High functionality and user friendliness were at the top of the priority list for the interior designers. Though the Mazda2 might seem compact on the outside, on the inside it seems spacious to its occupants. The relatively long wheelbase (for a B-segment car) of 2,490 mm, placing the wheels as close to the corners as possible and clever packaging, all make the Mazda2 interior a roomy place to be, despite having slightly smaller outer dimensions.

As a result, Mazda2’s maximum head room (1,004 mm front, 959 mm rear) is one of the best in its class, as is its shoulder room (1,340 mm front, 1,300 mm rear). Front legroom is 1,068 mm and the 883 mm of legroom in the rear offers lots of space to stretch your legs. And although the new Mazda2’s height is exactly 55 mm less than its predecessor, the car’s slightly thinner roof liner thickness and a lower hip point ensure ample head room.

Whether the driver is 1.85 metres or 1.50 metres – the Mazda2 offers just the right seating position for every stature. The driver’s Seat has fore/aft slide adjustability of 250 mm (predecessor 210 mm) and the driver’s seatback can be adjusted to an angle of up to 104° (72° in the rear-most position). This adjustment can be made applying 20 per cent less effort than before .

The driver’s Seat is height adjustable over a range of 55 mm, which is 17 mm more than the outgoing model. A ratchet-type lever allows stepless adjustment of the seat, while a steering wheel height adjustment range of 50 mm (standard on all models) makes it easy for drivers to ?nd an ergonomically correct position.

The gear shift lever is centre stack- mounted like the Mazda5 and, thanks to being positioned 38 mm higher than on the previous Mazda2, is especially easy to reach and operate. The parking brake lever is also placed closer to the driver by 43 mm.

Practical Storage Compartments demanded by Young Buyers
Mazda2’s cabin design meets the increasing demands for practical storage compartments, especially from younger customers. Storage includes a glove box with an open magazine rack for storing and easily retrieving frequently used items such as a road atlas during journeys. The 7-litre glove box itself can hold up to six CDs and car documents.

The ?oor centre console between the front seats has a drink holder and a storage tray behind it for items as large as a handbag. Added to this is a 12-volt socket to power or charge electric devices. Next to the power socket is a separate AUX jack that allows users to connect digital devices like an MP3 player like an iPod® to the onboard audio system. The front door pockets have a design that allows storage of a 0.5-litre bottle and an A4 atlas. Across the dashboard area is a total of three storage pockets for small items like coins, packs of gum or keys. Behind the driver’s sun visor is room for maps or other documents as well.

Class-competitive 250-Litre Boot
Despite its more compact exterior, new Mazda2 still has 250 litres (VDA) of load volume in the boot. Folding the rear seatbacks down increases the load length from 674 mm to 1,321 mm and creates a load volume (to the roof, VDA) of 787 litres .

With the rear seats upright, the load space can hold items as big as a large suitcase or a baby buggy , and it easily takes three cases of water. In comparison to the previous generation, the boot threshold is a bit higher to ensure greater body shell rigidity. The boot opening remains nevertheless very practical for daily usage.

Dual Door Seals and Stiffer Doors Lower Wind Noise
Strikingly low levels of cabin noise contribute to making Mazda2 a comfortable place to travel. At a speed of 60 km/h, for instance, only 71.1 dBA of road noise reaches occupants’ ears, which is amongst the lowest in the B-segment. Cabin noise has been signi?cantly reduced versus the outgoing model – especially at engine speeds above 4000 rpm.

For the new Mazda2, wind noise generated at 128 km/h is just 68.5 dBA, which is also among the lowest in its class. Two technical measures contribute to this result. An unbroken seal around each door opening which, together with all- around seals on the doors themselves, give the Mazda2 a complete dual sealing system. Plus, stiffer door panels that resist the effects of aerodynamic suction that can occur on the motorway due to negative pressure outside the doors. As a result, the outer skins of the door deform 33 percent less than the doors of the previous Mazda2. And last but not least, the transmission of tyre noise has been reduced as well , by 1.4 dB in the front seats and by 1.7 dB in the rear seats.

A Choice of Three Grades
Mazda will offer its new B-segment car in three grades (depending on market). Even the base grade is well- equipped with remote central locking, electric adjustable door mirrors , as well as the glove box with magazine rack and ?oor centre console . On the safety side there is ABS, electric power assist steering with adjustable steering wheel height, ISOFIX anchors in each rear outer seat, plus driver and passenger airbags . Dynamic stability control (DSC) is also available (depending on market).

Beginning with mid-grade models, side and curtain airbags are ?tted, as are electric retractable and heated door mirrors , a 60/40 split rear Seat , an MP3-CD/radio and AUX Jack as well as electric front windows . Also available are 15 or 16-inch aluminium wheels (depending on market), cruise control (only for the 1.5-litre engine with on-board computer), manual or automatic air-conditioning , power rear windows, fog lights, rain and light sensor , an MP3/CD changer , front Seat heating and leather steering wheel with leather gear shift knob. An adjustable speed warning system is also available, as a function of the trip computer, that triggers an audible alert when the car exceeds the pre- programmed vehicle speed limit.

An Excellent View to All Sides
Two numbers that say it all: the belt line slopes towards the front of the car and is 40 mm lower than the old Mazda2 , and at the base of the A-pillar, the belt line height from the drivers hip point is one of the smallest in the class at only 354 mm. Combining the low belt line with a signi?cantly lower positioning of the door mirrors, means the driver enjoys improved visibility diagonally to the front and downwards . This results in increased safety when driving on narrow roads, turning at junctions and in city traf?c driving where pedestrians could cross the road. And it makes parking much easier. The car’s agility in city traf?c is enhanced by its small turning circle of only 9.80 metres and its front upward vision angle of 18.9°, which makes it easier to see traf?c lights and road signs.

The Mazda2 high-grade version has 16-inch aluminium wheels , automatic air conditioning and an audio system upgraded with six speakers . Plus many of the mid-grade options are standard, including: power front and rear windows , front fog lights, trip computer and leather steering wheel with leather gear shift knob . This grade is the only version to come with Mazda’s practical Keyless Entry & Start System (depending on market) as part of a package with auto light and auto wiping system .

Keyless Entry & Start System
Unlike conventional locking systems, Mazda’s keyless system does away with the need of holding a key in your hand. When the user is carrying the key in a jacket or shopping bag, the Mazda2 can be opened by simply pushing a button at the door handle . Starting the car is also done by simply turning an ignition knob on the steering column.

This wireless system is especially handy in situations when the user is carrying shopping bags in each hand, an open umbrella or is in a hurry. The new key for the Mazda2 has a fob-type design , which makes it easier to use than the card type key used until now. Mazda is offering its handy ‘open sesame’ system on the high-grade model (depending on market) with a so-called ‘Power Pack’ together with auto light and auto wiper systems.