The Japanese love their noodles, one of which is udon. Not only is it delicious, it is very easy on the palate too - even the children love it. Likewise, we recently came across Mazda's latest compact hatchback that boasts characteristics akin to the well-loved Japanese noodle.
A very brief initial drive of the new Mazda2 in Japan last June gave us a small indication of what the car had to offer. But this test on local soil was a chance to find out if the new model can live up to the bold goal of reigning supermini supreme.
Although the sedan version debuted at the Thailand International Motor Expo at the end of 2014, the Mazda2 will be coming to Singapore only as a five-door hatchback, unlike the outgoing model.
Exterior
The Mazda2 carries on the 'KODO: Soul of Motion' design language first seen on the larger Mazda3, the Mazda6 and the CX-5 models and we must say, it works particularly well on such a small car.
Although it is a signature by now, the chrome wing running under the grille has a slightly more sculptural, three-dimensional look than any other car in Mazda's lineup. The aggressive look is emphasised by redesigned head lights, which Chief Designer Ryo Yanagisawa refers to as the 'Eye of a Beast'.
This bold front fascia leads into sharp side creases and on to a swoopy roofline. A squat rear end nicely finishes off the sporty look and a powerful stance is also exaggerated by placing all four wheels at the extreme edges with little overhang.
Measuring 4,060mm x 1,697mm x 1,495mm (L x W x H), the Mazda2 is 175mm longer, 2mm wider and 20mm taller than its predecessor.
But despite growing in all dimensions, the car has retained its cute diminutive shape. So while some cars in this class have grown so much that they're almost infringing on the class above, the baby Mazda has kept to its small car roots.
Interior
There's an obvious quality look and feel as soon as you open the door of the Mazda2 and you are presented with a deeply-sculpted sporty instrument cluster that features a centralised tachometer, flanked by a pair of bulls-eye air-con vents.
But more significantly, it's the attention to details that really count towards the positive impression - things like a tastefully finished dashboard boasting minimal but concise controls as well as a revised driving position that offers a better field of vision than the outgoing model.
The steering wheel column now also offers rake and reach adjustment as compared to its predecessor, allowing the driver to feel better embraced by the driver-focused cockpit-style layout and well-held by the more supportive and comfortable leather seats.
There's an obvious quality look and feel as soon as you open the door of the Mazda2 and you are presented with a deeply-sculpted sporty instrument cluster that features a centralised tachometer, flanked by a pair of bulls-eye air-con vents.
But more significantly, it's the attention to details that really count towards the positive impression - things like a tastefully finished dashboard boasting minimal but concise controls as well as a revised driving position that offers a better field of vision than the outgoing model.
The steering wheel column now also offers rake and reach adjustment as compared to its predecessor, allowing the driver to feel better embraced by the driver-focused cockpit-style layout and well-held by the more supportive and comfortable leather seats.
This prioritisation of the driver means rear occupants have literally taken a slight 'back seat' in the new model. So although the car has grown in size with a wheelbase that is 80mm longer than the previous model, there is actually a tad less room inside for passengers. Still, four Asian adults should be able to fit in snugly.
The boot also remains the same as the outgoing model at 250 litres, which should be sufficient for a small family going on a short weekend road trip.
The Drive
The new 1.5-litre SkyActiv engine is perky as it progresses through the rev range, achieving peak power with higher revs of around 6,000rpm but even then, it is better refined and much quieter than its predecessor.
Mazda has replaced the ageing four-speed automatic gearbox with a six-speed automatic transmission that provides smoother gear cogs, allowing the sweet combination to accelerate the car off the line steadily to 100km/h, even with a full load of four, and taking just 10 seconds to accomplish that.
And while the little rorty and rev-hungry lump packs plenty of punch, its performance doesn't come at the expense of efficiency as shown by the car's fuel economy figure of 12.5km/L even though we drove it really, really hard.
While the ride in its predecessor was firm and jittery, the one in the new Mazda2 feels significantly more comfortable and composed, and does a much better job of ironing out and settling quickly over bumps and ruts.
The new 1.5-litre SkyActiv engine is perky as it progresses through the rev range, achieving peak power with higher revs of around 6,000rpm but even then, it is better refined and much quieter than its predecessor.
Mazda has replaced the ageing four-speed automatic gearbox with a six-speed automatic transmission that provides smoother gear cogs, allowing the sweet combination to accelerate the car off the line steadily to 100km/h, even with a full load of four, and taking just 10 seconds to accomplish that.
And while the little rorty and rev-hungry lump packs plenty of punch, its performance doesn't come at the expense of efficiency as shown by the car's fuel economy figure of 12.5km/L even though we drove it really, really hard.
While the ride in its predecessor was firm and jittery, the one in the new Mazda2 feels significantly more comfortable and composed, and does a much better job of ironing out and settling quickly over bumps and ruts.
That little rigidity in the chassis tuning gives a good degree of body control and gives the Mazda2 a secure and sporty on-road feel.
At the same time, the well-weighted and sharp steering allows you to string a series of corners together smoothly. As we've come to expect from most modern Mazdas, the car's handling has a sparkle to it that few rivals can match.
Conclusion
Apart from its head-turning new looks, the all new Mazda2 is much more sophisticated and refined than the outgoing model with a visible lift in interior style and quality - so much so that it feels as though it belongs to the mid-sized segment.
And just like udon that is smooth and suitable for everyone, the Mazda2 is an effortless car to drive with its much improved on-road dynamics.
