Jazz, Mazda 2 or ?

[Josh88]

Looking for something in the 500-700k price range, for 2 people. It will mostly be used for city driving in CM, but also occasional trips to CR and other places in the north, so don't want something too under powered for mountainous driving. Fuel economy is also a consideration, although not a priority.

As far as new cars, I pretty much have it narrowed down to either the Mazda 2 or Honda Jazz.

Jazz - 594,000 for 1.5L, 115hp

Mazda 2 - 529,000 for 1.3L, 92hp

or

654,000 for 1.5L diesel, 104hp

Obviously the diesel Mazda 2 has a lot more torque, so can't base it just on HP. But in terms of performance for cost, it seems like the Jazz is the winner here.

I much prefer both the exterior and interior styling of the Mazda 2, but I'm afraid the 1.3L will be too under powered, and don't know if I can justify the price difference for the 1.5L diesel when the Jazz is 60k less. I'm very interested in feedback by people with experience with either car. I'm also completely open to other suggestions, just from my research these two seemed like the best options.

Also, is a certified pre-owned program like Toyota Sure worth considering? I'm not particularly interested in any Toyota models, but it doesn't seem like other manufacturers offer similar programs. I certainly wouldn't buy a used vehicle unless it was from something like Toyota Sure with full vehicle history reports. If the savings are worth it then I would consider this though, even if it's a Toyota.

[DavisH]

Mazda 2...much better torque and better fuel economy than the jazz. But if you need luggage space for travelling, the jazz has more of it. I think overall performance is similar, but the diesel may help in the mountains. It's not an easy choice really. Drive both of them first.

[stubuzz]

Are those the 2015 prices?

[Josh88]

Mazda 2...much better torque and better fuel economy than the jazz. But if you need luggage space for travelling, the jazz has more of it. I think overall performance is similar, but the diesel may help in the mountains. It's not an easy choice really. Drive both of them first.

It's difficult to find performance figures but I would guess they are similar. It's just the 60k difference for the Mazda 2 seems hard to justify, as much as I would like to. I'm just basing this off of the figures though, would be interested to hear from anyone with hands on experience with either vehicle.

Are those the 2015 prices?

No, these are 2016 prices.

[JoePai]

These are small family/city hatchbacks so forget performance - for practicability the Jazz beats the Mazda hands down for loading/space

[fstarbkk]

I drove a Jazz for the last 2 years. It's okay, but feels a bit cheap and is a real pig on gas for it's engine size, especially in town.

Recently got to drive the new Mazda 2 Diesel and found it very snappy and pleasant. A MUCH better buy, IMO. The owner of that Mazda, by the way, is a automotive engineer working for BMW Thailand.

I myself, just switched to the new Mazda 3, which I LOVE!

[frankphuket]

Easy: if you need space go for the Jazz, if you like driving go for the Mazda 2 diesel. The diesel is a real nippy little car and is great with fuel. I do prefer also the steering and handling of the M2 over the Jazz....which in my opinion have ruining a nice handling car (like it was 6-7 years ago). If you still like the M2 diesel but want a bit more space, go for the sedan version over the hatch, quite good trunk.

There are good discount to be had a Ford, so a Fiesta should also be considered. The 1.0 ecoboost is a fun little car, nippy engine, good handling, even better maybe than the M2. Comes quite fully loaded compared if you can get it at around 650K, as it is the top model.

Other options....hmmh...if you don't like driving, don't care about quality, handling or all those things, you can put the MG on the list. it looks kind of decent for the younger generation....

[JaseTheBass]

The 1.0l Fiesta is the best car in that bracket.

[sebastion]

Mazda 2 diesel. Chip it and get 320nm torque. Pulls hard for what it is.

[Pinot]

The Jazz is much better car. It's also much more expensive.

I own a 2011 Mazda 2. It hasn't changed much since then. It's a base model with 15000Km on it. The 2016 Mazda 2 is the same car.

