Mazda asks, "What do you drive?" and answers it with, "If it's not worth driving, it's not worth building." This latest marketing language helps articulate what Mazda's "Zoom Zoom" DNA means - passionate car people building cars that are cutting-edge and fun to own and drive. See the Mazda manifesto in the video to the left.

We've just tested the new Mazda2, a fresh entry on our shores as the US-version of the popular Mazda Demio in Japan. This class is full of cars with sketchy ride quality and spartan content - but the Mazda2 offers surprising bigger-car quality and feel. So good, it earned a Car & Driver 2011 Editors' Choice Award - Small Cars category. After testing the Mazda2, we agree with the accolades.

With razor-sharp handling and a rocking power-to-weight ratio, Mazda2 is the one subcompact car that feels more like a full-on sports car. This is a Mazda through and through. With pricing that starts at $14,180., and fuel economy up to 35-mpg, it's a high-value package that affordable to acquire and drive - with no compromise of driving fun or usefulness.

Because the car weighs just barely 2,300-lbs, and the engine makes over 100-horsepower, it's this power-to-weight ratio that gives the car a powerful and frisky feel on the road. It's powered by an all-aluminum 1.5-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder with variable valve timing. Transmission choices are a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmissions.

The driving experience of the Mazda2 surprised us a bit - overall the driving dynamics were impressive. Its ride is firm but not stiff, steering input is sharp and crisp, braking is strong and even, throttle response is quick. Big bumps and dips at speed never upset the chassis, but cabin noise was a bit high at highway speeds - although it is quieter than other cars in its class.

Inside, the Mazda2 offers a comfortable cabin with lots of room for people and cargo. The layout is flexible and easy to maneuver around, with rear seats folding to allow even more cargo room. The seating is comfortable and ample size, and in general the quality of the materials and finish is in keeping with the entire Mazda line. The controls are easy to understand and reach, and outward visibility is excellent. I'd like a larger front center arm rest, but I liked the overall center console storage layout and center "pod" stack and cluster.

The Mazda2 is a lot bigger on the inside than it looks from the outside. It's got five doors that are large and make entry, egress and loading very easy.

Overall, we like the Mazda2. Having road tested every Mazda model over the years, this newest member of the family indeed lives up to the promise of "Zoom Zoom" - with Mazda cramming more value and fun into such a compact package.

- by Vince Bodiford