 The
new generation Demio is known to foreigners as Mazda 2. From its
appearance, you can see it is derived from Ford Fiesta to save
cost, although not to the extent of badge-engineering - unlike
the previous European Mazda 121 / Fiesta. Both cars measure
almost the same in length, width and wheelbase. Only the height
separates them - Mazda 2 is more than 10cm taller than its
sister car. This gives it much more interior room and RV
versatility. However, underneath the floor lies the same
mechanicals. Their relationship doesn’t stop there. Those Mazda
2 sold in Europe are actually produced in Ford’s plant in Spain,
in the same production line as Fiesta. They also share the same
Ford engines - from 75hp 1.25-litre 16V to the top 100hp
1.6-litre 16V.
 But
what we talk here is the Japanese version, which is better
because it is produced in Japan with higher quality and is
equipped with Mazda’s own MZR-family all-aluminum engines. They
have S-VT continuous variable valve timing and long intake and
exhaust manifolds to improve low-end torque. The base 1.35-litre
unit produces 91 horsepower while the 1.5-litre version
generates 113hp, well ahead of the Ford engines. These engines
are quiet at low rev and produce a sporty note, accompany with
willingness, at high rev.
 The
Japanese Demio also employs higher quality plastics and trimming
throughout its cabin, which are not available by the suppliers
of the Spain-built Mazda 2. Interior is light and airy, thanks
to high roof, big windows and the light-color scheme of
dashboard and textile. Canvas top (sunroof with fabric cover)
add to the cheerful ambience. This makes a big difference to the
boring and cold ambience of the Fiesta, or the cheap-feeling
Fusion. Demio is not an MPV, but its cabin offers more
versatility than its Ford counterparts. It has a lot of tinny
storage cubbies and a Citroen Picasso-like parcel shelf at the
luggage compartment. The rear seat can slide back and forth and
is 50-50 split. Its backrest can be folded down easily with a
one-touch lever so that a big cargo-loading area is formed. The
resultant loading floor is not completely flat, but this is just
because Demio offers an unusually deep luggage compartment. Its
big tailgate also opens very deep, making loading and unloading
very convenient.
Like Fiesta, its
hydraulic power steering is heavier and provides more feel than
key rival Honda Jazz. In cornering, the chassis feels stiff and
handling is agile, keeping faith with Mazda's recent dynamic
approach. Ride quality is harsher than Fiesta because its higher
body needs stiffer suspension setup to control body roll,
although suspension noise is effectively insulated from the
cabin. Therefore, it doesn’t drive as brilliantly as the Fiesta
but still matches Toyota Yaris and beats Honda Jazz.
To me, Fiesta is too
boring. Mazda 2 is more versatile, more spacious, more
interesting to look and feels more expensive. In short, it is a
better car. Its emergence makes Toyota Yaris suddenly look
outdated and Honda Jazz a bit rough at the edge. Without making
any drama, Mazda 2 suddenly becomes the best in class.
|
