The Mazda2 may well be the closest thing to a front wheel drive MX-5 Miata. Wait, stay with me here for a second while I explain. With a curb weight of just 2,306 pounds, Mazda approached the 2 in the same way the company approaches the MX-5 roadster; by keeping weight down, driving dynamics can be exploited further.
Despite a torsion beam rear axle and skinny 185/55R15 tires, the Mazda2 still handles well for its class. Body motion is controlled and the car is willing to change direction at a moment’s notice. Even with a fairly large steering ratio, the car responds instantly to driver input and provides good feedback for a vehicle that in no way resembles a sports car.
