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 Passenger-centric
+ 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, 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.