Premium fun in a compact package

By Tessa R. Salazar August 30,2016
SUCCESSFUL execution of the KODO design philosophy

SUCCESSFUL execution of the KODO design philosophy

 

Photos by Tessa R. Salazar

 

If you see all the stylish cars and SUVs that Mazda produces today, cork floors would be the last image that would pop into your mind.

But believe it or not, this Japan-based auto manufacturer, that designs cars that blend as well in city streets as they do in galleries of modern art, traces its roots to a cork-flooring firm in the 1920s.

The company, through Mazda founder Jujiro Matsuda, began transforming itself in the 1930s, according to auto expert and historian Tony Lewin, when it began building three-wheeled trucks for China. In the 1960s, it became a mainstream global automaker.

In 2005, Mazda made that design leap forward, adopting the “Nagare” design language, which captured the public’s imagination.

Another design in recent years cemented Mazda’s lofty reputation in the automobile design and engineering circles.

Which is only good for us ordinary motoring mortals; in these days of daily “carmaggedons,” one can’t do much but stare at a highway full of stopped cars.

Daringly designed cars such as those of Mazda break the maddening monotony, and may even make us daydream to help make time fly faster than our tempers.

One prime example of a Mazda vehicle this author wouldn’t mind getting stuck in traffic in would be the Mazda2 SkyActiv R (4-door sedan).

For one, it’s a compact sedan with an exceptionally frugal engine (so the idling time in traffic wouldn’t be such a headache come fuel fill-ups).

IT’S not just the color that’ll make you stop and stare.

IT’S not just the color that’ll make you stop and stare.

For another, its looks are deceiving: it may run small, but it rides like a luxury performance sedan.

So, yes, stuck in one spot for an hour wouldn’t feel so bad in this looker.

The engineers up at Hiroshima, where Mazda Motors Corp. produces the Mazda 2R, certainly thought of this car to highlight how a seriously fun little zoom-zooming machine could look and feel like its big siblings Mazda3, and even the Mazda6.

THE STAMP of validation from those who know what they’re driving

THE STAMP of validation from those who know what they’re driving

Just because the Mazda 2R is small doesn’t mean it can’t get all the nifty bells and whistles of the full range of Mazda’s vaunted SkyActiv Technology (combining engine, transmission, suspension, drivetrain technologies, body design, and chassis to optimize fuel economy and enhance the overall driving performance) and the creative and functional swaths of the “Kodo: Soul of Motion” design philosophy.

Of course, once the traffic frees up, that’s where utter fun with the Mazda2 really heats up. Moving or motionless, the Mazda 2R is a thing to behold.

Here are some of my observations when I gave this beauty a spin:

  1. The “Kodo: Soul of Motion” design philosophy is exceptionally expressed here, despite the limited body space for Mazda designers to work on. The curves and design accents are still aggressive, yet not exaggerated.
  2. The cockpit instrumentations and indicators show exactly what the driver needs. A small but strategically placed infotainment and connectivity system monitor (like a tablet placed in its cradle) conveniently tucks in the necessary technology interface, while the dashboard instrumentation is clustered properly so as to be easily understood in one quick glance.
  3. The SkyActiv engine allows the driver to harness optimum horsepower in the low rpm range, thus this writer was able to achieve cruising speeds of between 80 and 100 kph well below 2000 rpm, which results in remarkable fuel mileage in highway and combined city/highway driving (4.7 liters per 100 km, or 21.27 km/liter, during the Skyway runs).

The story changes completely when the small toggle just below the gearshifter is flicked to “Sport” mode, and that’s when the rpm range easily escalates significantly upwards 2000 in order to be more responsive to the demands of more aggressive drivers.

  1. Adding to the “millennial-friendly” quality of the Mazda2 are the two USB slots plus the lighter socket intended for multimedia connectivity and power sources for mobile gadgets.
  2. In tight turns, and even when going over potholes or uneven roads, the Mazda2 feels solid, well put together.
  3. As with other Mazda cars, this author felt this “oneness” with the seat. The Mazda2 driver’s seat is so designed to provide support to the body’s center of gravity, the lower back, and the core.
NOT much rear cargo space, but a simple pull of the lever (shown inset) folds down the rear seat to extend the trunk space significantly.

NOT much rear cargo space, but a simple pull of the lever (shown inset) folds down the rear seat to extend the trunk space significantly.

The center of the body feels stable, and Mazda engineers had also considered the very movement of the driver’s arms as well.

In other words, the concept used for high-end seat cushions adjustable to a variety of body sizes was also applied to the Mazda2 driver’s seat.

  1. The controls (particularly the stove-type knob controlling the infotainment features of the tablet-type monitor) reminded this author of that of a German luxury car.
  2. For design and aesthetics, the 2016 Mazda2 4-door SkyActiv R is a 9 out of 10 because of its faithfulness to the “Kodo: Soul of Motion” philosophy.

For performance, it’s another 9 out of 10 for its superb suspension and range of the SkyActiv power options available for the driver.

(In addition to the “Sport” mode, there is the manual option on the gearshifter and steering wheel paddles).

JUST like a tablet (not detachable, though)

JUST like a tablet (not detachable, though)

For comfort, amenities, and interior space, it’s an 8.5 out of 10 for the minimalist yet tech-loaded features, ample front seat spaces, but a bit cramped rear passenger and cargo spaces.

Overall, this sub-compact gets a 9 out of 10.

Footnote: Here’s my personal wish for Mazda 2R (and for that matter, all Mazda vehicles): a car that would not use a single square millimeter of animal hide (genuine leather).

ONE simple twist of the aircon vent’s center knob controls airflow.

ONE simple twist of the aircon vent’s center knob controls airflow.

 

I had already expressed that wish to the Hiroshima engineers in an interview with them here in Manila in November 2015.

They replied that it could be possible for a car company to make fantastic cars without causing harm on animals when using their skins for car seats, or by using any animal products for any other car part for that matter.

They also revealed that they were already using synthetic (man-made) leather, but not on all parts that require leather.

Genuine leather, they pointed out, is still being used for the touch points of the seat and the driver, since most Mazda owners and drivers would still specify genuine leather on these parts.

 

The side interiors, however, already use synthetic leather. So, it all depends on the demand. When the demand stops, the killing can, too.

 

 

 

 

 

THE DRIVER can easily reach the control knob for the infotainment system.

THE DRIVER can easily reach the control knob for the infotainment system.

COCKPIT layout that’s easy on the eyes

COCKPIT layout that’s easy on the eyes

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