The Mazda2 isn’t simply a Fiesta with Mazda badge. The Mazda2 shares basic architecture of the Fiesta’s framework, but the engine, transmission, body and tuning are different, according to a Mazda spokesman.
Mazda promises a fun-to-drive experience in the Mazda2 despite being the most compact offering. We don’t have much reason to doubt that, as the automaker accomplished that feat in the larger Mazda3.
Engine and transmission choices for the Mazda2 include a 100-horsepower, 1.5-liter four-cylinder with five-speed manual transmission or four-speed automatic. The Fiesta is powered by a 119-hp, 1.6-liter four-cylinder and uses a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. You can read more about the Fiesta here.
Pricing between the two is similar, with the Fiesta at $13,320 and the Mazda2 at $13,980. The Mazda2 doesn’t go on sale until July, so if you’re ready to buy right now, the Fiesta is your only option.
Learn more
Who agrees?- It's dangerous to drive a car with less than 130hp nowadays?
Yakuba,
I wouldn't necessarily say it's dangerous to drive a sub 130hp car. Compact cars have much less weight to haul around and take only 2 to 3 seconds longer to reach 60mph than their 130hp counterparts.
I don't read many headlines of +130hp cars running the little cars off the road.
@yakuba
HAHA my 110 hp Accent did just as well in traffic as my 180 hp Tiburon, the figures aren't the entire story, the way the cars are set up in every imaginable way is different. Sure, it is NICE to have the power, but it is far from unsafe. In fact the entire world SHOULD be in these smaller cars, rather than their bigger counterparts, it would LITERALLY make the world a better place.
Ken, JJ
In a near mis-situation, 2-3 seconds can make all the difference. Examples include highway onramps.
Also, Sadly, the world is what it Really Is Not what it Should Be. The roads are filled with large SUVs and driving the Mazda2 is just downright dangerous!
If anything, the Fiesta is a re-badged Mazda2. The platform for the 2 was developed by Mazda and the car, known as the Demio in Japan, was the World car of the Year in 2008.
To say the Mazda2 is inherently dangerous due to its size or power (and power-to-weight ratio is in line with some major players, like the 2010 North American var of the Year) is the same argument Detroit has been using for 40 years to argue against increased CAFE standards.
(Oh, and the Mazda2 has more passenger room than the Fit.)
JP - you are absolutely correct in your comments. The MAZDA2 will be worth the wait.
It is silly to characterize a car as safer or less safe because of a little less or more power. Other than defects or chance the safety of a care is wholly a function of the competence of the driver. I feel perfectly safe in our 1.1L Hyundai Atos 5-speed here on the PanAm in Ecuador than in my friend's BMW.
Wow! what an idea ! What a concept ! Beautiful
OK, i will get the MAZDA2 soon. After i read this article i will do it definitely!
Exactly! the power-to-weight ratio!
John,
YOu are so right! The MAZDA2 will be worth the wait.
This is very well done! Thanks for posting it
My Blog : http://www.impressgirl.org/ - how to impress a girl | http://www.impressgirl.org/ - how to run faster
See if your question has already been asked and answered
Your question has been successfully submitted to Ask.cars.com. It will now be reviewed by our editors and we'll answer it soon if we think it's a useful question. You will be notified via e-mail when the answer is posted. Ask.cars.com tackles your questions about new cars and the car-buying process. Unfortunately we can't answer questions regarding:
Have our experts answer any of your questions about new cars.
Don't worry — we won't publish your last name or email.
I am lost, so what is the reason for buying a Mazda2?
Why not go with the Fiesta since it has more horsepower or the Fit since it is roomier inside.