a lifetime ago now, the X2
provided logistical support
during the endless photo
shoots and began most days
hauling large bags of cooler
ice to our test facility in Mojave,
California. At lunch we took
advantage of the large rear
cargo tub and stuffed it with
boxed sandwiches from the
local Tehachapi deli. Most days
ended by using the little BMW
to collect test track cones from
our figure-eight course on the
proving ground’s asphalt lake.
There were huge
temperature swings during
Car of the Year, with daytime
highs rising to 95 degrees andT
he X2 has been a
reliable road warrior
lately, serving a vital
role as errand runner and
support runabout. It has spent
thousands of miles running up
and down the desert highways,
back roads, and the dirt roads
of California and Arizona.
The staff has used the X2 to
shuttle equipment, supplies,
and personnel back and forth
from Los Angeles to California
City, and many of these open
highway runs proved that the
X2’s eight-speed can easily
deliver over 400 miles of range.
At our Car of the Year
program, which seems likenighttime temps dropping to 40
degrees. The oscillating temps
posed a significant challenge
for the X2’s HVAC system, which
frequently made the cabin
temperature too cold or too
hot but rarely settled at the
temperature that had been
selected. Later, on a 67-degree
day, the HVAC system struggled
to maintain a steady cabin
temperature when set at 74, but
it never bothered us enough to
have it checked out.
Added to the support
crew for Truck of the Year, the
X2 shuttled our production
assistants as they followed
our trucks to photo locationsdown various dirt roads near
the eclectic Arizona outposts
of Oatman and Bullhead City.
The front-drive X2 always
maintained grip, but there
were lots of harsh impacts that
reminded drivers of this hatch’s
stiff ride. We experienced a
similar choppy ride when driving
on the paved yet rustic Route
66 in the nearby mountains.
Long highway trips also
allowed for ample testing of the
X2’s cruise control. Impressively,
the system holds its selected
speed on steep downhill grades
like the large one found east
of Ludlow, California, heading
toward Needles.“Fun fact: This front-drive BMW X2
and a 2019 Ford Ranger XL 4X2 both
sprint to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds.”
Brian VanceService life:
10 mo/16, 2 16 mi • Avg Fuel Econ: 2 4.6 mpgAvg CO2 0.79 lb/mi Energy cons 135 kW-hr/100 mi Unresolved
problems None Maintenance cost $0 Normal-wear cost $0
Base price $37,395 As-tested $44,920 EPA City/Hwy/Comb
Fuel Econ 23/32/26 mpg Real MPG 27.5/36.7/31.0 mpg20 18 BMW X 2
Aside from a few flaws inherent at this size, the Mazda3
hatchback makes for a quality road trip companion.B
efore a recent road trip to Lake Tahoe, my friends and I
debated between taking my long-term Mazda3 or my
buddy’s new Volvo XC90. Somehow, I won. They were eager
to relax in the fancy and spacious Volvo, but I convinced them
that the Mazda3 would be nearly as comfortable. And for the
most part, they were happy. Here are five things that stood out
from our road trip:
Rear Cargo Area I’m still a big fan of the hatchback’s
sheetmetal, but its sharp styling comes at a price. That price isAvg CO2 0.69 lb/mi Energy cons 120 kW-hr/100 mi
Unresolved problems None Maintenance cost $0 Normal-
wear cost $0 Base price $24,520 As-tested $28,420 EPA
Fuel Econ 25/35/29 mpg Real MPG 28.6/43.7/33.9 mpg"A road trip to Lake Tahoe reveals
strengths and weaknesses for
the Mazda3.” Erick AyapanaService life:
4 mo/6,4 22 mi • Avg Fuel Econ: 2 8. 0 mpg2020 Mazda3
the degree to which the steeply
raked rear window cuts into the
rear cargo area. The three of us
were able to fit our carry-ons,
backpacks, and a few bags of
sustenance in the back, but it
would’ve been tough had there
been a fourth passenger.
Rear Legroom Thankfully, the
shortest guy among our group
also volunteered to take the back seat. At 5-foot-9, his average
frame fit fine, but it was a tad snug. Anyone towering over 6 feet
would likely take issue with headroom.
Comfortable Ride From the driver’s seat, I appreciated the
Mazda3’s straight-line stability at highway speeds. There were
no complaints about road or wind noise, even during the bout of
strong winds in and around Bishop, California. Everyone agreed
that the seats (especially the front ones) were supportive, soft,
and comfortable.
Audio System I’ve praised the audio system in previous
updates, but my Volvo-driving friend enjoyed it, too—and he’s
been spoiled by the fancy Bowers & Wilkins setup in his ride. I’ve
come to appreciate the Favorites button that’s conveniently
located next to the rotary control knob and combines my favorite
FM and satellite radio stations.
Easy to Spot The sprawling parking lots at Tahoe’s hotels and
ski resorts are full of ubiquitous rental cars and all-wheel-drive
crossovers. When temperatures dip into the 30s, the last thing
I want to do is wander around searching for my car. Thankfully,
the Mazda3 and its eye-catching Polymetal Grey paint stand out
among a sea of bland sheetmetal.The multifunction screen can
be operated with the iDrive
controller or as a touchscreen.JUNE 2020 MOTORTREND.COM 79