2011 Mazda2 Specs Suspension Rebates Top Speed Color Price and Review

Bigger used to mean better, but in the modern era, that old chestnut no longer applies. Mobile phones aren't the size of a brick, we can fit 2,000 songs in our pocket and this review was written on a computer that fits neatly on an airplane's tray table. Sometimes smaller is better, and here's a vehicle that proves it.

While the 2011 Mazda2 might not be out to redefine the subcompact segment, it does offer something largely lacking from the rest of the pack: fun. But are Mazda's Zoom-Zoom driving dynamics enough to overlook its shortcomings in power, packaging and amenities? Find out after the jump.

Like all of Mazda's recent designs, the 2 looks like a dog more inclined to lick your face than bite it. With that maniacal smile for a bumper, the front end projects more silliness than aggression, which can and will annoy both brand loyalists and some subcompact shoppers. On the flip side, it might just attract new customers who appreciate a car that doesn't take itself too seriously. And compared to other Mazdas festooned with the massive black-toothed grin, the cartoonish 2 actually pulls it off thanks to its small size.

What doesn't work on the Mazda2 are the pair of oversized headlamps melted into the front end. Their design is fine, but their powers of illumination leave a lot to be desired. We used the fog lights in conjunction with the main beams just to throw a little more light on nighttime situations. The Mazda2 may be a small, inexpensive ride, but that doesn't mean it deserves a set of dim eyes.



And it is small. Compared to the next largest Mazda, the MX-5 Miata, the Mazda2 is 1.8 inches shorter (155.5 inches) and an inch narrower (66.7 inches), yet it's also 8.7 inches taller (58.1 inches). These dimensions create a car reminiscent of something you'd find playing Car Town on Facebook (not that we'd know...).

Nevertheless, the Mazda2 wears its shrunken lines quite well. Its 15-inch alloy wheels fitted with 185/55 R15 Yokohama all-season tires fill up those small wheel wells nicely without being swallowed by the fenders. There's also a soft shoulder line that begins below the top of the front wheels and rises precipitously to above the taillights. The rear is the least expressive angle, though a roof spoiler does manage to whisper Mazda's hyphenated catchphrase. The Crystal White Pearl paintwork of our tester also contrasted nicely with the blacked-out lower grille, fog light surrounds and rear apron, all of which manage to avoid looking cheap.



If the exterior merely suggests the Mazda2 is fun to drive, then the interior gets down to brass tacks. Fun and cutesy have been left outside, replaced with somber blacks and restrained grays. In fact, a sliver of red piping on the dark, cloth-lined seats is just about the only splash of color in this otherwise midnight cabin. There are also no amenities to mess with besides the climate control and a six-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system with an auxiliary input jack. Mazda's message inside the 2 is clear: You're here to drive, not collect flowers in a dash-mounted vase or admire some retro toggle switches.

If you're so inclined, you'll essentially have to look to the aftermarket to spruce up the Mazda2, because what you see is what you get from the factory. The smallest Mazda is offered in – appropriately – two trims: Sport, starting at $14,180, and Touring at $15,635. Our tester was a Touring model, and for the extra $1,455 came equipped with alloy wheels, halogen foglamps, rear spoiler, cruise control, the aforementioned red seat piping, steering-wheel mounted audio controls, six speakers instead of four and a trip computer. It comes down to a question of how much you're willing to pay for a little more style and better sound, because both trim levels are light on options.

In this case, however, that's a very good thing. Remember, the Mazda2 is smaller than a Miata. With a curb weight of just 2,306 pounds, it's also lighter by 174 pounds. Throw in a greenhouse that provides a Field General's vantage point of the road and clear lines of sight in all directions, and the Mazda2 starts resembling an enclosed shifter cart more than a lowly commuter.

The Mazda2 also fits an average-sized driver better than expected considering its dimensions. The steering wheel tilts and the integrated audio controls don't get in the way. The floor-mounted shifter is raised and the audio and climate controls are easy to use. One minor ding is the lack of a center armrest, something we missed on longer trips, though the comfortably cushioned seats kept our spinal columns happy.



At the heart of this Mazda sits a 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder producing 100 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 98 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. And yes, it's slow. All 100 horses propel the 2 from 0-60 miles per hour in a decidedly un-Zoom-like 10.2 seconds. You could dwell on that number, but it's less-than-important. Acceleration still happens quickly enough that merging onto a highway doesn't require updating your will, and it doesn't take much to get the Mazda moving from a stop. And once you do get it moving, it's an absolute blast.

