Physically smaller than the outgoing model the new Mazda 2 is the definition of pint-sized fun. The Japanese car has been well thought out; it even has a glove box with a magazine rack!
Chunky, stylish and tough describes the new pretender to the supermini crown. The five-door hatchback bucks the trend to grow bigger and put on weight.
The result is a nippy and amusing car that is both nimble and precise on the road.
The old Mazda2 was boxy, very practical but never a looker! The new car changes that and is reminiscent of the much loved original Daihatsu Charade from the late 70s.
Mazda 2 is now 100kg lighter than the old 2, weighing just over a tonne, the body shell alone is 22kg lighter. Mazda 2 sits lower by 40mm and is significantly shorter at 3885mm. This is very noticeable when trying to park. Interior space is pretty impressive and ‘tardis-like’ thanks to generous headroom.
Inside the cabin has more than a hint of DNA common to the more salubrious MX-5 and RX-8 sportscars. Sadly the plastics used are hard and dark, but somehow the Mazda 2 gets away with it. Inside the car feels sporty and there is a surprisingly good amount of legroom for such a short car (if you know what I mean).
The steering only adjusts for tilt but it is still easy to find a good driving position. There is an iPod/MP3 player mini jack socket fitted as standard throughout the range. The boot is quite small at 250 litres but useful none the less.
On the road Mazda 2 is a hoot as it has a firm sporty ride. The main reason the 2 is interesting to drive is down to the tight steering that is refreshingly direct with a tiny turning circle that makes manoeuvring effortless.
The main points of contact feel good and overall the cute compact cat is a class act. The gear lever is mounted high and close to the driver and is one of the best in terms of throw and feel. Engaging any of the five forward gears is MX5-like, very slick and without the slightest hint of vagueness.
Two 1.3 litre versions are available with outputs of 75 or 86bhp. Both will average over 52 to the gallon while the range topping 1.5 litre delivers just under 48 to the gallon in old money.
A frugal 68bhp 1.4 litre diesel is due to roll off the production line by the end of the year. My test car is the entertaining top spec 1.5 (103bhp) with all the toys and a 0-100km/h time of 10.4 seconds. ‘Comfort’, ‘Comfort SE’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Sport SE’ are the trim levels.
While prices start at €15,895 the Japanese built Mazda2 is pricey when compared to rivals like the brilliant Suzuki Swift (€14,295) but it is greener and has better fuel consumption.
My top spec test car €20,895 costs as much as something nice from the Ford Focus class and that’s a full car size bigger.
Michael Sheridan
