UPDATE: 04/01/2020
4 years 7 months and 112k km into ownership, the gearbox failed, and it seems not only me, but at least 17 others owners experiencing the same issue before. Shift into D, car jerks forward, then engine cut off. Just like dumping the clutch with a manual gearbox.

SC diagnostic turns out to be the torque converter issue causing ATF pressure fluctuation.

Claimed under goodwill warranty from Mazda Japan, waited about 1 month from sending car to SC to Mazda Japan's approval and repair done.

Hope Mazda Japan will iron out the issue and come up with a stronger next gen Skyactiv Drive AT.



UPDATE: 06/03/2018
No returning of noise for my car as of this update. However, I wish to highlight that my steering rack was also replaced together with the previously mentioned items during the last fix. My additional advice to all Mazda 2 owners is do not drive too sportingly around the corners after these parts replacements, just drive as normally as a grandma would when going to wet market. As far as I know, the noise came back for 2 out of 4 initial replacement cars, 1 of them changed steering rack, and another 1 pending checking.

UPDATE: 11/01/2018

There is a new design revision for Mazda 2 front strut assembly (absorber, spring, top mount bearing, etc.) and intermediate shaft.

Any owner has experienced noisy front suspension knocking issue should have theirs change under warranty at SC. If the SC you visited do not know this info, please ask them to call Mazda PJ technical branch to enquire more info about this. If you have replaced the items one-by-one previously, you are still entitled to this fix, provided you can replicate the sound to the SC technician test driving with you. Usually, the sound will be present when you are turning the steering wheel while reverse parking, you can hear the kruk kruk sound from the front.

Secondly, when you turn the steering a little to the left and right about the centre repetitively in a rapid manner, you can also hear and feel some knocking through the steering wheel, please have your intermediate shaft replaced under warranty too.

Thirdly, when you are driving on highway speed (80km/h and above), you may hear some fluttering sound from undercarriage, please have your exhaust heat shield checked and replaced under warranty if necessary, the metal piece might have broken off on their own at the hole where the bolt/washer is holding it in place. It will make fluttering sound during highway speed. If you do not send in soon, it will drop off eventually and scrape the ground. You have to replace it under your own cost. A few owners have encountered this issue and paid from their pockets previously.

As of this update, I am still monitoring whether the noisy front suspension knocking issue is permanently solved or not. Mazda 2 Skyactiv Club has communicated with Bermaz and in full support that these findings be reported to Mazda Japan, in hopes that Mazda Japan takes note of these weaknesses and come up with improved solution to the current and eliminate these weaknesses in future Mazda 2 generations.

To all current Mazda 2 DJ owners, please take note of this and check your noisy front suspension knocking issue with your SC if you experienced the above symptoms.

Will post updates on the suspension in a month's time...
=====

UPDATE: 09/10/2017

Currently, Mazda 2 Skyactiv (DJ) has front suspension issues, it will produce "tak"/"krok" sound and could felt parts knocking each other through the steering wheel when going over speedbumps or uneven road, or when making a left/right turn. Mine showed up just before 10,000km of ownership, and been in and out of service centres to solve this issue!! Many owners have raised this issue to Mazda Malaysia through their respective service centres, yet there are still no permanent solution to this problem yet after 2 years has passed, as of the time of this writing (09/10/2017), and many owners' patience have waned away, so does mine.

Probably the latest Mazda 2 Skyactiv GVC facelift model suffers the same fate, since there is no permanent solution yet. Potential buyers, please take note of this in your consideration.

This is my humble owner's feedback for Mazda 2 Skyactiv. Further research online on other Mazda Skyactiv models also having suspension noise problems, not only in Malaysia, but also in the rest of the world.

I will update from time to time pertaining to the permanent rectification of this front suspension issue.

Secondly, some owners suffered gearbox/torque converter break down issue. My view in this matter is Mazda's claim to be lifelong and do not require any fluid change. However, Malaysia being warm and humid, ATF will deteriorate sooner than cold and temperate countries, it is best to have the ATF-FZ change often to avoid gearbox running on burnt and deteriorated ATF. As of the time of this writing, ATF-FZ change is not part of the free service package, owners have to pay for the ATF-FZ change.

=====

Decision Made! Mazda 2

Summarised decision making thoughts:

Indeed, Honda City and Mazda 2 are close rivals to each other with their own unique merits respectively. I wouldn't say Honda City is a bad car, but one's requirements are different from another person.

1. Style: I wouldn't be bothered with the styling of the two since I don't trust my artistic sense that much. I trust the designers in Honda and Mazda wouldn't come up with a fridge with 4 wheels design. Both of them have lines and curves which meanings are inapprehensible by myself.

2. Technology: Mazda Skyactiv vs Honda i-VTEC + torque converter CVT. Mazda wins hands down, the Skyactiv are implemented into Mazda 3 & 6 for some time, so it should be reliable. Although the Honda City has cruise control, there are no other interesting features which are technologically advance. Honda Earth Dream Technology is not implemented in the City, apart from the torque converter CVT gearbox(?), the i-VTEC engine remains the same. The only thing that can sway my opinion now is when Honda City Hybrid suddenly launch within this 2 months, which I have been waiting for since mid of last year, but it seems the longer Honda delays the launch, the less chance it will appear in Malaysia as the CKD hybrid tax exemption expiry date is looming close. I personally emailed Honda Malaysia about the Honda City Hybrid, they replied "please wait for the official news announcement", still in limbo to launch or not perhaps? There is a limit to one's patience, and I feel enough is enough at this moment.

