IT’S JUST 2 GOOD
Back in February, I got a chance to drive the smart-looking Mazda 2 during its launch on the winding roads of Devon.
This week, I have had a chance to get to grips with it on more familiar roads and found that it was certainly one of the best superminis on the market.
Styled using Mazda’s ‘Kodo’ design language — the new 2 turns heads and provides a real challenge to its main rivals — the Fiesta, Corsa and Polo.
As well as enjoying great looks the new 2 is also great fun to drive and offers bags of technology and a smart cabin.
Its sharp exterior takes cues from the CX5, Mazda 6 and Mazda 3 and that is no bad thing. It has short overhangs to give it a nice sporty stance and it also boasts a handsome grille and (optional) full LED headlights. Entry-level models come with 15-inch steel wheels but higherspec versions get alloys in two different sizes and buyers can choose from 10 exterior colours.
Inside the cabin is a huge improvement over the old model. A deeply-sculpted instrument cluster features neat air vents at either end and in most models there is a seveninch touchscreen display which can also be operated by a rotary dial on the centre console.
Climate control dials are the only other features on the uncluttered dash. On top models you get leather on the dash, seats and door panels to complete the finish.
The new car is considerably lighter than its predecessor and has been engineered with Mazda’s SKYACTIV technology to deliver a fine blend of good economy with performance.
The range is priced from £11,995 to £17,395 and consists of a 16-strong model line-up. There are 12 petrol and four diesel variants.
The diesel is very impressive and although it carries a £2,000 premium over the petrol versions, it will be a sound investment for owners that drive a lot of miles.
It performs really well and in the real world is good for around 60 miles to the gallon.
The claimed figure is 83.1mpg for the new diesel with emissions of 89g/km, while the petrol engine is rated at 105g/km and claims to be capable of an average 62.8mpg.
The 90ps petrol model has emissions of 110g/km while the sportier 115ps derivative which powers the Mazda2 flagship comes in with a CO2 figure of 117g/km and a claimed combined figure of 56.5mpg.
I averaged just over 60 to the gallon from the diesel and 52mpg from the 90ps petrol version, so the cheaper petrol powered 2 will make more sense for the average motorist.
The test car this week was the flagship petrol Sport Nav version with the more potent 115ps engine. It features a slick six-speed gearbox and there is no automatic option.
The new Mazda 2 is a quiet car regardless of what is under the bonnet and there is a real quality feel to the interior especially in this higher grade Sport Nav trim.
There is much more space in the new car and top trim models which start from £15,395, include climate control, keyless entry and a sat nav system that comes with three years of free map updates. Even the basic models come with features such as a seven-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity and cruise control and bags of other equipment.
The tested model also gets 16inch alloys, privacy glass, dusksensing headlights, rain-sensing wipers and rear parking sensors.
The Mazda 2 also boasts all the latest safety features, most of them right across the range and the test car also had the £450 option pack which added a head up display — a first in this class of car — as well as blind spot monitors and a rear cross traffic alert system which warns of unseen hazards when reversing.
At the moment this equipment is available only on the 115ps Sport Nav version although safety features such as lane departure warning and emergency city braking are standard across the range with the exception of the cheapest SE cars.
The Bluetooth link also allows for smartphone hook ups which enables a variety of apps to be used on the move – a feature designed to appeal to drivers much younger than me.
The Sport Nav 115ps is good for124mph and tackles the sprint to 62mph in just 8.7 seconds. It has a combined claimed figure of 56.5 mpg and you can expect to get about 50mpg in real conditions depending on how hard you push it.
Interior space is decent with room for four adults to travel in comfort and enough room for 280 litres of luggage which rises to 950 litres if you drop the rear seats.
At £15,995, the 115ps Sport Nav is not cheap but it does have all you would need and is very entertaining.
£15,95
115PS 1.5-litre petrol engine driving front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox
124 mph
8.7 seconds
56.5 mpg
19
117g/km
3yrs/60,000 miles