The concept of driving slow cars fast is one of which we're quite fond. Anyone can hop in a 1,000-horsepower supercar and leave in a cloud of smoke and testosterone. The real entertainment is found in working hard for every hash mark on the speedometer. Fortunately, the 2011 Mazda2 is nearly sadistic in how much it enjoys being pushed hard. We worked up a sweat trying to get its Yokohama tires to let out a yelp during cornering. An independent front suspension and anti-roll bar ensures the car is downright sniper-like through tight corners, and there's no need for heavy braking because the 10.2-inch front rotors are more than capable of scrubbing off this skinny car's speed. The Mazda2 does use drum brakes out back, but in this application a full set of discs would be overkill and just add to the bottom line.



To extract every ounce of enjoyment, our tester was fitted with a five-speed manual transmission – the standard gearbox on the 2. For $400 more you can get a four-speed automatic, but we suggest you stick with the stick. The manual gearbox and engine work together like gin and tonic (PSA: Don't drink and drive) and the gears are always easy to find thanks to a crisp shifter.

Tone things down and drive the 2 like an average commuter, and it's extremely rewarding to your wallet. The 1.5-liter engine receives an EPA fuel economy rating of 29 miles per gallon in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, which we actually during mixed driving and then blew when we started to have fun. But the lowest it got: 31 mpg. By comparison, the almost-axed Chevrolet Aveo is rated at 27 mpg in the city and the 452-pounds heavier Nissan Versa gets 34 mpg on the highway. Both are close in terms of efficiency, but neither can match the tossable fun factor of the Mazda2. Still, there are a number of subcompacts on or coming to market that can hit 40 mpg on the highway, like the Mazda2's platform mate, the Ford Fiesta, and the 2011 Hyundai Elantra.



Mazda's calling card, however, is driving enjoyment, not fuel efficiency, and the Mazda2 is proof that a small, slow, inexpensive car can be fun to drive quickly. It's exactly the kind of small car you would expect from the people who make one of our de facto recommendations: the Mazda3. There are other subcompacts that offer more power, better fuel economy and premium features, but none can put a smile on your face like this littlest Mazda. Then again, no other vehicle actually has a smile on its face like this littlest Mazda, but that's just something you'll have to learn to love.

 Tags : 2011 Mazda2 countach, 2011 Mazda2 kit cars for sale, 2011 Mazda2 kit cars, 2011 Mazda2 carolinas, 2011 Mazda2 wallpapers, 2011 Mazda2 watches, 2011 Mazda2 limo, transporter 2 2011 Mazda2, 2011 Mazda2 logo, lego 2011 Mazda2, tonino 2011 Mazda2 watches, 2011 Mazda2 wallpaper, 2011 Mazda2 watch d4841409, 2011 Mazda2 replica for sale, legos racers 2011 Mazda2, 2011 Mazda2 diablo for sale, 2011 Mazda2 wallpaper, 2011 Mazda2 wal2011 Mazda2lpaper black, 2011 Mazda2 Photo, 2011 Mazda2 Pricing, 2011 Mazda2 Review, 2011 Mazda2 Classified, 2011 Mazda2 Rebate, 2011 Mazda2 Spec, 2011 Mazda2 Comparison, 2011 Mazda2 Warranty,  2011 Mazda2 Crash Test Video, 2011 Mazda2 Paint Color,  2011 Mazda2 Standard Equipment, 2011 Mazda2 Recall, 2011 Mazda2 Safety Feature, 2011 Mazda2 Package/Option, 2011 Mazda2 Ownership Cost, 2011 Mazda2 Lease Calculator Loan, 2011 Mazda2 Calculator Resale Value, 2011 Mazda2 Trade-In Value, 2011 Mazda2 Future & Concept, 2011 Mazda2 Factory Pics, 2011 Mazda2 Factory Videos, 2011 Mazda2 Owner, 2011 Mazda2 in America, 2011 Mazda2 in USA, 2011 Mazda2 is Pakistan, 2011 Mazda2 in Karachi, 2011 Mazda2 in Lahore, 2011 Mazda2 in Italy

Read More

2012 Mazda5 Specification Rebates Suspension Price Top Speed Color Features and Review

Way back in 1983, Chrysler shocked the world with the introduction of the Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager. The upstart family haulers took the auto industry by storm, driving a stake through the heart of station wagon sales while setting the table for Chrysler to own the minivan segment for decades to come. But that segment has evolved in the last several years, leading to a redefinition of family transportation.

