For those of you who really just want a car for the sake of transportation—and not towing or for a job where you need to transport tools—you might want to consider the 2012 Mazda 2. This car may not be huge, but Mazda packed it with features.
Key Features
One feature we love about the 2012 Mazda 2 is its long list of standard features. Mazda definitely didn’t hold back when it came to trying to attract customers to its basic model.
If you’ve ever driven a Mazda 2 before, this might not come as much of a surprise, but the car has a very tight turning circle. It makes handling an already compact car that much easier.
The fact that this car has a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine wasn’t a shock, but how it performed was. Between the engine and the turning circle, you’ll have a lot of fun with this sporty little car.
Changes for 2012
Mazda only changed one thing with the 2012 model of the 2 and that was adding an extra gallon to its fuel economy.
What We Like
We remain big fans of the five-door hatchback. However, this Mazda 2 earned our admiration more because, once you’re inside, the layout is very modern and well designed.
Also, despite its size, the 2012 Mazda 2 is actually a very safe vehicle. This is thanks to features like antilock disc/drum brakes, six airbags, stability/traction control and more.
Furthermore, the fuel economy comes in at 29 mpg in the city and 35 on the highway. That’s easy to get excited about.
What Concerns Us
While all these features are great, the price on this vehicle is definitely a bit high for our taste. This is especially true when you consider that competitors like the Hyundai Accent, Ford Fiesta, Kia Rio5, Chevy Sonic and Honda Fit are in the same range and can bring even more to the table.
Available Models
The two main model types of the 2012 Mazda 2 are Sport and Touring. Both have the 1.5-liter engine and thus identical fuel economies.
With the Touring, you’ll get alloy wheels, a trip computer, front fog lights, an outside temperature display, six speakers, audio controls in the steering wheel and a spoiler.
Major Recalls
There have never been any recalls issued for the 2012 Mazda 2.
Common Issues
A lot of people have reported that the back seat is too tight to be comfortable for many passengers. The 2012 2 also lacks for cargo space.