3. Usage:
(a) Most of my drive will be with 1 passenger, rarely 2 or even 3 passengers. So, I could consider buying a coupe and still won't feel at a disadvantage, given that there is a coupe in this price range. The one thing I give much consideration about Honda City is because of its cabin space, I owned one '06 City and got poisoned by this. Passenger can sitting comfortably in City. But, I am not married at the moment but will be in the not so distant future, so owning this car for 9 years down the road wouldn't be a problem, even with 3 children. Also, we are Asian size, not European size, how tall can we be? (Some may have bigger waistline though)
(b) As I mentioned, I will be driving up and down Penang - JB a lot, so having cruise control is a big factor. Although City has it, while Mazda 2 don't, the fact that City NVH has not improved but worsen, the engine power is reduced by the power soaking torque converter CVT, and the worsen interior seat quality (girls with shorts where bare skin comes into contact with the rough seat fabric will itch after a while, and the fabric will lint after not-so-long usage, which is shown on 1 year old the test drive cars), are the big let down in the City. Also, after I discovered there are aftermarkets auto cruise module available (e.g. Pivot 3-drive AC) for any car with electronic throttle control system (for Honda is i-VTEC onwards), I could install it on the Mazda 2! *UPDATE: Mazda Skyactiv Cruise Control now available to activate and install, PM me for more information.
© NVH is not Honda's best areas, at least I feel Mazda 2 has better NVH suppression than Honda City. RM88k car, I don't expect Merc or BMW level NVH suppression, but at least comparable better in the same segment.
(d) More gadgets to play with in Mazda 2 compared to Honda City.
(e) As I mentioned, Honda City is a passenger-centric car, but more cupholders does not always win the competition. Since I always drive alone or with 1 passenger, the cupholders in my City will become keyholders/garbage holders instead, more rattling sound. Sometimes, more storage space will promote putting more things in car, making the car unkept and disorganised.
(f) My buttdyno feels my old '06 City has more acceleration power than the new City (due to the flywheel clutch CVT in old City vs torque converter CVT in new), but may be on par with the new Mazda 2 6-spd Skyactiv auto (torque converter + clutch combo). Mazda 2 is lighter and has better turning radius than City.
(g) Mazda 2 is slightly more fuel efficient than Honda City, just slightly and it wouldn't make much difference with the petrol price now. At least I can drive a bit further between refills.
(h) Small but ergonomically comfortable in Mazda 2. Honda City is big cabin and spacious.
(i) More confidence taking corner in Mazda 2 when driving around corners with the same speed in Mazda 2 & my old '06 City (~60 km/h). I feel the suspension setup in the new and old Honda City did not change much (softer so more body roll), so I assume both would perform similarly. Speeding kills, this statement is not meant to encourage more speed when tackling a corner in Mazda 2!

Hence, this leads to me in buying the Mazda 2 sedan. City is still a close rival to Mazda 2, it is for family of 5 with young adults (B-segment with C-segment cabin space). Toyota Vios (for RV only) and Nissan Almera (something from Nissan to fight B-segment), also the underpowered Mitsubishi Attrage (1.2L CVT?), as well as 3rd in line VW Polo Sedan (1.6 6spd auto).

Updates:
21/03/2015 Test drive 1
22/03/2015 Test drive 2
24/03/2015 Decision made! Mazda 2 Sedan.
10/05/2016 Mazda Skyactiv Cruise Control can be activated and installed, PM me for more information.
09/10/2017 Mazda front suspension issues
11/01/2018 New revised front strut assembly design for Mazda 2 DJ is available and replaced under warranty
06/03/2018 Update #1 after changed revised front strut assembly, include steering rack which I forgot to mention previously

This post has been edited by RicoT: Feb 29 2020, 11:49 PM

if u single mazda 2 more suitable..if u are a family man, city V

mazda 2 is just too small. Not worth it.

Personally think the Honda City V is more worthy, design and style is subjective and each person may have different view.

Test drive both and perhaps bring some friends or your parents together with you, then only decide which one is more suitable or you prefer.

Single but have to fetch parents and friends during weekend. I tried Mazda 2 rear seats, I feel the car is designed as a 2 door coupe but halfway changed design to 4 door saloon/hatchback. If you push the front seats towards the rear all the way, you won't get and leg space behind! That is the biggest surprise I got when looking at it.

I feel so too, but that design and interior.. Haven't tried the Skyactiv too..

If Honda comes out with City Hybrid this year within RM100k and spec-wise following JDM spec, I will get one. Yet, the delay since last year.. Feels like they will abandon City Hybrid. So now my alternative choices are these two cars.

I would testdrive both and IF the mazda 2 gives a superb driving feel, significant advantage over the city...then i would get the mazda2

If the mazda driving feel, dynamic and handling only MARGINALLY edges the city overall driving then perhaps city.

parents in law can take taxi. how big is ur children anyway, from single to baby also at least 3-5yrs from baby to toddler also another 5 yrs...but the thing is the baby trolley need a big space which I believe only city can accomodate, no?

In conclusion, how much significant is mazda driving over city and if u r going to have a family anytime soon...u have to sacrifice for family unfortunately.

I vote for mazda 2 , T&C applied



This post has been edited by wayfeel: Mar 16 2015, 07:26 PM

buy car that u like ~ i hav same dilemma like u before ~ end up buy Kia Cerato ~ lol

I have a feeling that this Mazda 2 might be sharing some of its chassis platform with the Miata MX-5, since both have the 1.5L as option. Most of the time there will be 2 people sitting in the car, only during weekends when we are going out for shopping and leisure drive, there will be 3 to 4 passengers, very rarely with 5. Childless at the moment. If the Mazda 2 has cruise control, I would definitely go for Mazda 2 over City, even with City has 6 airbags.

One can always be too greedy and yet unable to get everything right? That is always the case for all consumers.

I really hope that choosing a car with a coin flip and won't regret it later.

I can't say but I feel the City Hybrid is unlikely to come by, or if it comes it is hard to still sell below RM100k price range, with the hybrid car tax and GST coming soon.

City can easily fit 5 people though, you may not need it now but should think of the future too.

