Mazda2 perfect for 1

Canadians love compact cars. In fact, about half the new cars bought by us Northerners in 2011 have been of the compact variety, so it makes sense that Mazda, instead of introducing a bigger, badder SUV this year, brought the already-overseas successful Mazda2.

It would be easy to suggest the 2 is just a tinier, lighter version of the Mazda3, but this B-class (aka subcompact) is a different car altogether while retaining Mazda’s underpinnings.

The Mazda2 does one thing really well: it delivers a form of transportation for a really low price. It accomplishes this by offering a base model light on amenities with only two options (automatic and air conditioning) and two upgraded trim models that add cosmetic improvements and some convenience features. But even the base model includes power locks, windows and door mirrors.

The 1.5-litre engine puts out 100 horsepower and 98 ft-lbs of torque. On paper, this isn’t very exciting and behind the wheel it delivers pretty much the same level of exhilaration, but with a driver and passenger there was never the feeling a steep hill would bring the 2 to a halt.

This is partially thanks to the fact the 2 is quite light. While built on the same platform as the Ford Fiesta, the 2 is stripped down in comparison from an equipment perspective. It would be even lighter if not for Canada’s strict safety standards; overseas the 2 is even lighter.

But the lightness advantage came to an end when the 3 was loaded up with a couple of kids and gear for an outing. The additional 400 lbs. (approximately) was significantly reflected in the 2’s performance. The engine often whirred loudly in complaint and fuel economy crept up about 1.5 litres per 100 kms from the 6.2 litres/km that had been enjoyed.

The bottom line is the Mazda2 makes for an excellent single person car, second car or a get-around-town vehicle. If you’re buying a car just for one of these uses, you’d be hard pressed to make an argument for one of its direct competitors over the 2.