But overall, we think this subcompact will be a winner  for Mazda Cebu. It is, after all, Japan’s best and shares pretty much the same traits with the Car of the Year-Philippines, which is the 4-door R variant of the Mazda2.