As usual it depends on what you want in a car and also your personal preference. Having driven the previous generation Honda City and sat in my friend's latest generation City, I would say the City is truly a bread and butter model, bare bones interior. The handling of the City is poor to my standards due to the loose steering which is quite unpredictable. Overall I find it to be a rather boring car to drive as it didn't stand out in any area. My friend who bought the new City expressed a bit of regret as he said he should have bought something more exciting instead like the VW Polo GTI. No doubt it is a practical sedan with a roomier back space but the cheap interior and handling are a bit of a letdown in my view.

As for the Mazda2, the interior looks more upmarket and classy than the City, and i believe the steering and control will be better than the City. Safety-wise the City certainly edges the Mazda2 with 6 airbags though it depends on the individual on the importance of the airbags. For me, airbags are secondary to the handling and performance of the car, and also the interior quality.

FWIW if you want space, the Proton Preve Turbo is even roomier than the Honda City, and handling is also better too. Only thing is the Proton quality is still a bit off due due to some cheap fittings, but it is not too bad.

Both are superb in their respective target market.

If you want exciting drive Mazda 2. The involvement of the paddle shifts, couple with HUD and responsive engine is hard to beat in the driver engagement factor.

Honda City is spacious, well equipped and comfy but boring to drive. CVT makes acceleration soft and the quietness and the comfy ride just makes a relaxing drive.

So, sporty feel and driving fun Mazda 2.
Wanting space and comfort City V Spec

I have been waiting since end of last year when it is supposed to launch it. If they do launch it this year, they could still get the hybrid car tax exemption incentive. By right, all current stock car should be cheaper by 4% since govt will refund sales & service tax 10% and implement GST 6%, which comes to a -4% in car price, but the distributors could always argue that MYR exchange rate going down, inflation, or won't bother. If there is a chance for profit, won't businesses take advantage of it? The salesman might give you the 4% discount.

Indeed, Honda City Hybrid is still my first choice because I like new technological stuff, but will update my opinion once I test drive both cars this weekend.

As I heard in a lot of City owner's opinion, there will always be some sort of poor standards fittings/defects in the new City, even my 2005 City, the rubber seal for the door is shorter, as it is designed to fit pre-facelift models and does not fit properly in FL models. I am not sure for Mazda though, looking at the new car, it seems everything is well fitted. Need to properly inspect the test drive car this weekend.

I am driving an old City with CVT, I don't mind that whether the drive is exciting or boring, it is just a RM90k B-segment car, and always there will be compromise in terms equipment. City has cruise control which makes it a great highway cruiser. No comment on Mazda 2 since I have yet to test drive the car, but will do so this weekend.

I'd pick the City. More practical, safer. If Mazda upgrades the 2 it is worth a look, until then... no.

BASE on your replies, just get a you a city.

The advantages you gain on M2 over City will not be significant enough for you to justify the compromise you made.

Or in other word, other than that if you are a petrol head, that love to rev and hug corners, to chase tail lights and swerve around cars, you don't buy a M2.

Wanna Impress Females - Mazda.

Married and cannot impress females anymore and has family - City

Sad. But True.

This post has been edited by Matrix: Mar 17 2015, 09:37 AM

Yes, I am thinking so too. Thanks for your opinion.

My reply now is bias towards City since I am ready to buy the City Hybrid. However, it seems that the new Mazda 2 is the best contender to the City V, so I am asking for ppl's view on this matter for consideration.

Lucky not married yet.

But females want coupe MX-5, not Mazda 2.

So you are already driving the previous generation Honda City? The City must have served you well since you are considering the same updated new model.

Do let us know your impressions once you have viewed both City and Mazda2 in the showroom and test-driven both.

Speaking of test drive...must go test drive the M2 soon...

Yes, will give my feedback here to you guys & gals.

Just to take note, test drive Mazda cars need booking in advance, not walking in. Went there last weekend, no walking in test drive available.

Mazda cars don't seem to have test drive especially for M3 and CX5 2.5 since those units are CBU from Japan. They don't keep stock. However, good to note they now have test-drive units for the M2 CBU from Thailand. Do let me know your impressions. From your post, I believe you will be contented with the City having lived with the older generation City, happily. Although I haven't driven the Mazda2, my experience with the Mazda CX5's steering feel and handling vs. Honda City and latest Accord tells me the handling of both cars, especially in the steering feel, is quite different.

I wouldn't say I am content with City, especially the newer '06 facelift version. I previously owned 2 City, both clutch CVT, one pre-FL '04 and one FL '06. Build quality for pre-FL is great, apart that I changed the gearbox once after warranty is over. Problem still persists, bought another 2nd hand FL version, build quality is bad, seats are different, NVH is worse. It feels like the pre-FL all parts were fully imported from Japan but assembled locally, and for FL some parts were locally sourced, and they didn't take into account of the "longer" FL version, hence some rubber fittings do not match.

Well hopefully after test driving these two closely-spec cars, I can make a firm decision then.

Thanks for the info. Do you know which showroom has test drive unit?

Not every showroom, I walk-in at the Chan Sow Lin showroom and test drove without any appointment. The one in Serdang Raya we also test drove without appointment, but only after pestering the SA abit (They also share ONE test drive car between 3 branches, so it is not always in the Serdang Raya branch).

Maybe on the slower weekdays they are more willing.

i also test drive without appointment. at PJ.
However i had encountered with similar experience where some branch needing appointment before u can do test drive, no walk in , ex: serdang

Which branch in PJ bro? Share pls? PJ is nearest for me.

taman megah

ooh....that's the same dealer i got my Inspira from...their Proton showroom opposite the Mazda showroom. Same company.

Last time i test drive Inspira there damn funny...drive out the showroom car...people there looking at the car all kena shoo away....LOL.

From a car driving, comfort, tech perspective sure Mazda 2.

From only the size/space, RV perspective, then City.

Btw Honda service is expensive, frequent and IMO lousy. Also the seats are very very uncomfortable. Engine is underpowered and noisy. I know cos i bought one last year. grrr...

