WeeklySA_AdminSUPERMINI: A smart, well-equipped package with a satisfying driving experience but has its work cut out in a highly competitive segment
By Sports Reporter
The mission was simple but not straightforward; Defy all expectations of what to expect in a car of this size.
As an addendum to the mandate; ensure it has at its heart the same values of style, driver involvement and quality that mark out its elder siblings.
As if it were not enough, the designers had to come with a product with a highly appealing combination of driving pleasure, leading safety performance and a powerful spirit from KODO (free motion) design – without allowing size to come in the way or compromise their efforts
This was the brief given to Mazda designers when the Japanese manufacturer prepared to give the 2 its latest facelift in 2023.
Now in its third generation, the 2 is the smallest Mazda on offer by the Japanese manufacturer here in South Africa.
Pretty small with the dimension of 3.88 meters in length, the 2024 model is offered in four newly named trim grades: the Mazda2 1.5 Active Edition
Mazda2 1.5 Dynamic Edition FWD
Mazda2 1.5 Dynamic Edition Auto FWD
Mazda2 1.5 Individual Edition Auto FW
We had the latter for test recently, coming in with a six-speed auto transmission and of Aero Grey hue. Our Mazda 2 test unit with a Skyactive tag boasted a black honeycomb grille with red accent and black mirrors, 16-inch black and silver metallic machined alloy wheels and a gloss black roof to further enhance the sporty colour contrasting look.
Unlike previous models, the new 2 is only offered in a five-door version. Gone is the three-door variant. The interior is kinda high class, comfortable, simple and well resolved.
Ready for your behind are black half leather seats with red accents. As you sit, your eyes face a soft touch black dash panelwith red stitching, a heated leather steering wheel with red stitching, adding a sporty feel.
To ensure a hassle-free ride, the Mazda 2 sees standard specifications featuring modern gadgets like navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, cruise control, integrated Bluetooth and climate control.
The rear parking camera ever coming handy when negotiating those tight spots. But as they say, the taste is in the eating/driving.
Push the stop/start button and the 1.5-litre petrol engine stirs to life at a high rev. The engine is a relic from the past model, seeing that the designers elected not to fiddle under the bonnet.
Going about its business, the 2 was pleasing to drive and its performance on par with its rivals with a claimed fuel consumption of 6.1L/100km.
Producing 85kW and 148Nm, the naturally-aspirated engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the front wheels, but the 2 is no sports car.
For further engagement, drivers can change gears with the paddles behind the steering wheel.
Engaging Sport mode does hurry things along. Mazda claims a 0-100km/h time of 10.4 seconds, (we recorded just a tad less than 12 seconds) while the top speed is rated at 184km/h, a feat we did not venture to achieve.
What spoils an otherwise enjoyable ride is its firm suspension which makes every hump and speed bump felt.
The motor is noisy when revved and lacks torque.
Pricey as well.
From R362,870 to 417,300
Motoring: Briefs
YARIS UPDATE
Toyota’s best-selling Yaris has been updated for 2025, but the updates are very minor and there are no changes to powertrains. The updates are very minor and are pretty much cosmetic (actual trim specs with any additional equipment are yet to be announced), and there are no changes to the Hybrid powertrain. Toyota has titivated the Yaris GR Sport (not the full-fat GR) to make it more ‘Gazoo’ with a new Storm Grey colour option available as a monotone or bi-tone option as well as new 18” matt-finish alloys, with the interior getting red stitching, gunmetal grey accents and GR Spor logo on the headrests. The rest of the Yaris range gets a new Forest Green paint option also available as a monotone or bi-tone.
VW NEW BRAND
With the VW Tayron, the Wolfsburg-based company is presenting a fairly large SUV that fills the gap between the Tiguan and Touareg. This niche was previously filled by the Tiguan Allspace, which was never recognised by the market as an independent model – partly due to its name.
VW is now launching the Tayron, which was developed in Wolfsburg and is also built there. It should not only offer the space of the seven-seater Tiguan Allspace, but also match the quality of the Touareg. The obvious question first: why a new name for the former Tiguan Allspace? Volkswagen carried out intensive market research here and realised that the Allspace was hardly known in the past and was never perceived as a separate model.-Motor1.com
WOW GRAND FIAT PANDA
Previewed to the public back in July during the celebration of the FIAT’s 125th anniversary, the new Grande Panda – not even launched – has been awarded with its first prize: the prestigious ‘Carwow of the Year Award 2025’ in the ‘Car Anticipation’ category. It honours the best vehicle models in ten categories and celebrates the brand and innovation of the year. The Grande Panda stood out thanks to its new look, as underlined by Daniel Hohmeyer, member of the jury: ‘The Grande Panda paves the way for a completely new model family at FIAT. The fresh, angular look and the pixel-look headlights are very promising. So, the chances are good that it will continue the successful Panda era.’
Iconic, ingenious and inclusive, the Fiat Grande Panda blends tradition and modernity, combining sustainability with comfort and accessibility and heralding a new era at FIAT. With its compact dimensions and flexible space, it’s the perfect family car for contemporary urban mobility. Made for everybody, FIAT’s new model inaugurates another chapter in FIAT’s history, recycling sustainable materials for the interiors and introducing a spiral cable, located in the hood, making recharging easier.
ALFA NO JUNIOR
Alfa Romeo proudly announces it has reached the final stages of the coveted international “Car of the Year” award. Junior was road tested and evaluated by a jury of industry experts, made up of 60 automotive journalists from 23 European countries. The shortlist reduces the title contenders from 42 to just 7 cars; as of now, they will be subjected to further technical analysis and dynamic tests. Of the 7 of them, the car with the highest number of votes will be named “Car of the Year” at the Brussels Motor Show on January 10, 2025. Sporty at heart, compact in size and Italian style at first sight. Junior also represents the new gateway to the Alfa Romeo world for everyone, Alfisti fans and beyond, who has been awaiting the brand’s return to the segment.
NEXT-GEN TRITON
Mitsubishi Motors South Africa (MMSA) is proud to announce the arrival of the Next-Gen Triton, an evolution in the iconic bakkie’s 46-year legacy. Building on a history of toughness, reliability and adventure, the new Triton is designed to challenge expectations in the South African market by offering a bakkie that is tough, stylish and versatile enough to meet the demands of both urban and adventure-loving South Africans. With a diverse model range, exclusive locally tailored editions, and the strongest warranty in its class, the Next-Gen Triton is ready to take on any challenge with confidence. Challenge Accepted.
Mitsubishi’s Triton has long been a favourite among South African drivers, a reputation built on the brand’s heritage and the success of the iconic Colt.
