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What does all this mean? Well, the average driver will not be able to tell any difference between a torsion beam and multi link setup. If the springs, shocks, and anti roll bar are tuned properly, a torsion beam can handle just as good as a multi link. Where a torsion beam loses some of its composure is in extreme handling manuevers, such as sudden high speed lane changes or high g sweepers that take the tires to the limit of adhesion. On a track, a torsion beam has more of a tendency to be tail happy because of its lack of accurate toe control over the wheels. It's just not quite as capable or accurate in it's control of the tire's contact patch with the road. That being said, I feel its a good suspension design and perfectly capable for 99% of the drivers out there.
FYI, the Golf had a torsion beam suspension from 1976-2005. VW must have felt the design was plenty good to use it for so many years. I can say without a doubt that my 84 Rabbit GTI was one of the best handling cars I have ever driven.
My followup question is an obvious one: if the torsion beam suspension is not inferior to the multilink independent suspension, then why are more expensive models routinely equipped with the multilink? For exmaple, Mazda only uses a torsion beam suspension on the Mazda2 and not the Mazda3, Mazda6, Miata, CX7 & 9, etc. Put another way, are torsion beam suspensions an effective compromise to keep vehicle costs affordable? This is starting to sound similar to discussions about drum brakes versus disc brakes.
As for your question, I think what Backy said a few replies up answers your question. Multi link suspensions offer the absolute best in terms of maximum handling prowess, thus why cars like the Miata have them. Because this fact is known, an automaker wants to be known for providing the best to its customers. It's all about perception. But, yes, a torsion beam is an effective compromise. It provides handling that can't be distinguished by the average driver from a multi link and a ride that matches it while being cheaper to produce, thus keeping the cost of the car down.
So IRS means better emergency handling? Perhaps avoiding a collision?
From all accounts, the Mazda 2 handles very good and is in the top of its class so its torsion beam suspension has obviously been tuned well and is not a handicap for the car.
Neither have noted a propensity for one type of suspension design to be better or worse in terms of basic safety.
On to transmissions!
I wonder why did Mazda use a 4 speed automatic transmission in the Mazda2. The Fiesta, the Fit, and the Mazda3 have all graduated to 5 speed automatics likely to
improve fuel economy? Is it again a cost-cutting issue?
One reason given for use of the 4 speed auto was to save weight, something I had not thought of before. Given the lackluster performance of the 5 speed in the Fit they may be right.
Keep in mind that automatics actually have 2 ratios per actual speed these days - converter locked up, and converter unlocked.
The major problem I have with 4 speed autos - which depends on gear ratios built into the unit - is the horrible noisy, high rpm, downshift from 4th to 3rd if you floor it at certain freeway speeds. But if you moderate the throttle on the freeway so it is just shifting between locked up and full torque converter mode, it is quite nice.
Unfortunately there only seem to be two ways to make a 4 speed that is more acceptable on the freeway. Have a large displacement, high torque motor (like in my old Impala, the 3.6 or 3.8); or let a smaller displacement motor run at higher rpm on the freeway (like most makers let their manual transmission models models run).
Problem is fuel economy. Higher rpm are more responsive without downshifting - but you lose fuel economy due to "pumping losses" (motors are more efficient at higher loads and low rpm than lighter loads and high rpm). With a manual transmission you can accept some pumping losses since you have no transmission losses. With an automatic transmission, high rpm means both pumping losses and friction (torque converter, fluid transmission) losses. Plus most auto tranny drivers are looking for low, quieter rpm.
The auto tranny M2 seemed fine, but I didn't drive it hard on the freeway - I don't know what it would sound like, throwing a downshift from 4th to 3rd at 50 or 60 mph. One reviewer complained that when they floored it on the freeway it was terrible.
I tend to agree with you, backy. Perhaps Mazda was not ready to change the this model year but decided to go ahead with the 4 speed automatic transmission for its North American launch. Pure speculation on my part.
This is disappointing considering the build-up to the release of the Mazda2. I applaud Mazda for its class-leading weight saving efforts in the Mazda2. But then to release the car with a transmission that is at least one generation behind seems retrogressive. Ford had the right idea by bringing our the new Fiesta with a 6 speed automatic. The bottom line is that the Mazda2 automatic does not achieve at least 30 mpg overall according to the EPA and the Fiesta does.
The Sandman :sick: :shades:
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
Anyway, it's my roundabout way of saying the colors on the website look much different in person. And the blue does exist; the only one I haven't seen in person. I found a few on AutoTrader.
http://www.marketwatch.com/video/asset/news-hub-mazda2-not-so-hot-2010-10-29/EDF- 1E26F-E4BC-4D1D-8B3C-1FDB1BED2E4E
I think you are being too kind ... He definitely trashes the Mazda2.
For example: "standard five-speed manual, which helped propel the 100-horsepower Mazda2 out into the middle of the road, there to be run over by the huge semi-tractor-trailer of mediocrity ... sounds like traffic helicopter has landed on the roof" and "Fiesta's automatic transmission is ... more fun to drive and more fuel-efficient. Again, even Mother Mazda would have a hard time arguing" and the final blow against the suspension which "literally made my wife seasick."
Yikes!
I guess he thinks this segment of the market - people who want ultra high mileage cars that aren't hybrids - is so weak he can just turn it into a mockery.
Compare the other reviews for a better baseline.
Having now driven the Mazda2 extensively this weekend, I can definitely say it is my second favorite car in the class, after the Mini Cooper which is a solid $5000+ more. Obviously the Fit is still a contender for folks who want a microvan that seats four adults in total comfort, but for those of us who only ever really use the front seats, the Mazda2 is $1000 less in Touring trim and still has ESC where Fit doesn't, not to mention is equally fun to drive and has arguably better seats (and seating position for the driver) and better looks.
Is there anyone out there who has actually bought one of these and is willing to give us a few of the impressions the car has made on you since you got it?
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Interesting. How do your rate the new Ford Fiesta?
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
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2015 Mazda 3 Skyactive 6spd. auto 2008 Mazda Tribute S 4spd auto.
2015 Mazda 3 Skyactive 6spd. auto 2008 Mazda Tribute S 4spd auto.
Liquid Silver, Touring, M/T
He loves it and loves the deal too!
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The overall car is great. I wish my wife could drive a stick, the auto tranny is no good for city driving. I bet the 5-speed is great. I miss my Echo! MPG is disappointing.
I'm 5'8" and the driver seat is all the way back. The cruise-control controls are my least favorite of the many types I've had.