Mazda2 Genki: review

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  Apart from the annoying absence of Bluetooth, the Mazda2 is still a cracker after all these years.

Chris Riley road tests and reviews the Mazda2 Genki.

The Genki is the top of the range Mazda2 and was the biggest selling car of its kind in Australia. But, it's been almost nine years since the launch of the tiny hatch here and it still doesn't get Bluetooth like the Mazda3 or 6. Given the car's younger target market, it doesn't make much sense.

Bluetooth means you can pair your mobile phone with the car's audio system and talk and make calls without taking your hands off the wheel. You can have Bluetooth fitted to the car, as a dealer accessory, but it's third party hardware and costs an additional $390. Factory is always better. Apart from this annoying fact, the Mazda2 is still a cracker after all these years.

VALUE

Genki is $22,490 driveaway for the manual or $24,140 for the auto, whichever you prefer. Out test car, the five-speed manual, comes with temperature controlled airconditioning, headlights that switch on automatically and rain-sensing wipers which we're told are a first for the segment.

A trip computer is also new that shows distance to empty, current and average fuel consumption as well as average speed, while an outside temperature display has also been added. There's a 12 volt power socket and an AUX input for music players located between the front seats, with steering wheel audio controls. Produced in Japan these days which means first rate build quality.

TECHNOLOGY

1.5-litre four cylinder engine produces 76kW of power and 135Nm of torque. Not bad but not nearly as good as its cousin the Fiesta. Has a 42-litre tank and gets 6.4 litres/100km using standard unleaded petrol. Brakes are discs front and drums back, but that's not unusual in this size car. Fitted with 16 inch alloys and 195/45 rubber and has a space saver spare.

DESIGN

Looks cool in metallic green Genki adds a body kit with fog lights, side skirts and a rear swing. Not many people know it but the Mazda2 sits on the same platform as the Ford Fiesta. The Ford is powered by a larger 1.6-litre engine, but the two cars share the same sporty dynamics. Many people prefer the slightly more restrained styling of the Mazda, especially the instrument layout.

SAFETY

Full five stars for safety. Gets the full kit including six airbags, stability control and anti-lock brakes with brake assist and electronic brake force distribution.

DRIVING

Mazda2 is a fun little car to drive. Lacks some torque down low, but likes to rev. You can thrash the pants off it and it will keep coming back for more. Charge into a corner and it won't let you down.

VERDICT

A great little car. Feels nice and tight with no rattles and offers a level of dynamics that its competitors will find hard to match. Shame about Bluetooth, especially since Ford offers it, but them's the breaks.

Mazda2

On sale: now
Price: $16,999 driveaway (Neo manual hatch) to $20,940 (Genki manual hatch)
Engine: 1.5-litre four cylinder
Power: 76kW/6000 revs
Torque: 135Nm/4000 revs
Transmission: five-speed manual, four-speed auto, front-wheel drive
Economy: 6.4L/100km (man), 6.8L/100km (auto)
Emissions: 152g/km CO2 (man), 162g/km CO2 (auto)