The Jazz is simply a better car by every standard. Far more sophisticated mechanically and user interface.

Read the online reviews. Not much of a comparison.

[sebastion]

The Jazz is much better car. It's also much more expensive.

I own a 2011 Mazda 2. It hasn't changed much since then. It's a base model with 15000Km on it. The 2016 Mazda 2 is the same car.

The Jazz is simply a better car by every standard. Far more sophisticated mechanically and user interface.

Read the online reviews. Not much of a comparison.

The diesel is a huge difference. The petrol is a dog.

Also the interior of the new 2 is light years ahead of the previous one.

[JaseTheBass]

The Jazz is much better car. It's also much more expensive.

I own a 2011 Mazda 2. It hasn't changed much since then. It's a base model with 15000Km on it. The 2016 Mazda 2 is the same car.

The Jazz is simply a better car by every standard. Far more sophisticated mechanically and user interface.

Read the online reviews. Not much of a comparison.

The new Mazda 2 is all new, so not the same car. And as for your comments about the Jazz.... Stay of the weed, mate.

[Josh88]

Yes, the Mazda 2 is entirely new. It's no longer a shared platform with the Fiesta. I would not consider the previous model, but the new one is a huge improvement.

I've considered the Fiesta as well, but the 1.0 Ecoboost is 749,000, which is quite a bit more. The base 1.5 is 594,000, same as the Jazz, but I think I would prefer the Mazda 2 in that price range.

At this point I think it's between the 1.3 and 1.5 Mazda 2, going to check them out today. Thanks for the advice.

[IMHO]

Yes, the Mazda 2 is entirely new. It's no longer a shared platform with the Fiesta. I would not consider the previous model, but the new one is a huge improvement.

I've considered the Fiesta as well, but the 1.0 Ecoboost is 749,000, which is quite a bit more. The base 1.5 is 594,000, same as the Jazz, but I think I would prefer the Mazda 2 in that price range.

At this point I think it's between the 1.3 and 1.5 Mazda 2, going to check them out today. Thanks for the advice.

There is no 1.0L Fiesta Ecoboost anymore... well for the time being.... the next revision of it will make 140HP, and likely be mated to a torque converter, but there's no timing on the TH release.

Ford were offering 140K discounts off Fiesta's up until the new year, which puts a different spin on it... if you can still get that kind of deal that is.

Against the Jazz and Mazda2, the Fiesta's infotainment system looks like a dinosaur though, and the Powershift dual clutch has a pretty bad reputation in Thailand.

If it was my money, it'd be the Mazda2 if it was just me+1, the Jazz if I wanted it to masquerade as the primary family car.

[Henryford]

I think the Mazda 2 is a great looking car and is MUCH better than the outdated Jazz. No contest IMO. Having said that i just bought a Fiesta while Ford had the discounts. The 1.5 Titanium for 609k was a great buy.

[DavisH]

I forgot, does the new M2 have rear discs? It really should be the industry standard now, bar the ecocars. If I wanted something resembling 'sporty' it would the jazz mt. But for around town it really needs to be auto. The M2 diesel would be best in class for FE (and the petrol 1.3 isn't too shabby either). The diesel punch is great for around town and overtaking on highways. Still I'm dreaming of a honda 1.5 turbo

[Gary A]

I love diesels. Not only for the MUCH better fuel economy but for the low end torque. You really have to wind up the benzine engines to get into the power band.

[Apiwan2]

For town my new yaris is ideal.

Cheap on fuel.easy to park.

But lately I've been doing trips to chonburi and it's OK but not really a car for doing distance in.

. Up to 80 KPH it's OK after that it feels very light doesn't stick to the road.

Could be those low profile tyres , mate said change the shocks for a better ride .

And it's only 1.2 engine.

Can I chip this to get more torque? If so where in BKK also how much ?

[jonw8uk]

For town my new yaris is ideal.

