Nwecartestdrive : review 2012 Mazda 2 ...

[odie]

with the 5 speed manual . Only 34.8 m.p.g.

? Must've been pushing it hard . Have to agree with the shifting and clutch engagement . Easiest I've ever encountered . Would like one sitting in the drive with the '11 FIT ( 5 speed auto ) and the '08 Yaris sedan ( 4 speed auto ) . Here's the results , http://www.newcartestdrive.com/review-intro.cfm?Vehicle=2012_Mazda_2&ReviewID=5049 .

 

[SteveSRT8]

These are simply Miller cycle engines, not really new.

Mazda used one in the Millenia I think. Many years ago.

They have great potential for efficiency but some seems to go away in real world driving, eh?

 

[sciphi]

34 MPG for So. California traffic and freeway hammering isn't too shabby. Probably would do better at 55 mph rural roads.

Hmm, this might be a far more practical "fun" car than a Miata. Also doesn't need premium like the Miata.

 

[Spazdog]

I think you mean Atkinson Cycle engines. Miller Cycle engines are supercharged.

The only Atkinson Cycle Mazda engine I can think of is the MZR. And it's exclusive to the Ford Fusion Hybrid. It's not in any of the Mazdas so technically it's not even a Mazda engine anymore

I'm pretty sure the Mazda2's engine is derived from the Protege'/323 B-engine. It's actually a "Z" engine but it's roots are in the B.

Who knows when the 2 will get the "p" SkyActiv-g 1.3 liter. It should increase the fuel economy over 40 though and offer even more power.

Mazda did use the KJ-ZEM Miller Cycle engine in the Millenia. But that is the only mass produced Miller Cycle car of recent times I can think of

 

[L_Sludger]

Originally Posted By: sciphi
34 MPG for So. California traffic and freeway hammering isn't too shabby. Probably would do better at 55 mph rural roads.

Hmm, this might be a far more practical "fun" car than a Miata. Also doesn't need premium like the Miata.

Even in So. Cal traffic and highway hammering, I'd expect a lot better out of that car. The driver might need a Scangauge to adjust his driving techniques to stay in the car's sweet spot for the highest efficiency.

 

[HTSS_TR]

Quote:
running in the fast lane with the 75-mph flow of Los Angeles freeway traffic. In 310 miles of combined city and highway driving, we averaged 34.8 miles per gallon, at the top end of the EPA estimate of 29 City/35 Highway mpg for the 2012 Mazda2.

Combined highway-city at 34.8MPG is very good. Take into account EPA highway MPG is tested at 65MPH. If it is driven at 60-65MPH then MPG should be in the high 30's to low 40's.

 

[SteveSRT8]

Originally Posted By: Spazdog
I think you mean Atkinson Cycle engines. Miller Cycle engines are supercharged.
Mazda did use the KJ-ZEM Miller Cycle engine in the Millenia. But that is the only mass produced Miller Cycle car of recent times I can think of


Sorry, got the names mixed up.

And it's only 13 to one in the US, so the compression isn't anything outrageous either.


Great tech article: http://www.caranddriver.com/news/mazda-engine-news-mazda-sky-gas-and-diesel-details

 

[odie]

" Who knows when the 2 will get the "p" SkyActiv-g 1.3 liter. It should increase the fuel economy over 40 though and offer even more power. "

The 1.3 of the FORD Festiva ( Mazda 121 ) is one of the best engines we've experienced over the years . We had 3 Festivas . Those engines can take a beating and give good gas mileage . Still see a few kicking around . Would consider trading in for a MAZDA with the 1.3 .

 

[odie]

Originally Posted By: HTSS_TR
Quote:
running in the fast lane with the 75-mph flow of Los Angeles freeway traffic. In 310 miles of combined city and highway driving, we averaged 34.8 miles per gallon, at the top end of the EPA estimate of 29 City/35 Highway mpg for the 2012 Mazda2.

Combined highway-city at 34.8MPG is very good. Take into account EPA highway MPG is tested at 65MPH. If it is driven at 60-65MPH then MPG should be in the high 30's to low 40's.
You have a point there . Have been reading owner reviews and some claim 40+ highway to low 30's city . These are usually the manuals .