First and foremost, the minivan has gone through an HGH-fueled growth spurt, adding a host of whiz-bang features like a second sliding door and ridiculously handy storage options along the way. The other big development has been a rising tide of SUVs and crossovers, which focused consumers' attention away from minivans to the point where many automakers don't even offer one anymore. But as America's suddenly all-new or heavily refreshed batch of minivans illustrate (see: Nissan Quest, Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey), many automakers have responded by evolving the mundane van into the automotive equivalent of a family spa day. These new vans contain near-luxury levels of comfort and convenience, and it's not at all uncommon for them to crest $40,000 or more.

If you can afford their monthly payments, the latest minivans to hit the market will likely suit your needs just fine. But what if you want something small, efficient and, perhaps most important, inexpensive? Something more like the original Caravan? Right now, there is only one choice on the market: the 2012 Mazda5. While the rest of the auto industry zigged with larger and more opulent choices, the Zoom-Zoom automaker zagged with a minivan that's nearly the size of the original Caravan, and with a price tag starting under $20,000. We took the reins of a nicely equipped 2012 Mazda5 Touring to see if Mazda's nifty little van has the chops to take on the big boys.
When you compare the Mazda5 to the behemoths that rule the minivan segment, it's easy to understand why we'd classify this as a microvan. But in reality, the 5 is five inches longer (and one inch narrower) than the original Dodge Caravan. What a difference 28 years makes.

The Mazda5 has soldiered through its existence in America with very little fanfare and a workmanlike attitude. When the model was introduced in 2005 as a 2006 model, Mazda wasn't interested in providing volume forecasts and marketing dollars were scarce. And who can argue that logic? At the time, all evidence pointed to the fact that Americans weren't looking to downsize. But the Mazda5 gradually gained momentum because of its unique packaging, fun-to-drive demeanor and attainable price tag. Mazda hopes to increase that momentum, slow as it may be, with a freshly reworked 5, complete with a thoroughly redesigned exterior inspired by Mazda's recently-nixed Nagare design language.



Mazda says the Mazda5 was penned "as a single bead of water with ripples intentionally left on the surface, such that the body's lines express the flow of motion." Sounds fanciful, and it looks good to our eyes, though we expect the changes to be controversial among longtime Mazda5 fans. The most recognizable execution of the Nagare theme starts with the sweeping front wheel well sheetmetal that twists and swirls beyond the minivan's sliding doors. Mazda has queued up more Nagare up front, with an expressive and elegantly stamped hood that flows nicely into Mazda's Prozac-infused happy face grille. Headlamps have been given a tweak as well, though the outgoing 5's peepers were already fairly modern-looking. Out back, Mazda has decided to move away from the D-pillar-mounted vertical taillamps in favor of the more traditional horizontal units below the rear glass.

The Mazda5's cabin has also been spruced up with some of the flowing design that now adorns the MPV's exterior, though the shock and awe is relegated to the dashboard area. Gone are the cold and lifeless straight lines of the outgoing model in favor of a curvier cockpit that wraps around the driver. The last Mazda5 featured an information center at the top of the center stack. The glorified trip computer remains for 2012, but Mazda designers have managed to incorporate the unit into the dash with a twin-cowl look à la the Honda Civic. The change better integrates the display with the center stack, but we'd add that the information center now appears to be even farther away from the driver. That makes reading the text more challenging, particularly as it's rendered in red. The steering wheel has also been given a cosmetic makeover, though the easy-to-navigate redundant buttons remain unchanged.

But while the redesign of the 5's dash looks like a step in the right direction, hard plastics remain. Sure, we would have loved soft-touch materials, but with a starting price under $20,000, we weren't expecting plush expanses.

Mazda's 2+2+2 arrangement is a largely carryover affair. This is a clear example of the 'If it ain't broke' mantra. We managed to fit four adults and two growing children in the cabin without much fuss, though sufficient leg room for adults can be a challenge, especially in the second row. The leather seats in the front row of our $24,670 Grand Touring tester were comfortable and reasonably well-bolstered, though we would have preferred heated seats with more options than 'off' and 'burn your bum in 30 seconds or less.' And if you're looking to purchase a 2012 Mazda5 and want a navigation system, you're going to have to go aftermarket. In an odd move, Mazda has scratched satellite navigation off the options list for 2012, presumably because of a low take-rate.