This post has been edited by h71y6: Mar 19 2015, 05:21 PM

They are not abandon it.
Graze (City Hybrid) is having issue with the dual clutch gearbox in Japan domestic market which they cannot solve yet. Unless they solve the issue over there, else you won't be seeing it in Bolehland anytime soon

The City's interior fittings are a bit poor in terms of rattling noise. Even after 1 year old, there are a lot of rattling noises inside the car either from the dashboard or somewhere else. Not too sure if you experience the same with your '04 and '06 Citys. Not sure about Mazda2 though but i do not have high expectations on Honda's NVH in terms of rattling noises inside the car.

Personally, if you are into driving experience, I think you would be better off with something else other than the Honda City.

Honestly, the new Honda City sux if you compare it with the M2! Only if space is your priority then City is worth considering. Or else its like driving another fridge with wheels.

This post has been edited by Yapmy: Mar 19 2015, 10:42 PM

Safety?

Yes, I do agree with the seats, not very comfortable after '06 models. However, the seats for Mazda do look a bit.. thin? But ergonomically speaking, M2 is better as it really hugging you.

Yes, their i-DCD transmission has a few recalls back then. Most probably they would have to wait until summer in Japan to perform more test before giving out the ok signal. However, if they launch it end of this year, it wouldn't make economical sense since the CKD hybrid exemption will expire, unless it is extended. Let see how Honda play it out with the govt, since Honda let Proton rebadge their Accord to Accordana and took away their contract away. There must be an undertable deal between Honda and govt (Proton) to compromise for the loss.

Yes, not on the '04 model, but FL '06 model starts to have all the lack of quality & NVH symptoms. Will post my comments after I try out both cars this weekend.

If M2 has cruise control, I will take it anytime to try out the Skyactiv. However, it does not. I am quite a lazy throttle presser & monitoring speed person, if there is a cruise control on a car, I will use it.

6 airbags vs 2 airbags, I think both configurations are ample enough, side airbags are good if there is side impact.

True that the City offers 6 airbags but the car doesnt feel as solid as the M2. Similar to the HRV, the backdoors are light and thin. Not sure if it can withstand side impact even if it had airbags. lol.

Bro agree with you that cruise control is awesome but i find it less useful without "adaptive cruise control". Everytime when i set my cruise speed to lets say at 110km/h, i still need to brake often to deactivate the cruise due to traffic ahead. You can totally forget about using cruise control around urban areas.

This post has been edited by Yapmy: Mar 20 2015, 09:11 AM

Cruise control is only useful when there are very few cars on the roads on odd hours. On normal hours, the cruise control will bring more work to the driver as he/she will need to constantly re-engage or re-activate the cruise control. Due to the varying traveling speed of other vehicles on the roads, the cruise control will automatically deactivate when you step on the brakes. Most often you will need to step on the brakes to slow down the vehicle once there is a slower vehicle in front, since your car will continue to travel at a constant speed without slowing down when the cruise control is activated. Unlike normal driving, you just release your foot from the pedal and your car will automatically slow down as it glides forward.

In summary, even though my car has cruise control, I don't find it particularly useful in most traffic or driving conditions.

To add on, adaptive cruise control may be more useful and desirable being a more advanced cruise control feature, though it's only available on costlier higher-end cars.

This post has been edited by SportyHandling: Mar 20 2015, 12:34 PM

i think its boiled down to space and looks really.

mazda cars especially sedan are never about spaces , same case with the maz3 n maz6.

it about looking super smexy

It is true that passive cruise control does not has its usefulness in certain condition, but staying in KL and having need to travel long distance up and down JB and Penang, I find it easier and not energy taxing over the long drives with a car with cruise control (when boss let me drive his company car). Yet again, I want to try out other cars before making my decision to commit for the next 5 years.

Of course there are situations of not using the cruise control, i.e. traffic. Only on constant speed traffic or long distance cruising. But having the option is much easier, still I am okay without it. It is not a necessity since I am considering a B-segment car, what do I expect? RM90k with MB E400 spec? No right? It is sad but true, you can only get this much with what you can afford to paid for.

Yes, perhaps in a next 5 years years time that active cruise control starts to be standard on all cars. Maybe by then, automated car are available on costlier high-end cars. Technology advances!

Yes, it boils down to space, ergonomic, looks, and equipment. Both cars can be said in equal standing with one and another.

M2: Looks & Ergonomics
City: Space & Equipment

At least I will try both cars during this weekend. And hope that both testdrive cars are in good condition, my last testdrive was the Peugeot 5008 in Glenmarie, the testdrive car was in rundown condition, and they blame it on customer's kids, thus swaying my family's opinion away from Peugeot cars, ever.

The new Peugeot 308 has it (other cars too, but this one has it in Malaysia).

I doubt that the City is too weak for the side airbags to make sense in a side collision, there could be beams inside the door to improve the strength.

You can adjust the speed with the cruise control system (at least in a VW), so if the person in front is driving slower you just push the minus button a few times. That works, though adaptive is better.

Aftermarket cruise control systems are available AFAIK (at least I know that some people installed it on their Kangoo, even though it never was offered with it).

Tested M2 and for me, it doesn't worth that price, too small interior, fit and finish in and out is ok only, nothing special, suspension setup surely is more firmer than City, hence some of you may found M2 is more solid than City. Safety wise, 2 air bags against 6, for my opinion, if you have lots of extra money to spend, get M2, but if your budget is tight, no much extra to spend, get City, your GF will smile, your parents and your future in law will do the same too!

Do they have it? In newer cars I believe it is possible since the throttle are electronically controlled and signal send to ECU, not cables as in the olden days. Only thing is, how much and where?

Thanks for your opinion, going to test drive and inspect M2 and City now. Hopefully the sales center in Honda at Old Klang Road will entertain me this time, unlike previous times.

leftistledtechnBlackWoodswayfeelmr.hikano

Test drove both Mazda 2 HB (no Sedan even I requested for Sedan beforehand!!) & Honda City today.

