Mighty Mazda - the small car that's big on fun

When Mark Quirk of Wanganui Motors told me that he was giving me the Mazda 2 GLX to review this week, I was completely unimpressed.

I'm gunning for the new 2018 Ford Mustang sitting in the show room. She's a beaut!

It will happen ... good things come to those who wait. So, Mr Quirk, I am waiting.

Anyway, the kids and I scootered into town to pick up the new Mazda this week. Some weeks it's hard to tell who is more excited about the review cars — them or me.

Getting into the Mazda 2 GLX you soon forget that you are in a small car.

I was a little hesitant that the scooters would fit in the boot — but they did, and had extra room. Tick for boot space from me.

This is the base model of the Mazda 2 but there is hardly anything basic about this car with its 15" alloy wheels, appealing body and zippy performance.

With all current Bluetooth, cruise control and other technical advancements, I really enjoyed driving this new Mazda.

I thought this week that I would cover over a bit more in regard to the Mazda SKYACTIV-G technology.

The SKYACTIV Technology, in a nutshell, delivers on performance, while minimising fuel use, and Mazda have really thought about each component needed.

They base this on the foundation of low-weight, low-friction and high-efficiency. The engine uses i-stop to help save fuel, stopping the engine when you come to a stop, restarting as soon as you touch the accelerator.

It has a 4-2-1 exhaust layout, which helps produce 81kW of power and 141Nm or torque.

The SKYACTIV-DRIVE automatic transmission combines the best aspects of conventional automatic, with continuous variable and dual clutch transmissions.

The transmission couples directly with the engine over a far wider range than other automatic for more direct power delivery.

There are also two more parts of this car that include that SKYACTIV technology, being the chassis and also the body.

This is a beautiful car to drive — you can go hard around the corners and it handles it; plus the sports mode is awesome if you need a little more grunt or just like having a sportier feel to the transmission.

I also love the fact that you can turn around in minimal space and it makes parking a dream.

Built in to all the new Mazdas is the three-year scheduled servicing, five-year warranty and five-year roadside assistance.

Call in to Wanganui Motors today on the corner of St Hill Street and Ridgway Street, have a chat with the team down there, and take it for a test drive You can drive it off the lot for $20,990.

Make: Mazda
Model: 2 GLX
Year: 2018
Engine: 1.5L
Transmission: 6 Speed Tiptronic
Km: 9,000km
Where: Wanganui Motors
Price: $20,990