It doesn’t matter which member of the current Mazda family you are stood in front of, that
new front-end is extremely eye-catching and is a combination of KODO body language and
lightweight Skyactiv technology.
This particular model is actually Mazda’s smallest offering, the Mazda2 supermini.
But just because it is the smallest in the range, that doesn’t mean it skimps on fun,
quality or fuel economy.
And it’s a good job, because it’s up against the Ford Fiesta and VW Polo.
The cabin is undeniably Mazda, with a simplified layout, large extruded touchscreen, carbon
trim and stretched dashboard inlay, which in our model has an interesting honeycomb
effect.
Build quality is impressive as well and everything feels well-screwed together, although some
of the scratchy plastics make the VW Polo look more polished.
Entry-level models are well specced though, with air-con, electric windows, USB connectivity
and plenty of driver seat adjustment.
But it’s the mid-range SE-L that will entice most as it has Bluetooth, cruise control,
alloy wheels and, if you go for the Nav option that we have fitted, a seven-inch infotainment
system with a slick rotary controller on the centre console.
Coming round to the back it’s worth mentioning that five-doors do come as standard.
Space wise, it’s not overly generous, but it is in line with its supermini competitors,
with just enough leg and head room to keep most happy.
The boot is a bit of a mixed bag.
You do get 280 litres with the seats in place, on par with rivals, but you also get a large
lip when lifting stuff in and a lip when you fold the seats down.
Total storage space, again, is there abouts the same as its rivals at 950 litres.
The Japanese brand’s larger engine ethos makes an appearance in the Mazda2, with a
naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre petrol and a turbocharged 1.5-litre diesel.
The 1.5 petrol is available with either 74, 89 or 113bhp, but as the petrols are not turbocharged
you will have to work the gearbox meticulously, but thankfully this five-speed manual gearbox
is tremendously snappy and smooth.
Go down the middle for the 89bhp petrol we have and its fairly nippy credentials - like
a 0-62 sprint time of 9.4 seconds , should keep you entertained.
You’ll also get around 50mpg in real world driving.
The efficiency option is undoubtedly the 1.5 turbocharged diesel, emitting just 89g/km
of CO2 and returning an average of around 70 to 75mpg.
Similar to its siblings, the Mazda2’s ride and handling is a bit like a buffet, which
is to say it has a bit of everything for everyone.
Its suspension for example sits on the right side of firm, so it keeps body roll to a minimum
and yet offers a comfortable ride.
The steering is nicely weighted, although at times can lack feel, and there is loads
of grip in the corners, meaning you can really tuck its nose into a bend.
It doesn’t necessarily do everything perfectly, but it will suit those who are likely to vary
their driving routes and automotive requirements.
On the refinement front it does feel like a much bigger car, especially when you are
motorway cruising, with good insulation and just well, a comfortable seating position.
You do however get a bit of shake through the steering wheel when you push 70mph.
On paper, the Mazda2 may not jump out as an obvious choice and it’s actually more expensive
than the Ford Fiesta and VW Polo.
But if you can’t choose between those usual suspects, then the Mazda2 strikes a nice balance,
with its calculated offering of driving dynamics, fuel economy and build quality.
So would you go for a Mazda2?
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