Mazda 2 Driver-centric
+ NVH is significantly better, even with 6 speakers, it is ample enough to listen to music since NVH is superb, motorcycle exhaust sound from outside is significantly cut down
+ Engine noise is within acceptable audible level from cabin, even at high rev. It still gives you the engine grunt noise (not loud and very little vibration, but you can hear the rev) for more adrenaline rush, and engine is not or barely audible when you want smooth and comfort driving
+ Interior ergonomics, solid build quality, ICE is much better, buttons are nice to press, many things to play with for driver and side passenger, leather+fabric combo seat, reverse camera, HUD, pedal shifters
+ Acceleration from standstill with full throttle has more omph due to first gear in 6 spd auto when required, but subtle acceleration from standstill can be achieve too, accelerator pedal is nicely calibrated for both driving condition, brake assist at maximum, very little leg force is required for braking
+ Fast changing 6 spd auto, just slightly slower than DSG, smooth gear ratio
+ On par with European car, accelerator pedal like MB or BMW type, the hinge at the bottom with long pedal, not Japanese top hanging type
+ 3 years free maintenance(?)

- Small size cabin, however rear legroom is acceptable (still cramp and unable to stretch leg) even I am in my usual comfortable driving position, switching between seats at the rear is nearly impossible (My hip cramped when switching at rear seat), ample shoulder room for 2 adults or 3 kids as rear passenger, 3 adults is cramp for shoulder and legs
- Bumpy ride (for hatchback), due to firm suspension, like a Toyota Vios, rear passenger will be uncomfortable on long journeys, or on big bumps/pothole laden roads, the jerk is neck-breaking if drive fast over big bump (this could be due to over inflated tires), small road bumps are absorbed nicely, it is designed for spirited driving and cornering, maybe I test drove a new unregistrated car (70km only)
- No cruise control
- Rear boot opening is about 1" less
- 3 years/100,000km warranty
- No center armrest

Opinion: It really is a driver-centric car. If you travel alone or with a passenger most of the time (like a coupe) but due to work/family required to ferry 2 more rear passengers occasionally or family with 3 children, it is a car worth considering. Long legged rear passengers will suffer a lot when travelling long distance. (I am 175cm and can still comfortably sitting at the rear with 1cm of legroom from the front seat, maybe for those 190cm will suffer?)

Will search for a sedan version tomorrow at other Mazda outlets to do proper direct comparison. The bumpy ride could be due to hatchback setup, could be less rear weight so more neck jerking bumpy ride is felt? (Like Myvi?) Will feedback at a later time.


Honda City V E Passenger-centric *Take note the car I test drive is E not V as expected (Thanks ledtechn for pointing it out).
+ Big cabin!! Rear passengers will be happy, enjoying and longing for more long distance ride
+ Comfortable ride, due to softer suspension, ride feels like driving an old '04/'06 Honda City, it absorb large bumps nicely (1 year test drive car? So softer suspension?)
+ Highway cruiser with comfortable ride and cruise control
+ Linear & subtle acceleration, even at full throttle, you don't get the omph feeling even if you want to
+ 8 speakers, rear aircons & 6 airbags for passenger comfort & safety
+ Bigger boot and boot opening (~1" or ~2.5cm bigger)
+ 5 years warranty & unlimited mileage, free service (labour?) at selected intervals
+ Discount RM2000 now, so about same price with Mazda 2.
+ A lot of cup holders
+ Center armrest
+ Japanese car feel

- Bad NVH, slightly worse than old Citys. Engine roars loudly and vibration can be felt in cabin when at full throttle, but no omph feeling (might as well don't do full throttle driving at all, means no racing), outside noise is audible, tire noise is louder compare to M2
- Interior... As you know, a bit interior rattling sound coming from somewhere(?) in the cabin. Nothing is soft on the dashboard, all hard plastic. Seat material is full fabric (based on E spec), the fabric feels rough and like those type that will come out little lint if a lot of rubbing is done with abrasive pants (not sure will it have lint or not on the long run though), my old Citys seat fabric are much smoother than the new City, old City has soft carpet-like feel

Opinion: If you want a comfortable ride highway cruiser, City is for you. NVH is louder than my old City (Don't know why?), but at relaxed driving pace, NVH it is still acceptable (louder than M2, could be tire noise maybe? Even HRV is the same, noisy tires).


Will update tomorrow for Mazda 2 sedan, before I make my decision.

All feedback are welcome, if you have disagreement with my reviews, please feel free to post it, different person have different feeling/expectation.

This post has been edited by RicoT: Mar 22 2015, 04:05 AM

SportyHandlingltdingkadajawiJunJun04035Matrix

daresyarusaruh71y6allenultraYapmy

Revamperzfeelfree

which showroom u went for the test drive on Mazda 2?

This post has been edited by syvianlim: Mar 21 2015, 10:19 PM

The one at Old Klang Road.

Did you ask how much is the best offer they can give? So far the most is RM1K discount + full tank, this is what I heard.

Thanks for the detailed assessment of the test-drive of both Mazda2 and Honda City. Guess you now know the pros and cons of each car.

FWIW I find the Mazda2 sedan to be much more elegant looking than the hatchback (I'm a sedan guy). To each his own. And with the additional boot space, it is a more practical too. Not too sure if the suspension setup between the hatchback and sedan are the same. If the tyres between the sedan and hatchback are similar in size, I doubt there will be a difference in the bumpiness between the sedan and hatchback. It can be due to over-inflated tyres too.

After having driven the City, CRV and Accord, the suspension is surely tuned towards comfort. Soft-tuned suspension. Honda's NVH is always lacking, not only the CIty but the Accord too.

Personally, apart from performance and handling of the car (steering feel, acceleration, body roll during cornering etc.) if talking about quality of the interior, ergonomics of the vehicle and NVH, I do think the Mazda is on a higher level than the Honda at all levels ie. City vs Mazda2, Civic vs. Mazda3, CRV vs CX5(which is most apparent). Honda cars used to be good quality back in the late 90's and early 2000 but now it seems like the quality has deteriorated. Mazda is now coming up and is actually producing more exciting and IMO better quality cars now than most of the Japanese counterparts.

