Saturday, September 29, 2007

The All-New Mazda2 in Detail

Japanese automaker Mazda continues the evolution of the company's Zoom Zoom design philosophy in Europe with the release of the all new Mazda2 model. Mazda redesigned the Mazda2 subcompact to compete with other vehicle models in the European B-segment.

With the compact body and dynamic styling combined with the comfortable interior, the Mazda2 really embodies the Zoom Zoom spirit. In addition, the all new Mazda2 offers an additional aerodynamic improvement. This is achieved through the bumpers with aerodynamically optimised contours and reduced turbulence. Other exterior features include power rear windows, fog lights, rain and light sensor, available 15 or 16-inch aluminium wheels, available high-grade version 16-inch aluminium wheels, Keyless Entry & Start System, and auto light and auto wiping system.

Design highlights of the Mazda2 include rear lights with LEDs, washer nozzles hidden inside the cowl, micro-switch on the liftgate, contrast between silver accents in the area of the outer air-vents, the steering wheel, speakers, gearshift, cupholder, stereo, the speedometer and the door panels. Circular designs are found on the four air-vents, instruments, centre stack display and the controls for the heating and air- conditioning.

Moreover, the Mazda2's three-spoke steering wheel comes with a unique design with mounted controls. Ikuo Maeda, Chief Designer of the Mazda2 commented: "Looking for a significantly more dynamic starting point with an even sharper Mazda identity, we began working again with a blank piece of paper. Our goal was to create the maximum amount of dynamism in a length of 3.88 metres without sacrificing functionality."

The unique and appealing interior design is complemented with a host of standard and optional entertainment and information in-car systems, as well as functional interior feats.

These features include glove box with an open magazine rack, floor centre console between the front seats with drink holder, 12-volt socket to power or charge electric devices, AUX jack for connecting digital devices like iPod or any other MP3 players, 60/40 split rear seat, remote central locking, electric adjustable door mirrors, manual or automatic air-conditioning , an MP3/CD changer, front seat heating and leather steering wheel with leather gear shift knob, and adjustable speed warning system.

The Mazda2 also offers a wide range of active and passive safety systems starting from the side and curtain airbags, ISOFIX anchors in each rear outer seat, driver and passenger airbags, up to the electric power assist steering with adjustable steering wheel height, anti lock braking system (ABS), and Dynamic stability control (DSC), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), and Traction Control System (TCS). Moreover, Mazda extends the safety of the vehicle with Mazda Advanced Impact Distribution and Absorption System (MAIDAS), ultra-high strength front bumper, strengthened side sills and floor pan cross members, shock-absorbing pads in the door trims, pillars and roof side rails, large rear bumper beam and new side members, and seatbelts with pretensioners and load-limiters. These safety feats allow the Mazda2 to be included in the vehicle models that have the best occupant protection.

The all new Mazda2 also comes with a range of powertrain options including Mazda MZR 1.3-litre petrol engine that produces 55 kW/ 75 PS or 63 kW/ 86 PS; a 1.5-litre petrol unit that produces 76 kW/ 103 PS, and a fuel-efficient MZ-CD 1.4-liter common rail turbo diesel engine. Petrol variants are equipped with sequential valve timing (S-VT) and optimized exhaust valve timing.

This all new Mazda model could be one of the strongest contenders in the B-segment, competing with the Honda Fit (with Honda repair manual) and other European models

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