Info on the new 2011 Mazda 2
The North American version will forego the 1.3-liter inline-fours available in Japan and Europe in favor of a more powerful 1.5-liter four-cylinder. Power ratings are 100 hp and 98 lb-ft of torque—hardly numbers to get excited about, but competitive with the Fit’s 117 and 106, respectively. Weighing in, Mazda says, at 2300 to 2350 pounds depending on trim level, the 2 is a couple hundred pounds lighter than the Fit, so we expect Fit-like acceleration from the Mazda.
Fuel-economy ratings are about what we’d expect of the segment: 28 city/35 highway mpg with the standard five-speed manual transmission, 28/34 with the optional four-speed automatic.
While buyers in other markets can pick between three- and five-door configurations, we’ll only get the five-door hatchback. There are just two models to choose from: Sport and Touring.
Standard equipment on the Sport model includes ABS, stability control, traction control, electric power steering, air conditioning, a four-speaker sound system with auxiliary input, keyless entry, and 15-inch steel wheels. Upgrading to Touring trim nets alloy wheels, a six-speaker sound system, upgraded seat fabric with red accents, fog lights, a roof spoiler, a chrome exhaust tip, a trip computer, cruise control, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with inset cruise and audio controls.
A sign of the times: the Mazda 2 will feature a brake override system that cuts engine power if both brake and accelerator pedals are depressed. Mazda says all its 2011 North American–market vehicles will have the system.
