Mazda Mazda 2 (2007 - ) - 1.5 Automatic - is performance OK?

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Mon 22 Jun 2009 00:58
1.5 Automatic - is performance OK? - expat
I am looking at getting a 1.5lt Mazda 2 automatic but am worried whether there will be adequate performance with the auto box. Has anyone here got any experience with this?

I had always thought that you really needed to have at least 2lt to pull an autobox but maybe that has changed with modern designs.

Edited by Pugugly on 22/06/2009 at 01:04

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Mon 22 Jun 2009 09:54
1.5 Automatic - is performance OK? - perro
I doubt if you'll find many dudes who own the new (ish) Mazda 2 in auto form.
A modern 1500 DOHC engine should be fine mated to an autobox but, I believe they are available with a conventional 4 speed box and a seven speed selective CVT, so ya'll have to check them out via an extended roadtest to see what suits you.
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Tue 23 Jun 2009 03:24
1.5 Automatic - is performance OK? - merlin
I don't think Mazda are importing the new auto Mazda 2 yet. I have seen a few grey imports for sale though from independents.
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Tue 23 Jun 2009 15:27
1.5 Automatic - is performance OK? - expat
Re grey imports. I should have said but I am in Australia and we have the auto Mazda 2 on sale over here. I didn't realise you guys didn't get it yet and I always like the honest answers that Backroomers give so I posted my question here.

Since I posted I have had a very good offer on an auto Hyundai I30 which comes with a 2lt petrol motor. I had a test drive in it which was very satisfactory so will probably buy it. Thanks for the replies.
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Tue 23 Jun 2009 15:46
1.5 Automatic - is performance OK? - Honestjohn
The chain cam Hyundai 1.6 is a much better motor than the old belt cam 2.0 litre.

I checked with Mazda UK. No plans for a Mazda 2 auto here yet, despite the fact that Ford has just launched a 1.4 Fiesta with torque converter auto.

HJ
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Thu 25 Jun 2009 04:39
1.5 Automatic - is performance OK? - expat
Unfortunately the chain cam 1.6 motor is not available in the I30 in Australia. I certainly would have preferred it. Belts are too expensive for maintenance if you keep a vehicle for more than 10 years which we usually do.

As an off topic aside I have just been told by the State registration authorities that we can transfer over our cherished number plate - N241 - to the new vehicle for a transfer charge of $13! Basically just an admin cost and no attempt to gouge us. I am very impressed.
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Tue 23 Jun 2009 16:16
1.5 Automatic - is performance OK? - merlin
I should have guessed that you were somewhere else in the world given the expat author name!

Not sure why Mazda UK are not importing the auto Mazda 2. I would have thought the demand for a small auto car would be strong. Mind you how importers decide what the people want is something of a mystery to me.

Anyway congrats on the i30.
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Tue 2 Nov 2010 07:58
1.5 Automatic - is performance OK? - Honestjohn

Imported from November 2011. Test and video here:

www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/mazda/mazda-2-auto

Relatively low gearing means only 36mpg on a long run, but should not affect it so much in town. Probably the most fun to dricve small auto available, apart from the old model Suzuki Swift 1.5 auto.

HJ

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