A roomy, attractive cabin makes the ZX2 comfortable for long trips. A sporty instrument cluster peeks out from beneath a wedge-shaped dash that sweeps attractively into the door panels. Interior fabrics and materials are of higher quality than in some other cars in this class, although the inside door handles are on the dainty side. The seats in our ZX2 were firm and supportive, if a bit lumpy, and the small headrest didn't raise high enough. The driver's seat adjusts for height, a feature shorter drivers might appreciate. The tilt steering column on Deluxe and Premium models is useful if you don't fit the average-size norm. The rear seats are surprisingly comfortable, which is something you'd never guess from the ZX2's swooping roofline. There's enough headroom and legroom for a 5-foot, 10-inch adult, although tall drivers will use up a lot of that leg space when they push their own seat back. Heater ducts for the rear seat area add comfort in the winter. Getting in and getting out is a squeeze. Three cup holders with liners and a center console add convenience. Hooks on the floor hold the floor mats in place. Yet while the ZX2 is nicely trimmed, it is still an inexpensive car. Not every bolt is covered with a piece of trim, as it would be in a luxury car. It pays to read the owner's manual before attempting to operate the air conditioning. In all but two modes, the system senses when the outside temperature is above 50 degrees Fahrenheit and switches on automatically. Then it shuts off under hard acceleration to improve performance. At other times, it cycles on and off constantly. This can be a little annoying for more sensitive drivers, who may feel a subtle bump through the throttle as the compressor engages. Selecting the Vent or Floor mode can also turn the system off. The 11.8-cubic foot trunk is a bit shallow, but it's sizable by compact-coupe standards. The rear seats can be folded forward to make room for longer items.
|