Cheap on fuel.easy to park.

But lately I've been doing trips to chonburi and it's OK but not really a car for doing distance in.

. Up to 80 KPH it's OK after that it feels very light doesn't stick to the road.

Could be those low profile tyres , mate said change the shocks for a better ride .

And it's only 1.2 engine.

Can I chip this to get more torque? If so where in BKK also how much ?

Is it a turbo? If so chipping is worthwhile, on a NA 1.2 engine i wouldnt bother. 5% gain maybe

[Apiwan2]

For town my new yaris is ideal.

Cheap on fuel.easy to park.

But lately I've been doing trips to chonburi and it's OK but not really a car for doing distance in.

. Up to 80 KPH it's OK after that it feels very light doesn't stick to the road.

Could be those low profile tyres , mate said change the shocks for a better ride .

And it's only 1.2 engine.

Can I chip this to get more torque? If so where in BKK also how much ?

Is it a turbo? If so chipping is worthwhile, on a NA 1.2 engine i wouldnt bother. 5% gain maybe

TBH I don't think so looking online at the spec.

Be nice to put my foot down and go rather than just a lot of noise.

I bought it because it looked nice and test drive was ok.

Maybe I need to put a turbo on it ?

[DavisH]

For town my new yaris is ideal.

Cheap on fuel.easy to park.

But lately I've been doing trips to chonburi and it's OK but not really a car for doing distance in.

. Up to 80 KPH it's OK after that it feels very light doesn't stick to the road.

Could be those low profile tyres , mate said change the shocks for a better ride .

And it's only 1.2 engine.

Can I chip this to get more torque? If so where in BKK also how much ?

Is it a turbo? If so chipping is worthwhile, on a NA 1.2 engine i wouldnt bother. 5% gain maybe

There's only so much you can do running a CVT also....if turbo, only light boost can be used. MT is much more robust and puts down more HP when stock (about 10 on a dyno IIRC). Even a header and exhaust alone gets only few HP at most. Very wide tires also affects acceleration. My 205's on ym swift feel a little slower than the stock 185's - but I prefer the feel and grip of them. Mine are 16", but dropping to 15 can improve acceleration. Going up to 17 (looks cool) can worsen it. A lightweight pully set can help too. These little engines are really already maxxed out from the factory. There's not much one can do unless you go to forced induction.

[Apiwan2]

For town my new yaris is ideal.

Cheap on fuel.easy to park.

But lately I've been doing trips to chonburi and it's OK but not really a car for doing distance in.

. Up to 80 KPH it's OK after that it feels very light doesn't stick to the road.

Could be those low profile tyres , mate said change the shocks for a better ride .

And it's only 1.2 engine.

Can I chip this to get more torque? If so where in BKK also how much ?

Is it a turbo? If so chipping is worthwhile, on a NA 1.2 engine i wouldnt bother. 5% gain maybe

There's only so much you can do running a CVT also....if turbo, only light boost can be used. MT is much more robust and puts down more HP when stock (about 10 on a dyno IIRC). Even a header and exhaust alone gets only few HP at most. Very wide tires also affects acceleration. My 205's on ym swift feel a little slower than the stock 185's - but I prefer the feel and grip of them. Mine are 16", but dropping to 15 can improve acceleration. Going up to 17 (looks cool) can worsen it. A lightweight pully set can help too. These little engines are really already maxxed out from the factory. There's not much one can do unless you go to forced induction.

In the UK on my diesel I bought a tuning box, you unplug the common rail and put this box in between.

It does make a difference. You can pick between power or consumption.

Just thought there was something like that for this car.

If it means changing this and that then I can't be bothered.

As for the tyres they are 17 inch . And if I went back to stock tyres it might feel worse than this with less grip, so not changing them either.

My mate let me drive his swift. And I must say it was nice.

The funny thing is I wanted a navara pick up. But was talked out of that by other half.

