Mazda2 Maxx Sedan new car review

Light-sized sedans don't always work out in this country. Just ask Mazda, which introduced a three-box version of its 2 in 2010, then summarily executed it in 2011.

But the Japanese brand is forgetting about its potted light-sedan past and having another go with the new 2 sedan you see here.

It's a substantially different beast, being built on the third-gen 2 architecture we first experienced in hatch form late last year.

What do you get?

Mazda has used the introduction of the sedan to boost the specification of the 2 range in general.

Entry-level Neo models (from $14,990) add cruise control and rear parking sensors to their existing highlights of air-conditioning, Bluetooth, power windows, CD/MP3 stereo, keyless start, six airbags, stability control and five-star ANCAP rating.

Maxx models like the sedan we tested (from $17,690) pick up a reversing camera and the mouse-style infotainment system previously restricted to the topline Genki, featuring a seven-inch monitor and built-in apps (Pandora, Stitcher and Aha). As before it has 15-inch alloy wheels, ritzier cabin trim and leather-shod cabin bits (steering wheel, gear lever, handbrake) to distinguish it from the Neo.

The $20,690 Genki, which is only available in hatch form, adds LED headlights and an off-white/black cabin-trim option called 'S Pack' ($1390) to its generous collection of kit (sat-nav, climate control, auto headlights/wipers, 16-inch alloys).

If the S Pack seems pricey, that's because it includes low-speed autonomous emergency braking, something that can be added to any 2 for just $400. For an automatic transmission add $2000.

Like all 2s the sedan falls under Mazda's 'Service Select' lifetime fixed-price servicing regime. Intervals are yearly/10,000km and the average annual cost over a three-year/45,000km period is $439.

What's inside?

The 2 hatch has a boot capacity of 250 litres – okay for a light hatch but not great. The sedan, contrastingly, ups that to 440 litres.

Some versatility is lost to the three-box shape, and the hatch remains the choice if you tend to fold down the back seats and carry bulkier, taller objects. For five-up load hauling, though, the sedan offers a significant step up in ability.

The 2 sedan shares its wheelbase with the hatch, so the qualities of its back seat are essentially the same – smaller folk will find no issues but leg room is a bit tight, so it's not an ideal long-haul proposition for taller types.

The sedan's front-seat environment is also a dead-ringer for the hatch, with the same slick design, tasteful materials and polished assembly. These qualities, plus the high-grade infotainment system, endow the Maxx with a more upmarket feel than you might expect of a car from the sub-$20k domain.

We found no real-estate or seating comfort/adjustability issues for our six-foot frame, nor any major switchgear/interface issues to sour the taste (it's all well-established Mazda bits). But a few more spots on the centre console to stow smaller items (there's just twin cupholders and small space in front of the gear selector) would be nice.

Under the bonnet

The 2 sedan, just like the hatch, offers a choice of two versions of the same basic 1.5-litre direct-injected four-cylinder petrol engine.

The base Neo is powered by the 'standard-spec' version, which registers 79kW/139Nm torque peaks and fuel-economy ratings of 5.4L/100km (man) and 5.5L/100km (auto).

The Maxx gets the 'high-spec' version, featuring exhaust changes and fuel-saving auto start/stop system. It's fragmentally perkier (81kW/141Nm) and more economical (5.2L/100km man, 4.9L/100km auto).

The Maxx's on-road portfolio doesn't quite cover every base. Unlike some turbo alternatives, which deliver their peak torque (pulling power) from low revs, the Mazda 1.5 needs a few revs on board before it really feels alive (peak torque is developed at 4000rpm). It's noticeably throaty when you use all of its performance.

But the good outweighs the bad. It's a willing little engine when asked to give its all and usefully flexible at lower engine speeds (if not, as mentioned, not remarkably snappy). The optional six-speed auto's smarts and decisiveness mean it's rarely caught with its pants down, even in spirited driving.

The high-spec 1.5/auto combo also achieves the best fuel-economy numbers in the 2 catalogue. We didn't achieve the sub-5s touted in the PR material but still managed a pretty credible 5.4L/100km average on our combined urban/highway loop.

On the road

Sedan bodies tend to quell road/suspension noise better than their hatch brethren and that's the impression we got from the three-box Maxx.

The 2 sedan isn't a sensory deprivation experience on noisy road surfaces but it didn't seem quite as tough on the ears as we remembered the hatch. The Maxx, on its modest 15-inch wheel/tyre combo, soaks up most lumps and bumps without fuss, contributing to a generally relaxing vibe.

Drivers are amply rewarded, too, whether it's the steering (it's quick, fluent and transparent), responses (they're faithful and utterly predictable) or general balance (it's light on its feet but confidence-inspiringly surefooted). The modest footwear means its roadholding reserves aren't staggering, but this agile, sweetly controllable small car is capable of serving up plenty of entertainment through the bends.

Verdict

The 2 hatch has some very good light cars to contend with (Ford Fiesta, Kia Rio, Skoda Fabia, VW Polo) and acquits itself very favourably with its even-handed mix of style, value, safety, technology, driving appeal and strong ownership.

The sedan maintains all those same qualities but jumps into a segment without such a generous supply of light-car luminaries. Rather, Holden's Barina, Honda's City, Hyundai's Accent and Mitsubishi's Mirage are its prime rivals.

There's no need to mince words – the Mazda is a cut above all those cars pretty much any way you care to slice it. If you must have a light sedan, make it this one.

Mazda2 Maxx Sedan price and specifications

How much? From $17,690 (plus on road costs)

Engine: 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine

Power: 81kW at 6000rpm

Torque: 141Nm at 4000rpm

Transmission: six-speed automatic, front-wheel drive

Fuel use: 4.9L/100km

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