Colonial Motors rolls out Mazda 2

Colonial Motors Ceylon Ltd. on Monday launched the all-new 2016 Mazda 2 for the Sri Lankan market.

Boasting brand new Skyactiv technologies that encompass the chassis, powertrains, body and suspension, the totally redesigned Mazda2 is a good looker. It has four trim levels, improved materials, quality and refinement that could make European and Korean rivals take notice.

With the arrival of the 2016 Mazda2, the Hiroshima-based company has finally solidified its four core Skyactiv models, adding the new 2 to the CX-5, Mazda3 and Mazda6. The outgoing Mazda2 captured the World Car of the Year prize in 2008, so the new model has a lot to live up to.

The fourth all-Skyactiv Mazda model is totally new inside and out.Slightly bigger all-round, the 2016 Mazda2 gains 6.3 inches in length to 160 inches, picks up one inch in height to 59 inches, while its wheelbase stretches 3.1 inches to 101.2 inches. Width remains unchanged. Now when you consider the new 2 is a bigger car with significant new technologies, a curb weight gain of 88 lbs (up from 2182 lbs to 2270 lbs) is more than acceptable. 

The bigger body delivers more leg- and headroom, as well as all-round visibility thanks to a larger windshield and A-pillars that shift 3.9 inches further forward.Employing Mazda›s new signature ‹Kodo› design language, the 2 inherits a similar grille and flowing lines as seen on the 3 and 6. However, we would argue that the 2›s overall proportions, contours and angles offer the best example of Mazda›s new design philosophy thus far.The Mazda2 is a good looking car powering the new compact Mazda is a new 1.5-liter Skyactiv gasoline engine.

Mazda2 chief engineer AyumuDoi says that higher trailing arm mounts for the torsion-bar rear-end improve ride comfort and low- to medium-speed stability. In addition, caster angle has been laid back 1.7 degrees to improve straight-line stability. Mazda claims that, in combination with the longer wheelbase, reduces pitching under braking and flattens out the car in corners. We found however, that the 2 still delivered as much body roll as its predecessor.    

The Mazda2›s footwell will now take shoe sizes up to 14!Meanwhile the front seats were given more back support and can now handle drivers from 5 feet to 6 feet 3 inches tall.Boasting four different interior trim combinations, the car›s cabin is a much nicer place to be.

Apart from the entry-level bland grey cloth seat variant, the new Mazda2 offers class-leading interior trim with the top of the range being a three-tone (cream, red and black) leather seat design taking Mazda design in a direction it›s never been before. 

Safety features have been significantly enhanced too. These include traction control, dual front air bags, keyless entry system, burglar alarm. Mazda has put a lot of effort into lifting the 2›s dynamics, design and quality levels to bring it in line with Europe›s class-leaders. With a totally new, stylish look, new engines, sporty handling and improved trim levels, Mazda has placed it in the same playing field as its competition.

Mazda 2 exclusively distributed by Colonial Motors who is the new Mazda Distributor for Sri Lanka & Maldives. 

Under Colonial Motors Ceylon Ltd, all Mazda vehicles including the award winning SKYACTIV Technology incorporated vehicles – The Mazda 6, the Mazda CX5, The Mazda 3 -2014 model, come standard with Mazda Total Care – 3-year/100,000km WARRANTY, 3 –year/100,000km FREE road side assistance, 3-year/100,000km FREE Diagnostics.

Colonial Motors Ceylon Ltd. is the new importer and distributor of Mazda automotive products in Sri Lanka and the Republic of Maldives. Colonial Motors also imports and distributes Mazda2 subcompact, Mazda3 compact, Mazda6 executive sedan, CX5 compact SUV, BT50 pickup and the iconic roadster MX5 in Sri Lanka.

Pix by Daminda Harsha Perera