Used Mazda 2 review: 2007-2013

Mazda has been the standout performer over the last decade or so when its cars have gone from "who cares" to "must haves" in a very short period of time.

New

It began with the ground breaking 3, continued with the 6, and then followed on with the mini 2. Sales of small cars like the Mazda2 have soared as Australians have shed their attachment to big cars and downsized like crazy.

The new 2 in 2007 promised new looks, great value and class-leading dynamics, and delivered in spades. There were four body styles, a three-door hatch, a five-door hatch and a four-door sedan, and there were three levels, the Neo, Maxx and Genki.

It was conventional for a small car. The wheels were placed at the corners to maximize its footprint for the best grip on the road and to liberate as much cabin space as possible within its compact dimensions.

Likewise, the mechanical package was typical for the class. It was powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 76 kW and 137 Nm, and was claimed to do between 6.4 and 6.8 L/100km.

The cabin was quieter than before, the seats were comfortable and supportive, and it boasted lots of storage.

There was good news on the features list too, with Mazda including anti-lock brakes with brake-force distribution and emergency brake assistance, front airbags, air-conditioning, power windows and mirrors, remote central locking and iPod jack in all cars. Even better, ESP electronic stability control was available as an extra-cost option.

On the road the 2 had all the zip you could want in a small car, it handled the hustle and bustle of modern traffic well and cruised comfortably on the open road, and it cornered with good grip and balance.

Now

Mazda has won high praise for the quality of its new generation cars, and that's reflected in the views of owners who are overwhelmingly happy with the 2. The few criticisms they have are of a minor nature, and relate to individual owners needs and wants.

Owners particularly praise the fuel economy, but they also commend the car's performance, roominess and comfort.

There are no widespread issues to be concerned about, the 2 is a solid car that has been soundly engineered and well built. Owners particularly praise the fuel economy, but they also commend the car's performance, roominess and comfort.

With no endemic problems to be concerned about it's best to focus on wear-and-tear issues. Check for crash damage, things like mismatched paint, overspray that might suggest not a crash but also cheap and cheerful repairs.

Look at the corners for scratches and scrapes from nudging objects in parking lots and tight spaces etc, and go over the cabin looking for broken bits of trim and worm seats and floor coverings.

There's further good news on the recall front, there are no recalls applicable to the 2 post 2007.

As with all modern cars servicing is all-important. They are built to such fine tolerances they need regular maintenance to keep them in fine fettle and running reliably over the long-term. Some owners today look on cars as disposable items and neglect the servicing side of things, so ask for a service record that shows your chosen car has seen the inside of a workshop since it left the factory.