Filling the 5 with people does severely limit storage space, a problem Mazda has attempted to remedy with a shallow and mostly ineffective storage beneath the second row seats. We can't help but scratch our heads and wonder why Mazda has spent its engineering dollars on creating a storage space that can only stow a couple of action figures and a travel pack of trail mix. Fortunately, if you stow the third row seats, you're rewarded with 44.4 cubic feet of cargo-swallowing space. Further, with both second- and third-row seats flattened, there's enough storage capacity to haul as much cargo as the Mazda 5's independent rear multi-link suspension can handle. Our tester didn't have any power sliding doors or auto liftgates, but that was just fine with us. Mazda decided to instead focus on openings that are light and effortless to operate – a smart cost and weight-saving move.

Check out the Short Cut tour of the Mazda 5's interior for a closer look.


The Mazda5's function-over-form approach to interior design makes sense given the minivan's thrifty price tag, but the real challenge comes when engineering "Zoom-Zoom" into a taller driving experience. Mazda has started with a new engine, replacing the 2.3-liter four-cylinder with a larger 2.5-liter mill. The new 2.5 manages 157 horsepower at 6,000 RPM and 163 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 RPM. That's only four more horsepower than the outgoing 2.3-liter engine, but torque increases by a more significant 15 lb-ft, and the engine is cleaner to boot. And you can get the Mazda5 with a new-for-2012 six-speed manual transmission, though our tester came equipped with a ho-hum five-speed slushbox. Drat.

The Mazda5's additional output wasn't included to mask additional weight. Commendably, the Mazda5 has actually shed 22 pounds for 2012, with its base weight now measuring a reasonable 3,457 pounds. That's lighter than many mid-size sedans, and lowered weight and added torque is felt when starting from a stop. The 2012 Mazda5 feels a bit peppier than its predecessor, with a (still modest) 0-60 time of about nine seconds.



We like off-the-line grunt, but the newly upsized motor doesn't give much love at highway speeds. Once in overdrive, the 5 has trouble getting out of its own way, and we're thinking most buyers will rarely engage the manual shift option to head into fourth gear while passing, no matter how well it functions. On the efficiency front, the EPA rates the Mazda5 at 21 miles per gallon around town and 28 mpg on the highway. If you're thinking 28 mpg is exactly what the Honda Odyssey can manage with a much more powerful V6, you're exactly right. But to hit 28 mpg, you'd have to step up to the six-speed auto-equipped Touring model, which STARTS at $40,755. That's roughly the cost of two base Mazda5 models plus around six months worth of gas. And since we're talking dino juice, we managed 24.3 mpg during a week of mixed driving, a number that would be tough to match with the macrovans on the market.

More power is nice, but we are, after all, talking about a Mazda. That means Zoom-Zoom engineering should grace all aspects of the ride and handling, even in a tightly packaged minivan. While we aren't willing to tag the Mazda5 as an MX-5 Miata with seating for six, we can say that it's entertaining to toss around. Mazda could have saved money with a low-tech suspension setup, but instead the automaker has sprung (*rimshot*) for an independent rear multi-link setup with a stabilizer bar and coil springs. The suspension has increased spring rates for 2012 and does a great job of keeping its composure, even when pushing the tall wagon hard on bendy roads. And it helps that the electronic steering is tight and on-center. Braking is improved as well, aided by transmission tech that downshifts to allow some engine braking.



It's hard not to like the Mazda5. But the big question is whether the upcoming Ford C-Max, which boasts an impressive interior and clever 5+2 seating, will limit the Mazda5's appeal. That's possible, but then again, adding more entries into the mini-minivan space may actually attract more attention to the segment. And besides, with a redesign for 2012, the Mazda5 is flat-out better inside and out than it's ever been. Add a more powerful engine, improved driving dynamics and a price that's hard to ignore, and the Mazda5 is not only the reigning king of this minor segment, but the best family hauler for under 20-large.