Good Review!
Exactly my experience.

She did mentioned if I want discount or free gift. Free gift is free 5mil security film for windows tint, didn't ask for discount though.

It is great to hear someone do seconded my opinion. Feel free to add in.

My opinion now after the test driving is 60% City - 40% Mazda 2, but after searching for aftermarkets cruise control, I found one from Pivot 3-DRIVE AC.

If it works, it gave me a boost for Mazda 2 considering the NVH. But, for firm ride suspension, it could be due to new car/hatchback configuration. I want to try the sedan. I can put it up after 3 years warranty.

Now I am 55% Mazda 2 - 45% Honda City. I might even forego the Honda City Hybrid considering the NVH and interior build quality for Honda City V is worse.

Please look forward for my review for Mazda 2 tomorrow, if they have it at other outlets I am visiting. Will update more tomorrow.

This post has been edited by RicoT: Mar 21 2015, 10:50 PM

It looks like the cruise control feature is an important factor that may swing you from the City to the Mazda2, or the other way round. My advice is not to get stuck up with the feature. Even if you have that feature in your car, chances are you may not use it too often after playing with it for a couple of weeks. The cruise control is a nice feature to have, a feature that is supposed to bring convenience to the driver, but in our traffic road conditions, the feature will likely let the driver do more work by constantly activating it back after it gets automatically de-activated.

This post has been edited by Volkswagen2: Mar 21 2015, 11:00 PM

I don't know about current gen city, but the previous one is definitely anything but soft at the suspension department. The back is so stiff that, when the car goes through any bumps or road irregularities, we would jump up from our seats.

It's so jarring that I would never get used to it. To be frank it's even stiffer than my Golf GTi in Normal mode. The front isn't that stiff, but if you as a driver go through bumps, you would feel it at the back, simply because it was bouncing up and down so many times instead of the springs absorbing it.

This post has been edited by dtna7: Mar 21 2015, 10:58 PM

Mazda 2-
Good
-Good Road Holding
-Powerful acceleration for 1.5L with paddle shifters & 6 speed gearbox
-Nice suspension setup and does not transmit shocks to cabin vs Honda City
-Premium Feel with soft touch materials
-Not bad Leather Seats & gear level leather wrap
-Reverse camera with HUD
-Comes with MZD infotainment system which really the class leading
-Acceptable NVH
-Door shuts with solid thud
-Auto Lock when engine is turn off and the moment you walk away from the car


Bad
-2 Airbags only
-Halogen Headlamps
-Lack of interior storage
-Rear seats are not supportive and cramp
-No rear Aircond
-Sedan body proportional looks weird vs Honda City.

Honda City
Good
-Good design car over Mazda 2 sedan (in terms of the rear overhang)
-Safety with 6 airbags & ESP
-Fuel Efficiency
-Large interior cabin and rear legroom
-Fairly good infotainment system with touch screen (V Grade only)
-Cruise Control
-Slight soft touch on dashboard

Bad
-Fabric seats
-No reverse camera
-Fairly acceptable built quality (Previous City feels better in terms of touch and feel)
-Harsh ride and suspension not really good at soaking up bumps on the roads.
-So-so ride & handling
-CVT
-Fog Lamp only for V spec ( should be standardize like VIOS)


Verdict:

Mazda 2: If you in love with road holding and stands out the road

Honda City:If you concern of safety but prefer proven brand track record

Cruise control is great to have especially on highways and long distance cruising, it keeps the speed constant. Of course I am not using it when a lot of traffic. I am keen on installing the Pivot Auto Cruise module after my warranty. For City, you can't improve much with bad car NVH design, foaming will do, but how much and with additional weight? Since there are aftermarkets Auto Cruise modules to install, it is a good option, price wise. Moreover reverse camera is fitted with the Mazda 2, while City required another investment for it.

I just remembered, I just changed the absorbers on my '04 City, as and it is as firm as the Mazda 2. The other '06 City I usually use which has its absorbers last changed some years ago, is softer. And the new City I test drove has about a year of test driving in it (City launched April 2014?), it make sense for the suspension to be softer. Whereas, the Mazda 2 I test drove is new and unregistered, it is firm. Thanks for the new insight.

Both City and Mazda 2 are using halogen lamp, the only bet is the Honda City Hybrid to get LED headlamps. I agree previous City are better built.

This post has been edited by RicoT: Mar 22 2015, 01:10 AM

fyi, the honda city dashboard for the highest spec is covered with soft touch leather cover.

I do not feel it is soft-touch-leather-like, I read a lot review articles saying it fake stitching? And it is hard when pressed. To me, the City has the same dashboard feel as their old '06 City. The Mazda 2 is softer when press.

it is a soft touch.perhaps your test drive car was not the highest spec. Highest spec do come with leather seat. And the rear aircond vent is exclusive only for the highest spec if im not mistaken.

This post has been edited by ledtechn: Mar 22 2015, 01:20 AM

It is weird, most probably it is a City E. There is aircon vent behind yet the dashboard is hard plastic. Will look at it closer tomorrow at Setia Alam.

This post has been edited by RicoT: Mar 22 2015, 04:14 AM

I too am a Sedan guy, more space for travelling and can put laptop bags in boot. I do agree with you that Mazda 2 is able to provide much more driving fun. Honda had lost their passion for new things and start to become conservative. I thought the new Honda Earth Dream Technology engines are more innovative and are exciting, apparently, they use back the old i-VTEC engine for City, and their City Hybrids are no where to be found.

The good old 90s and 2000s, Honda is racing hard back then. They are looking for perfect balance. But now, lack of quality control during design phase is causing a lot of recalls and design shortfalls.

Tadaaa...... It's exactly the old City 2009 engine. The 7-speed CVT gearbox is not new neither, just modified from the old City 2001 with the flywheel replaced with torque converter and drive plate which is weaker than the City 2009 conventional 5AT gearbox.

