First of all, it’s lightweight.
The local areas of Southern California are becoming denser with traffic. Parking spots are getting tighter. It’s easy to scoot by traffic in a smaller vehicle. While the Mazda 2 is a small hatchback, it is a 4-door with adequate room for four total adults. However, with a curb weight of approximately 2,350lbs., it’s a lightweight package that makes the most of the interior volume. Lightweight vehicles allow for a bit more punch under acceleration, help prolong the life of brakes, help prolong the life of suspension parts, and allow small modifications to have a more pronounced effect.