Simple cockpit: But the '2 actually took me back to my own Ford Fiesta - a 1980 version. The simple plastic dashboard, all adorned in black, and few amenities, gave it a real retro feel.
Mrs. Passenger Seat dubbed the plain black dash attractive in its simplicity. Of all people, I should be thankful she likes simple things, yet I prefer the Fiesta version.
Friends and stuff: She also dubbed the seats comfortable and supportive, and I had to agree with her there. And rear-seat passengers should not feel too put-upon. Legroom is fairly generous, although headroom is less than ideal. A third person may sit in the center, but everyone had better be slim and chummy.
The Mazda2 does have a glovebox with a door, unlike the 1980 Fiesta, but not much more. It lacks the second cubby and CD-storage compartments of the rival Chevrolet Sonic. The optional armrest ($170) will hold CDs, but leave your jewel cases at home: The little slots are devoted to the round silver discs alone.
On the road: The five-speed gearbox doesn't require as much downshifting as the more economically tuned Fiesta, and not nearly as much as the Chevrolet Sonic. The tradeoff is an engine that at 70 m.p.h. is whinier than an automotive columnist.
And while handling is responsive and nimble, I just didn't get any sense of fun while driving the '2. Perhaps it's just the tall, narrow vehicle with the suspension components available for the price. It reminded me most of the Fiat 500.
Left-leg workout: The clutch is super touchy. This is not a stick shift for beginners. The shifting position is comfortable, though, and I'd pay the $170 for the armrest.
Prefer an automatic? You're stuck with a four-speed. Now there's a step back in time.
