Used 2014 MAZDA MAZDA2

Once regarded as the best way to achieve good fuel economy, subcompact cars like the 2014 Mazda2 5-door no longer reign supreme as the most miserly modes of transportation. However, they still offer the most affordable way to get into a new car. The Mazda2’s strong points are obvious just by looking at it. Aggressive styling, bold colors and a long list of standard features give it a leg up on more expensive alternatives, as does its reputation on twisting back roads. Offered in a single, 5-door hatchback configuration, the Mazda2 isn’t as versatile as the Ford Fiesta, Kia Rio or Nissan Versa. The Mazda2 is also noticeably lacking in the areas of horsepower, audio and infotainment upgrades and – with only four gears – a modern automatic transmission.

No matter how you slice it, the 2014 Mazda2’s 100 horsepower just isn’t going to impress anyone concerned with speed and passing power. However, those who show patience will be well rewarded by the Mazda2’s go-kart-like handling and excellent 5-speed manual transmission. Weighing a mere 2,300 pounds has its advantages, and Mazda’s suspension engineers have exploited every last one of them. Toss the Mazda2 into a curve, and the feeling is almost Miata-like, with immediate turn-in and a responsive suspension devoid of dramatic lean or dive. You can have fun with this car all day, that is until you come upon a slow-moving truck and need power to pass it quickly. Still, from its comfortable cabin to the compliant ride, the Mazda2 earns its “zoom-zoom” stripes with ease.

For such a small car, the 2014 Mazda2 hatchback’s interior is refreshingly large and airy. The dash design, with its orange backlighting and a circular center-control motif, recalls Mazda’s design past, but we like the look and it definitely works here. The Mazda2’s front bucket seats are great, but the back seat is a little cramped and the head restraints awkwardly positioned. The hatchback’s cargo area isn’t as generous as that of the Nissan Versa or Honda Fit. Folding down the 60/40-split rear seat increases cargo volume from 13.3 cubic feet to just over 27.

While the 2014 Mazda2 hatchback’s teardrop silhouette is nothing radical, the lines and curves that flow across the car’s body have a trademark Mazda feel. Big fender flares and swept-up side sculpturing add visual interest below the raked beltline, while expansive front-door side windows look airy and provide excellent outward visibility. Following Mazda’s latest styling theme, the Mazda2 features a wide, grinning front grille similar to, but less obnoxious than, the Mazda3’s front end. The entry-level Sport trim comes with 15-inch steel wheels with full covers while the Touring trim rolls on 15-inch alloy wheels.

COMFORTABLE SEATING
Some bargain-basement cars can punish with rock-hard seats that are neither supportive nor comfortable, but not the 2014 Mazda2. We found the Mazda2 seats not only comfortable on long trips, but offering enough side bolstering to hold the driver in place during spirited driving.

5-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION
Mazda makes some of the best manual transmissions in the industry, and the Mazda2’s 5-speed gearbox is no exception. It works well in this car, maximizing power and adding a bit of fun to the driving experience.

The 2014 Mazda2 hatchback’s entry-level Sport trim comes with the essentials including air conditioning, power accessories (windows, door locks and side mirrors), tilt steering column, keyless remote entry and a 4-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 sound system. Safety features include stability/traction control, anti-lock disc/drum brakes with Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Force Distribution and six airbags.

Opting for the Mazda2’s up-level Touring trim adds some functional interior features, including cruise control, trip computer, upgraded cloth seats trimmed with red piping, leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio and cruise controls and two additional speakers. On the outside, the higher trim level includes a rear roof spoiler, fog lights, chrome exhaust tip and alloy wheels. Options are limited to dealer-installed accessories such as an auto-dimming rearview mirror with a compass and HomeLink, aftermarket Bluetooth phone connectivity, a center armrest with storage bin and a cargo net.

The only engine offered in the 2014 Mazda2 is a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder that produces 100 horsepower and 98 lb-ft of torque. It can be matched with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. None of that looks particularly impressive on paper, but the Mazda2’s light curb weight (only a little over 2300 pounds) helps the powertrain do better than you might expect and contributes to the car’s overall sprightliness and nimble response. While the manual transmission would be the top choice for driving fun, the automatic works fine around town and on the freeway.

1.5-liter inline-4
100 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
98 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 29/35 mpg (manual), 28/34 mpg (automatic)