The five-door has evolved since it was first launched in 1996. Precise, sharp steering is at the heart of the latest five-door and, in fact, all Mazdas!
The latest-generation Mazda 2 hasn't strayed too far from the 2008 car, so it is cute and chunky. The cabin is now set slightly further back along the body and there is a slight increase in overall length (+140mm) and the wheelbase (+80mm) to free up a bit more interior space.
The front of the car is handsome with a beautiful grille and body lines. 'Predator-like' LED headlights are available as an option for the first time and help push the car more up-market. The flanks feature subtle body cresses and the shoulder line sweeps up to the solid-looking rear-end.
The 280-litre boot (950 litres with seats down) has quite a small opening and a very high sill. Lifting-in shopping requires a little more effort than rivals but, that aside, the rear of the car looks great.
Inside, the driver gets a cockpit-like environment with a central speedometer dial dominating the cluster. On the entry model there is a centre dash-mounted stereo. Higher spec cars get a seven-inch, tablet-like display, which allows, via the MZD App, a level of impressive connectivity that only teenagers will fully understand! With the display, you also get a rotary 'iDrive-like' controller beside the manual handbrake.
In entry specification the cabin is dark and dull - but functional. A cool 'Heads Up Cockpit' (head-up display) is a first for Mazda 2 but sadly it won't be available in Ireland. On higher-trimmed versions you get more interesting plastics, while GT spec brightens and invigorates the cabin. Rear cabin space is relatively poor next to key rivals and headroom is tight for adults.
Under the bonnet the 75hp petrol engine (five-speed) will be the big seller. It has good power and is economical (4.7L/60mpg). A 90hp (five-speed) version of the same engine is available in the GT and when pressing on you can notice the additional 15hp. A new, lightweight 1.5-litre, 105hp diesel is available, although at the car's European launch no oil-burners were present. A six-speed 90hp automatic is available, too. Mazda 2 is very light, and as a result its performance benefits.
Mazda is an innovator and has been steadily improving its 'SKACTIV' technology (a Mazda buzzword that covers engine, body and chassis engineering) and the latest car features a host of laudable new elements. We were impressed with the extensive range of electronic aids available, like Lane Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Smart City Brake Support (auto braking) etc.
One clever bit of engineering caught our ear: new damping has been built into the chassis under the driver's seat rail and footwell to reduce vibration and harshness and increase the desired 'big-car' feel that Mazda wanted to deliver with its new 2.
On the road Mazda 2 drives very well and while freak heavy snowfall around Barcelona stopped us testing the car on a planned mountainous route, we still gave the machine a good test on a mixture of roads. The front-wheel drive car was agile and went where it was pointed and stopped effortlessly.
Prices start at €15,995. The trim levels are: SE, Executive, Executive SE and GT. Optional packs feature in the price list also.
Mazda 2, a supermini with personality.
Michael Sheridan