Tags : 2012 Mazda5   countach, 2012 Mazda5   kit cars for sale, 2012 Mazda5   kit cars, 2012 Mazda5   carolinas, 2012 Mazda5   wallpapers, 2012 Mazda5   watches, 2012 Mazda5   limo, transporter 2 2012 Mazda5  , 2012 Mazda5   logo, lego 2012 Mazda5  , tonino 2012 Mazda5   watches, 2012 Mazda5   wallpaper, 2012 Mazda5   watch d4841409, 2012 Mazda5   replica for sale, legos racers 2012 Mazda5  , 2012 Mazda5   diablo for sale, 2012 Mazda5   wallpaper, 2012 Mazda5   wallpaper black, 2012 Mazda5   Photo, 2012 Mazda5   Pricing, 2012 Mazda5   Review, 2012 Mazda5   Classified, 2012 Mazda5   Rebate, 2012 Mazda5   Spec, 2012 Mazda5   Comparison, 2012 Mazda5   Warranty,  2012 Mazda5   Crash Test Video, 2012 Mazda5   Paint Color,  2012 Mazda5   Standard Equipment, 2012 Mazda5   Recall, 2012 Mazda5   Safety Feature, 2012 Mazda5   Package/Option, 2012 Mazda5   Ownership Cost, 2012 Mazda5   Lease Calculator Loan, 2012 Mazda5   Calculator Resale Value, 2012 Mazda5   Trade-In Value, 2012 Mazda5   Future & Concept, 2012 Mazda5   Factory Pics, 2012 Mazda5   Factory Videos, 2012 Mazda5   Owner, 2012 Mazda5   in America, 2012 Mazda5   in USA, 2012 Mazda5   is Pakistan, 2012 Mazda5   in Karachi, 2012 Mazda5   in Lahore, 2012 Mazda5   in Italy

Read More

2011 Mazda MX-5 GT Race Car Specs Rebates Suspension Top Speed Price Color and Review

The Mazda MX-5 GT race car accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just three seconds and reaches a top speed of 160 mph. The construction of the car was a technical challenge to get the weight as low as possible with the Mazda program strategy as a source of inspiration. Jota Sport has considered all the nuts and bolts to reduce weight of components and then adapt the power to give the lightest weight and most powerful ever built Mazda MX-5 GT. The engineering team will run the race cars of the series 2011, took 400 hours to build the shell of a specification that has ensured that it was 17 times greater than that required by the FIA. During the development face a number of engineering challenges, such as suspension settings, the integration of the sequential gearbox with six speeds, and lower the engine. strategies to increase weight, such as the elimination of internal components, reducing component weight and acid dipped shell lost 15 kg of the  Mazda MX-5 GT race car.




The Mazda MX-5 GT race car features a modified Mazda engine produces 275bhp, six speed sequential gearbox wheel, doors and windows in polycarbonate carbon. Exterior Mazda MX-5 GT offers Spirited green metallic body – the first MX-5 for Mazda UK – Jota Sport livery companies integrate orange and gray. The Mazda MX-5 GT car in Tunbridge Wells based Jota Sport features the mandatory FIA approved safety equipment such as roll bars, race seats and harness, electrical components external cut-off and fire extinguisher, safety catches on the hood and boot lids , competition steering wheel and alloy wheels, although the rolling of the rear axle, gearbox and the engine has been modified to improve performance. The Britcar MSA British Endurance Championship is contested over nine races from March to November including a race at the Spa Francorchamps circuit in Belgium. The first race is a three hour endurance race at Silverstone next weekend, Saturday 26 March 2011, starting at 3.00pm.



Tags :  2011 Mazda MX-5 GT Race Car Photo, 2011 Mazda MX-5 GT Race Car Pricing, 2011 Mazda MX-5 GT Race Car Review,  2011 Mazda MX-5 GT Race Car Classified, 2011 Mazda MX-5 GT Race Car  Rebate, 2011 Mazda MX-5 GT Race Car Spec, 2011 Mazda MX-5 GT Race Car Comparison, 2011 Mazda MX-5 GT Race Car Warranty,  2011 Mazda MX-5 GT Race Car Crash Test Video, 2011 Mazda MX-5 GT Race Car Paint Color,  2011 Mazda MX-5 GT Race Car Standard Equipment, 2011 Mazda MX-5 GT Race Car Recall, 2011 Mazda MX-5 GT Race Car Safety Feature, 2011 Mazda MX-5 GT Race Car Package/Option, 2011 Mazda MX-5 GT Race Car Ownership Cost, 2011 Mazda MX-5 GT Race Car Lease Calculator Loan, 2011 Mazda MX-5 GT Race Car Calculator Resale Value, 2011 Mazda MX-5 GT Race Car Trade-In Value, 2011 Mazda MX-5 GT Race Car Future & Concept, 2011 Mazda MX-5 GT Race Car Factory Pics, 2011 Mazda MX-5 GT Race Car Factory Videos, 2011 Mazda MX-5 GT Race Car Owner, 2011 Mazda MX-5 GT Race Car in America, 2011 Mazda MX-5 GT Race Car in USA, 2011 Mazda MX-5 GT Race Car is Pakistan, 2011 Mazda MX-5 GT Race Car in Karachi, 2011 Mazda MX-5 GT Race Car in Lahore, 2011 Mazda MX-5 GT Race Car  in Italy

Read More