Matchbox Mazda 2

Just recently at the Geneva Motor Show Mazda showcased the Hazumi concept, which previews the upcoming next generation Mazda 2.  It looks good, so I decided to show off the Matchbox version of the current generation, a car I thought I wouldn't like much but ended up appreciating thanks to this Matchbox version.

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2: Styling of the 3, handles like a Miata

The third generation of this model debut in 2008 with more styling flair that would, unfortunately, be the last nicest-looking Mazda for a few years until the resurgence in 2013 starting with the 6 redesign.  It's hard to believe that this version is also shared with the new Ford Fiesta since it looks and acts nothing like the Fiesta.  The 2 is smaller, yet roomer inside, and has a smaller engine than the Fiesta: 1.5L I-4 producing 100 hp. through a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic; seems weak until you notice the lighter 2,300 Ib. curb weight.  It's not fast, but it moves with ease, and thanks to the 5-speed with linkage and suspension tuning similar to the Miata roadster, very fun-to-drive as well.  I have driven both the 2 and Fiesta (both entering the U.S. in 2011) and I must say the 2 is roomier, fun-to-drive, and less clunky transmission-wise than the Fiesta.

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The Matchbox version in that bright green!

Now when I heard about this new casting I was not that thrilled to hear about it, but to see the final result was something else:  One of the first castings to wear that bright lime green color (a light color shade was offered later in 2008 due to the complaints about the original color (shown) not being correctly matched to the 1:1 original color), along with smooth lines of the Mazda family including detailed headlights, taillights, badging, and MAZDA on the front and rear plate and it just looks amazing!  The interior showcases a dash with a mix of Mazda 3 and Miata, in right-hand drive fashion.  The base has a few drivetrain details despite the lack of room on the base.

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In 2009, another shade variation arrives:  First is the light blue color that looks correct, until Matchbox issues another shade (reason unknown) in a darker, richer metallic blue color, and the latter is gorgeous!  I passed on the 2010 version because it used a lighter blue color, and the 2009 Superfast and 2011 second recolor with racing graphics.  The first-half of 2011 saw the final realistic color in red with black tint on the headlight bezel graphics to mimic the ones on the 2011 U.S. version and the new small 6-sp wheels with thicker sidewalls, introduced due to the complaints from collectors about the larger 6-sp wheels that were too large for smaller vehicles like the 2, Prius, Honda Insight, and Mini Cooper models.

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Whether we'll see this casting again I'm not sure, but if they do they can either return it back in this stock-looking forum, or just introduced the next-generation 2 when it comes out next year.  Either way it's one of those small cars that seems to grow on me thanks to the replica made of itself.

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