But what we talk here is the Japanese version, which is better because it is produced in Japan with higher quality and is equipped with Mazda’s own MZR-family all-aluminum engines. They have S-VT continuous variable valve timing and long intake and exhaust manifolds to improve low-end torque. The base 1.35-litre unit produces 91 horsepower while the 1.5-litre version generates 113hp, well ahead of the Ford engines. These engines are quiet at low rev and produce a sporty note, accompany with willingness, at high rev. 

The Japanese Demio also employs higher quality plastics and trimming throughout its cabin, which are not available by the suppliers of the Spain-built Mazda 2. Interior is light and airy, thanks to high roof, big windows and the light-color scheme of dashboard and textile. Canvas top (sunroof with fabric cover) add to the cheerful ambience. This makes a big difference to the boring and cold ambience of the Fiesta, or the cheap-feeling Fusion. Demio is not an MPV, but its cabin offers more versatility than its Ford counterparts. It has a lot of tinny storage cubbies and a Citroen Picasso-like parcel shelf at the luggage compartment. The rear seat can slide back and forth and is 50-50 split. Its backrest can be folded down easily with a one-touch lever so that a big cargo-loading area is formed. The resultant loading floor is not completely flat, but this is just because Demio offers an unusually deep luggage compartment. Its big tailgate also opens very deep, making loading and unloading very convenient.  

Like Fiesta, its hydraulic power steering is heavier and provides more feel than key rival Honda Jazz. In cornering, the chassis feels stiff and handling is agile, keeping faith with Mazda's recent dynamic approach. Ride quality is harsher than Fiesta because its higher body needs stiffer suspension setup to control body roll, although suspension noise is effectively insulated from the cabin. Therefore, it doesn’t drive as brilliantly as the Fiesta but still matches Toyota Yaris and beats Honda Jazz. 

To me, Fiesta is too boring. Mazda 2 is more versatile, more spacious, more interesting to look and feels more expensive. In short, it is a better car. Its emergence makes Toyota Yaris suddenly look outdated and Honda Jazz a bit rough at the edge. Without making any drama, Mazda 2 suddenly becomes the best in class. 
 

Verisa

In the past, car makers tried to cover every segment to enhance sales. This is no longer the case today. They have to offer not one, but two or multiple models in each segment. They are usually mechanically identical, with differentiated exterior styling and interior packaging to suit the taste of different customer groups. In this way, the same car can appeal to a colleague boy, a young couple as well as a retired old man. Our society has been increasingly fragmented into individuals, emphasizing individual personality and taste. The good old days that everybody drive the same Beetle has long gone into history. 

Mazda also realized this trend. It has a very good Mazda 2 (Demio) in its showrooms. Its practicality appeals to family buyers. The problem is those young singles prefer a more tasteful design to reflect their personality. Therefore, base on the Mazda 2, without altering the essential mechanicals and chassis hard points, it created a derivative called Verisa. This car occupies virtually the same road space as the Mazda 2, offering virtually the same interior space and differs little in functions. Some - including me - may question the reason for its existence. Mazda said it incorporates better noise insulation, more comfortable seats, better dashboard materials and a more stylish exterior. And most special, they said, is the inclusion of a music hard disk which can store up to 3,000 MP3 songs. Oh my God, why not offer that to Mazda 2 as optional equipment ? 

Verisa is not going to be a big seller like Mazda 2. Therefore it is only offered with one engine and drivetrain - the Mazda 2's 1.5-litre MZR VVT engine with 113hp, mated with a 4-speed automatic. It weighs the same as the equivalent Mazda 2 and the chassis tuning is identical, so our findings in the Mazda 2's dynamics also apply to Verisa.