7:00am Saturday 7th November 2009
MAZDA’S superminis have had a number of revamps to appeal to the buying public.
But the latest package is the most impressive and lifts the vehicle among the top contenders in the small car sector where as many as 50 different models compete for trade.
Fortunately, long before the recession, Mazda realised that this segment – already representing at least 25 per cent of the market – was likely to grow still further.
And so it set about redesigning and refining the Mazda2 for a new generation.
It is this modern approach to the small car ideal that stands out and has won the Mazda plaudits in motoring circles for being such a fresh and competent all-round package.
At the kerbside, the sporty and stylish lines are far more expressive than its predecessor.
It looks ready for action and indeed its advanced and environmentally-friendly motors have the ability to perform really well in town or on the open road.
However, the Mazda2 is not the cheapest small car, with prices starting at £9,295 on the road for the 1.3-litre petrol.
But it is keenly priced when you consider the chic styling, excellent build quality, generous equipment levels, splendid residuals and, above all, the fun-to-drive aspect of this car.
There are three petrol engines, two 1.3 versions and a 1.5-litre, with 2 diesels, 1.4 and 1.6-litre.
The 1.6-oil burner, the latest arrival, is proving popular, particularly in Sport form with such quick performance from its 89bhp engine and excellent body control for enthusiastic driving.
The Mazda2 is lighter than before which makes it faster and more fuel efficient to return a superb combined figure of 67.3mpg during everyday motoring.
The car’s new chassis offers excellent crash protection with more torsional rigidity which helps to give a compromise between the car’s good composure and handling characteristics.
Six airbags and electronic assistance are part of the safety package.
As one might expect, in Sport mode the car gives a firm ride.
Its light clutch, slick and nicely-positioned gear change, together with communicative power steering make it easy to weave through tight traffic, while away from the city congestion, the 1.6 diesel is also agile, pulling strongly and remaining fairly quiet at speed. It has no problem keeping up with the Joneses on the motorway and will purr along happily at the speed limit.
The cabin layout is where the Mazda also scores. It is a roomy and friendly place to be with a logical and uncomplicated dash layout and is expertly trimmed.
A good driving position is easily found and in the rear there is comfortable seating for three.
The boot is not particularly generous in size but, with the rear split seats folded down, there is plenty of space with the load volume increasing from 250 litres to more than three times that figure.
At-a-glance
Mazda2 1.6-litre diesel Sport 3-door.
Price: £13,495 (on the road).
Top speed: 114mph.
0-62mph: 11.4 seconds.
Fuel: 67.3mpg (combined figure).
Emissions: C02 (g/km): 112.
Verdict: A modern supermini, fun to drive, quick and fuel efficient, stylish, well built and generously equipped. A firm ride.
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