The Mazda2 II (DE) 1.5i with the automatic transmission, produced between 2007 and 2010, represented an entry-level offering within the second generation of Mazda’s subcompact hatchback. Positioned as a convenient and economical choice, this variant aimed to broaden the Mazda2’s appeal to buyers prioritizing ease of use over outright performance. It was a key model in the European and Asian markets, where small, fuel-efficient hatchbacks are highly sought after. The DE generation Mazda2, built on the DY platform, was a significant step forward for Mazda in terms of design and refinement, and the 1.5i automatic played a role in establishing the model’s reputation for reliability and value.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mazda |
| Model | 2 |
| Generation | 2 II (DE) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.5i (103 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2007 |
| End of production | 2010 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 9.1 l/100 km (25.8 US mpg, 31 UK mpg, 11 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.5 l/100 km (42.8 US mpg, 51.4 UK mpg, 18.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.8 l/100 km (34.6 US mpg, 41.5 UK mpg, 14.7 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 168 km/h (104.39 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.6 kg/Nm |
| Power | 103 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 137 Nm @ 4000 rpm (101.05 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | ZY66, ZY84 |
| Engine displacement | 1498 cm3 (91.41 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 78 mm (3.07 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 78.4 mm (3.09 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.9 l (4.12 US qt | 3.43 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 5 l (5.28 US qt | 4.4 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1035 kg (2281.78 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1490 kg (3284.89 lbs.) |
| Max load | 455 kg (1003.1 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 250 l (8.83 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 787 l (27.79 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 43 l (11.36 US gal | 9.46 UK gal) |
| Length | 3900 mm (153.54 in.) |
| Width | 1695 mm (66.73 in.) |
| Height | 1475 mm (58.07 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2490 mm (98.03 in.) |
| Front track | 1465 mm (57.68 in.) |
| Rear track | 1455 mm (57.28 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 150 mm (5.91 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.31 |
| Minimum turning circle | 9.8 m (32.15 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 195/45 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Mazda2 1.5i Automatic is the ZY-VE series 1.5-liter inline-four cylinder engine. Specifically, the engine codes ZY66 and ZY84 were commonly found in this configuration. This engine utilizes a naturally aspirated setup with multi-point fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain. The 10:1 compression ratio was typical for this class of engine, balancing efficiency and performance. The engine’s design prioritized fuel economy and smooth operation, rather than outright power. The four-speed automatic transmission, while providing convenience, was a relatively conventional unit for its time. It wasn’t known for particularly quick shifts or advanced features, but it offered reliable operation and contributed to the car’s ease of driving.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.5i Automatic Mazda2 offered a comfortable, if not particularly exhilarating, driving experience. With 103 horsepower and 137 Nm of torque, acceleration was adequate for city driving and highway merging, but it wasn’t a particularly quick car. The four-speed automatic transmission, while smooth, lacked the responsiveness of a manual gearbox or a more modern automatic with more gears. The gear ratios were tuned for fuel efficiency, meaning the engine often felt strained during hard acceleration. Compared to the manual transmission version of the 1.5i, the automatic was noticeably slower. It also lagged behind higher-performance Mazda2 variants, such as those equipped with the 1.6-liter engine, in terms of overall responsiveness.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.5i Automatic trim typically included standard features such as air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, and a basic audio system. Interior upholstery was usually cloth, and the dashboard featured a straightforward design with easy-to-use controls. Optional extras included alloy wheels, a more advanced audio system, and sometimes, a sunroof. The trim level was generally considered entry-level to mid-range, offering a good balance of features for the price. It was aimed at buyers who valued practicality and convenience over luxury or sporty styling.
Chassis & Braking
The Mazda2 1.5i Automatic featured a typical front-wheel-drive chassis configuration with a MacPherson strut front suspension and a coil spring rear suspension. The braking system consisted of ventilated discs on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear. This configuration was common for vehicles in this weight class and provided adequate stopping power for everyday driving. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was standard, enhancing safety. The suspension tuning prioritized ride comfort over sporty handling, resulting in a relatively soft and forgiving ride quality.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Mazda2 1.5i Automatic received generally positive reviews for its fuel efficiency, reliability, and ease of use. Critics praised its comfortable ride and practical interior. However, some reviewers noted the lack of performance and the somewhat dated four-speed automatic transmission. Compared to other subcompact hatchbacks of the time, such as the Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit, the Mazda2 offered a more stylish design and a slightly more refined interior. In terms of fuel economy, it was competitive with its rivals, and its reliability record was generally good.
Legacy
The Mazda2 1.5i Automatic has proven to be a reliable and durable vehicle, and many examples are still on the road today. The ZY-VE engine is known for its longevity, and the four-speed automatic transmission, while not the most sophisticated, is generally robust. In the used car market, these models are often sought after by buyers looking for an affordable and dependable subcompact hatchback. While not a performance standout, the 1.5i Automatic Mazda2 remains a practical and economical choice for those seeking a no-frills, reliable vehicle.
