2011 Mazda2 vs 2010 Honda Fit

2011 Mazda2

The subcompact Mazda2, which was originally launched overseas in 2007, is finally coming to the U.S. The 2011 Mazda2 will be available later this year.  Mazda2 comes as a hatchback and is slotted below the Mazda3. However, the Mazda2 has more standard features than its larger sibling. The '11 Mazda2 is expected to go head to head with other vehicles in the small car market. The Mazda2 comes in Sport and Touring trim levels. Air conditioning, power windows/locks/mirrors, remote entry, and 60/40 spilt-folding rear seat backs are standard on all models. Standard on the Touring are cruise control and steering-wheel audio controls.

Mazda2 Power and Handling

A 1.5-liter four-cylinder makes 100 horsepower and 98 pounds-feet of torque. Transmission choices include a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.
Standard safety features include six airbags, antilock brakes, traction control and an electronic stability system. Models with an automatic transmission have a traditional gearshift - not the gated shifter with a manual mode that most other Mazdas employ.

Design of the 2011 Mazda2

The '11 Mazda2 carries the smiling expression Mazda has adopted for its newest models.  The lower air dam dominates the Mazda2's nose; a thin grille with Mazda's logo sits above it. Sport trims come with body-colored door handles and side mirrors - a rare standard feature in this class. Touring trims add fog lights, 15-inch alloy wheels and a roof-mounted rear spoiler. The Mazda2's 32.2-foot turning radius beats all but the Toyota Yaris. Inside, this Mazda seats five, with textured fabric upholstery in Sport models and upgraded fabric with red piping in the Touring. The stereo display sits within a circular cutout, a cue shared with the Mazda RX-8 sports car. The rear seats fold down in a 60/40 split, allowing 27.8 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume. With the seats up, volume drops to 13.3 cubic feet. A long list of standard features includes power windows and locks, air conditioning, remote keyless entry, a four-speaker CD stereo and a height-adjustable driver's seat. Touring models add a trip computer, a six-speaker stereo and leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and cruise controls. Although both stereos include an MP3 jack, a USB port for full iPod compatibility isn't among the factory options. A telescoping steering wheel is also unavailable.

2010 Honda Fit

The subcompact Honda Fit serves as Honda's entry-level model but has an aggressive design that Honda describes as "super-forward aero-form." There are no significant changes for 2010. It was redesigned last year. The Fit is fun to drive. For everyday driving it's an obedient and comfortable conveyance, thanks to last year's new seats and suspension changes that smoothed out the previous model's ride. Interior room ranges from almost-spacious in front to adequate in back, especially for a car this size. The Fit's new styling resulted in a more upscale appearance, with better materials and seats inside. Improvements included better performance and slightly more power on the road.

Honda Fit Power and Handling

The 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine develops 117 horsepower and 106 pounds-feet of torque. The Fit employs Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering, a body structure designed to engage the crumple zones of taller vehicles optimally in a collision. Perhaps the most unsettling aspect of driving the Fit is the noise: The engine squeals when you hammer the throttle, whining and moaning its displeasure even under normal driving situations, like accelerating from a stop light.

 Design of the 2010 Fit

The current Fit resembles the previous generation but with a longer, gradually sloping nose. To account for the base of the windshield being several inches farther forward, Honda incorporated a large sail-shaped window into each A-pillar, which visually extends the side windows forward of the front doors. It's a peculiar look, but it has a purpose - better visibility. The Fit is large on the inside for such a small car, and the redesign increased both backseat legroom and cargo capacity. The Fit got new front seats last year. All materials feel more ample and durable, and the center stack layout is among the easiest, most intuitively placed schemes we've seen in some time. The large knobs that control the environmental settings curve around the stereo controls on the driver's side, making the design stylish and easy to reach, though the plastic controls still feel a bit thin to the touch.

Conclusions

The Honda Fit and the Mazda2 both prove that small cars no longer have to be cheap cars and, as the increasingly competitive small-car segment are proving, even affordable small cars don't have to be cheap any more. From the look of it, the Mazda 2 adds "genuinely attractive" to the list of newly discovered small-car attributes. The 2011 Mazda 2 will debut as the Japanese automaker's new entry-level car. Available in several worldwide markets as the Demio, the 2 offered in the United States is a 4-door hatchback and comes in Sport and Touring trim levels. For the latest updates on the 2, visit the official 2011 Mazda2 site. The Honda Fit distinguishes itself from all other subcompacts with its impressive practicality thanks to four-door hatchback versatility and ingenious interior packaging. The Honda Fit offers a compelling balance of economy, fun, interior convenience and comfort. It delivers engineering excellence and value. From a healthy list of standard safety equipment to multiple seat configurations and ample storage room, the Fit simplifies your life. Drawbacks include a noisy ride, slightly numb steering and a small glovebox. Fuel-economy ratings for the Mazda2 come in at 28 city/35 highway mpg with the standard five-speed manual transmission, 28/34 with the optional four-speed automatic. The 2010 Honda Fit has a mileage slightly lower than the Mazda2, at 27 City / 33 Hwy mpg. Price wise, the Mazda 2 models available are priced as: Sport, starting at $14,730, and Touring, starting at $16,185. For comparison purposes, the Honda Fit is priced from $15,610 for the base model and $17,120 for the Fit Sport. These are both capable small cars that will only do good for the market. While the Honda Fit offers slightly more cargo space, the Mazda2 is less expensive and gets a tad better fuel economy.