City VS Mazda 2 @One Shift (page2)

City slicker

Sitting under the City's hood is a 1497cc four-cylinder engine that is largely similar to the one in the top spec Jazz. With the help of Honda's famed i-VTEC technology, the engine makes a really healthy 120bhp with maximum torque rated at 145Nm. In comparison, the Mazda's MZR 1498cc unit musters 103bhp and 135Nm, numbers that are lower than the City's. The 2's engine is a tweaked version of the previous 2 and is also used by the hatchback.

The Honda i-VTEC four-cylinder engine is a real gutsy unit, delivering the compact saloon reasonable go. It feels flexible enough at low engine speeds despite producing its peak torque at a relatively high 4800rpm. The City will take 10.8 seconds to reach 100km/h from rest, with top speed quoted at 185km/h. The motor is quiet enough when pottering along but give it some stick and it'll start to protest with a loud din - definitely not as smooth and sweet revving as Honda's iconic VTEC units.

In the real world, the Mazda's engine also has a nice spread of torque at low to mid engine speeds, making it flexible at moderate town speeds. Refinement is also a key feature at low cruising speeds. Stretch its legs though and the four-pot will get increasingly flustered with a slightly coarse engine note. Outright performance isn't as good as the City - 0-100km/h takes 12.7 seconds, almost two seconds slower than the City's pace while top speed is rated at 170km/h, which is also down on the City's.

The Mazda's cause isn't helped by the fact that its automatic gearbox has one less forward gear than the City's. The four-speed auto shifts quickly enough and is efficient in its operation but the lack of a fifth gear means its ratios are not as closely stacked as the City's to exploit performance. Moreover, the Mazda gearbox doesn't offer any paddle shifters like the City does. Kudos to Honda for equipping its entry level model with a five-speed automatic gearbox - it is still a relative rarity in this class.

The Mazda2 hatchback's piece de resistance has to be the way it handles corners and the slightly more portly Sedan is no different. The steering is pin sharp, quick and a talkative tool, giving the driver real confidence to hustle the car. Body control is excellent as well. Mazda has once again successfully instilled some ‘zoom zoom' into its product.

Just like the Mazda, the City is suspended by relatively simple strut and torsion beam suspension that deliver a comfortable and pliant ride at all speeds.
The City's handling is competent as well but it isn't as sharp or as fun to hustle around in like the Mazda. There is a fair degree of body roll for sure but everything feels stable and well controlled. The steering is nicely weighted but could do with a little more feel and the Mazda's pin sharp accuracy and quick responses.