2014 City is just cost cutting car, compare with 2009 old City, the build quality, material also cheaper. Don't be fooled by their claim of high tensile strength, actually reduced more material and give it VSC to cover up, that's why can sell cheaper than previous model. CBU from Thai and CKD here not supposed to have much difference in pricing, but this can give RM10k cheaper, sure something fishy going on. 2009 City E spec RM90k is to be compared to 2014 City high spec without the VSC that is at RM80k+ no bodykit.

This post has been edited by jayraptor: Mar 22 2015, 06:01 PM

The new Honda City is lacking the omph, due to its clutch flywheel CVT is replaced by a torque converter CVT. Also, the overall weight is higher feels heavier(?) compared to older Citys. So much mechanical power is loss through the torque converter.

Just read something new today. Customs D-G said vehicle should price drop due to GST implementation, but I hardly doubt it. The car dealers can always blame that MYR is falling like a rock too. I won't be surprise if they hike the price through another price revision after their current stock are sold off.

Personally, I do assessment this way.

How many time I drive this car for a day? Back and forth for job only?

How many time in a week that I will drive this car alone, compare how many time that there will be more than 2 people in the car ?

If you opt to buy the smaller car, do you have alternatives when comes to fetching your parents? (i.e do they have car? do your wife have another car?)

Also, do consider the image of the vehicle if you do drive to meet clients.

I'm long enough in my career to knew that people look differently when you approach them in a saga blm or Honda accord. Not just value perception but also the professional image you are conveying.

Last but not least, how you drive your car, how you react to open road and how is the traffic condition of your current routes?


For me, I do not take any care about any sort of cruise control, other than it can handle traffic jam situation.

I do drive from Kl - Penang or JB sometimes, continuously, in ZOOM ZOOM mode. Period.

How about you?

how was ur test drive on mazda 2 sedan?

@RicoT

Nice review there. Most important is to choose the car that you like/love. As for me, the car that i bought was like love at first sight the moment i test drove the car.

Will post it up later, work now.
*Edit: I did not get to test drive Mazda 2 sedan as they are not available, only hatchback version. It only arrived this month(?). However, another round of Mazda 2 vs Honda City test drive around Glenmarie. Will post more details up soon in new reply.

I am driving a City, and the spacious poison had gotten to me. Yet, the NVH is also the one that bother me. What Mazda 2 has is lacking in City, vice versa. It is truly the hardest decision in B-segment sedan given the price range RM88k.

This post has been edited by RicoT: Mar 23 2015, 11:15 PM

Test drive round 2! syvianlim

Mazda 2 Driver-centric & European feel

o Interior space is not as bad as I think, though it is still small, but sitting in the correct posture helps a lot, both your perception of space, and for your healthy back's sake. After I adjusted to my usual driving position, went to the rear seat, and sat in my usual laidback and slumped (hunchback) rear sitting position in my old City, my knee had became the lower back bolster support for the driver (not much legroom and the knee were up against the front seats). However, come and think of it, Mazda & Honda had different design expectation for their rear passenger, and therefore, I tried to adjust to the most comfortable sitting position possible in the Mazda 2. Surprisingly, I found that sweet spot! Mazda engineers expect the rear passengers to sit in a more upright position, with the feet tucked under the front seats (usually we don't put our feet under the front seats right?), the hands on the lap, knees spread outward, and elbow swung out, like a chicken wing. Whist doing that, the elbow rest nicely on the small padded armrest on the door. I found there were more space to move around by sitting with this posture and my back had more support, and was more relaxed, even though the seating position is more upright.

o During the testdrive, there are many motorcycles with loud exhaust passing by closer to the car compared to test drive in Old Klang Road, and I think, if the Mazda 2 has better sound insulation and I still felt it was loud, either the sound insulation was not as good as I think it is, or those motorcycles exhaust were reeaallly loud, I didn't wind down the windows to compare how loud was the motorcycles with windows down and up (should had done it!). Nevertheless, my buttdyno-feeling is Mazda 2 has better NVH compared to City. On much rougher road surface, tire noise from Mazda 2 is equally loud as City on a smoother road (I didn't get to try both of them on same road condition). My friend commented in Mazda 2, the sound in cabin is more of the engine acceleration sound, yet in City, everything is outside + rough engine noise.

o Car handling through corners, Mazda 2 wins hands down. City is not even a close rival.

o One thing about the engine i-Stop features, you have to press harder on the brakes for it to work when the car is at a complete stop. The Mazda 2 already has a very firm brakes and doesn't require much leg effort to brake. However, it expect more leg pressure on the brakes for the i-Stop to function. I never knew it until the SA told me to step harder. The start-up is a bit rough than the Serena S-Hybrid I have, maybe the i-Stop uses fuel injection to restart the engine, instead of a starter motor. See their Mazda Skyactiv for more explanation.


Honda City Passenger-centric & Japanese feel

o The Honda City provided this time is a V spec, and indeed, there are soft touch leather on the dashboard (Mazda 2 is softer and nicer to touch and press though). With the radio on, I still feel it could not rival Mazda 2 in the bass section (Maybe more tweeter speakers?)

o One thing I noticed in the City is the front seats could not be pushed any further than the B pillar (middle pillar), whereas the Mazda 2 can (to cater for long-legged European drivers?). When pushed back to the furthest in Mazda 2, your feet could not even press on the pedals(!), trade off is super limited rear legroom.

o The new City performs better in this showroom, not sure whether it is the road I test drive on or the wheels had been changed. Acceleration engine noise is the same, harsh and loud.

This post has been edited by RicoT: Mar 24 2015, 01:00 PM

The Mazda 2 is a global car. It adheres to standards in the EU and US. The same cannot be said for the City.

Buyers who wants to assess the rear legroom space must always keep in mind of the thigh support. The City doesn't have it, giving the perception that it is big. Other makers who makes sure you are comfy at the back with thigh support will make it look smaller in the leg room department. Thinner and shorter seats are the other things car makers could skimp.

Decision MADE!

Mazda 2.