It looks like a fast boy racer car, but it isn't .

[Josh88]

Yes, the Mazda 2 is entirely new. It's no longer a shared platform with the Fiesta. I would not consider the previous model, but the new one is a huge improvement.

I've considered the Fiesta as well, but the 1.0 Ecoboost is 749,000, which is quite a bit more. The base 1.5 is 594,000, same as the Jazz, but I think I would prefer the Mazda 2 in that price range.

At this point I think it's between the 1.3 and 1.5 Mazda 2, going to check them out today. Thanks for the advice.

There is no 1.0L Fiesta Ecoboost anymore... well for the time being.... the next revision of it will make 140HP, and likely be mated to a torque converter, but there's no timing on the TH release.

Ford were offering 140K discounts off Fiesta's up until the new year, which puts a different spin on it... if you can still get that kind of deal that is.

Against the Jazz and Mazda2, the Fiesta's infotainment system looks like a dinosaur though, and the Powershift dual clutch has a pretty bad reputation in Thailand.

If it was my money, it'd be the Mazda2 if it was just me+1, the Jazz if I wanted it to masquerade as the primary family car.

I have a brochure from a Ford dealer offering the 1.0 Ecoboost for 749,000, just basing it off of that. If I could have still gotten that discount on the Fiesta then it definitely would have been my choice, but I wasn't able to find it at that price anymore.

I ended up going with the 1.3 Mazda 2, just ordered it. The diesel is really nice, but the 1.3 felt better than I expected, and at 529,000 it's just too good of a deal to pass up. I may regret not going for the diesel down the road, but at least for driving around town the 1.3 is perfect. It definitely feels like the best buy in this segment right now.

[Apiwan2]

Yes, the Mazda 2 is entirely new. It's no longer a shared platform with the Fiesta. I would not consider the previous model, but the new one is a huge improvement.

I've considered the Fiesta as well, but the 1.0 Ecoboost is 749,000, which is quite a bit more. The base 1.5 is 594,000, same as the Jazz, but I think I would prefer the Mazda 2 in that price range.

At this point I think it's between the 1.3 and 1.5 Mazda 2, going to check them out today. Thanks for the advice.

There is no 1.0L Fiesta Ecoboost anymore... well for the time being.... the next revision of it will make 140HP, and likely be mated to a torque converter, but there's no timing on the TH release.

Ford were offering 140K discounts off Fiesta's up until the new year, which puts a different spin on it... if you can still get that kind of deal that is.

Against the Jazz and Mazda2, the Fiesta's infotainment system looks like a dinosaur though, and the Powershift dual clutch has a pretty bad reputation in Thailand.

If it was my money, it'd be the Mazda2 if it was just me+1, the Jazz if I wanted it to masquerade as the primary family car.

I have a brochure from a Ford dealer offering the 1.0 Ecoboost for 749,000, just basing it off of that. If I could have still gotten that discount on the Fiesta then it definitely would have been my choice, but I wasn't able to find it at that price anymore.

I ended up going with the 1.3 Mazda 2, just ordered it. The diesel is really nice, but the 1.3 felt better than I expected, and at 529,000 it's just too good of a deal to pass up. I may regret not going for the diesel down the road, but at least for driving around town the 1.3 is perfect. It definitely feels like the best buy in this segment right now.

750 K for a fiesta is a lot of money.

Mazda.is a good car. I like the funky green colour,

And all the new mazdas now seem a lot better.

I do love the new 5 door Mazda 3.

But that is nearly a million for top spec.

Anyway good luck

[JaseTheBass]

I think the Mazda 2 is a great looking car and is MUCH better than the outdated Jazz. No contest IMO. Having said that i just bought a Fiesta while Ford had the discounts. The 1.5 Titanium for 609k was a great buy.

The Fiesta is still a nicer car to drive. Mazda messed up a little on the new 2's handling compared to the older model.