Now for colour, what do you think? Need new voting..

1. Soul Red
2. Aluminum Silver
3. Metropolitan Grey
4. Pearl White

Indeed, Mazda 2 has more ergonomic designs than it meets the eyes, one truly cannot judge a book by it's cover.

I made my decision to buy Mazda 2, but need to clarify a few things more, before I put down my booking fee RM800.

1. Is the spare parts expensive? It is a B-segment car and I don't expect to pay service price equivalent to a D-segment car.
2. Anyone know where to get Auto Cruise module? Like Pivot 3-drive α / AC?

This post has been edited by RicoT: Mar 24 2015, 01:34 PM

could u update in 1st post the reason u go with mazda 2, too lazy/no time to read whole thread

Intend to. Later at night perhaps, working now.

Good choice! Nice car indeed.

thanks, i really appreciate it.

Thanks. Now on to colour selection.

Done with the summary in first post.

Good to hear.

Just saw a Mazda 2 sedan in white in Kota Kinabalu earlier this week. Great looking car, very nice indeed. This is the first B-segment sedan that looks sporty, proportionate and nice at all angles.

Very detail explanation!

Was in your shoe too..
Initially my plan was to buy a Vios (both my families and all relatives drives a toyota) but Vios don't have VSC so plan to buy a 2nd hand Toyota camry since there are 9 family members and relatives driving it. All recommended me to buy it. But it doesn't excites me if I buy a 2nd hand toyota camry. Mayb becoz it is not a new car, the dasboard looks kinda old, VSC is only available on 2.4 high spec and my dad is also driving a toyota camry although I have to admit it is very spacious and comfortable.

So I plan to buy a Honda City. Test drive it and was very happy with it. Probably becoz I am driving an old proton saga which is 10+ years.
When I heard and saw the new Mazda 2, I instantly fall in love with it especially when they announce the price is below Rm90k and revealed the sedan. I am also a sedan guy, hehe.. The spec was almost full spec with a tempting price. I can find a dozen reasons that I should buy the mazda 2 instead of the Honda city. The only thing that bothers me is the cabin space and boot space since I have a 1 year old baby. I need to put a baby car seat. When I heard the Mazda 2 hb has reached my nearest Mazda showroom, I quickly ask my friends who is taller than me to join me to test drive. When I saw the car, it was love in 1st sight. I like the kudo design and sporty 16in rim very much. When I sat in the driver seat, the dashboard looks like merc C class + BMW 3 series, haha.. The HUD, touch panel, turning knob near the handbrake, fine red lining stitch on the leather seat and dashboard looks very cool! I also agree the mazda 2 is more fun to drive. When I ask feedback from my friend sitting at the back, they say the legroom is very cramp. Their head almost hit the back windscreen when I drove pass the speeding hump. They are 175cm and 180cm tall. When they sat at the driver seat and adjusted the seat, my legroom only have 1cm clearance. I am 165cm seat. I may have difficulty in installing the baby car seat because it need to face the back. Sometimes I also need to bring 2-3 passengers.

So in the end, I choose the Honda City. So far, so good..
But prefer the Mazda 2 sedan Red soul if I haven't have kids yet. Envy u la Ricot!

Recently my wife just told me she is pregnant, so luckily I didnt choose the Mazda 2 for my case..

Mazda is famous for their design studio for cars.

Honda is great for their thirst for new technology. The i-DCD hybrid system is one of them, which I was waiting for donkey months, but Honda Malaysia have yet to launch it.

Toyota is has a vast models of cars spawned through out its years and its reliability.

Nissan is famous for their motorsports.

Mitsubishi & Subaru, rally!

Yes, I categorised Mazda 2 as driver-centric car, very much is for a person is still single when the car is bought, it is a fun car to drive, the ergonomics of the car is catered for a driver with one passenger, like a coupe, only with 4 doors. The rear passengers will feel cramp a bit, unless the rear passenger sit in unusual to Malaysian upright sitting posture for more moving space. Fitting two baby car seats shouldn't be a problem since Europeans do use them in this car, as well as Polo. So why not? The only possible issue is the rear boot space for 2 baby pram/stroller.

Honda City is a passenger-centric car, suitable for a young family with 2 or 3 young children, as the time passby, the children will grow up and take up adult size sitting area. The City is spacious, no doubt, wins hands down.

It all boils down to what best suits your situation and needs. There is no need for negative feelings since getting the right tools for the right job is always the best move and important decision, no need to envy nor regret. Glad you got a car which will serves your family well.

GRATZ

For me, it's either red or white.
But since the white offered is pearl white (and i have not seen one yet), it make me leans toward red
Pearl white is notoriously hard to take care. Some even consider it as OLD white (yellowish) just after few months under our beloved sun

I will place my booking this weekend. I most probably go with Aluminum Metallic. Easier to maintain (I haven't wash my car since CNY, silver + greyish dust = slightly darker silver only. Hehe!) and scratches won't be that obvious?

Red and dark grey, once scratched, you can't ignore it because it is very contrasting against the colour (scratches are normally white colour right?)

White is very hard to maintain, easily form dust teardrops, unless I do some sort of coating?

This post has been edited by RicoT: Mar 27 2015, 12:24 PM

For Honda City, other than the top V-spec, the rest of the specs are running on Goodyear GT3 tyres, which are CRAP. I can't wait to replace my Jazz's tyres. It roars on rough road surface.

That might be the case for my test drive cars. The V spec test drive car in Glenmarie is notably more quiet than the E spec test drive car at OKR. Yet, the NVH is still high compare to my old City. Don't know why?

Test drove HRV, tyre noise intruding into the cabin too, even with the V spec.

Logic by numbers doesn't hold water. There are millions of smokers in Malaysia. They aren't stupid when choosing to smoke I guess?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argumentum_ad_populum

Check price first, Honta City sells most are the lower specs at dirt cheap price. Those who could afford Mazda 2 will go for Mazda 2 already, won't bother to go for the cheap low quality junk City.