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First Drive Review: Mazda2

Image of Phil Huff
Author: | Updated: 17 Mar 2015 15:12

The outgoing Mazda 2 wasn’t spotted too often on UK roads. A shame really because the car itself was a zesty little thing that could keep most drivers entertained while also ticking every necessary city car box; it was compact, spacious, reasonably frugal and good value too.

Expectations for the new model were quite high then, even more so with the success of Mazda’s most recent models, the CX-5 SUV, large hatch 6 and compact 3.

The new Mazda2 is stronger yet lighter than its predecessor

Find Mazda2 leasing deals: business / personal

Changes to the new model are substantial, with a greater focus on strength and lightness meaning there’s more use of high-tensile steel. That stiffens the bodyshell by 22%, so Mazda say, which bodes well for handling and ride.

There are also shorter overhangs, freeing up interior space, while the interior has been substantially fettled with.

Gone is the rather plain and plastic dashboard and in its place is something you wouldn't mind having in a car at twice the price. There’s a leather top to the dashboard with bold stitching, a striking seven-inch touchscreen sitting atop the centre console, while Mazda’s multimedia Commander sits between the seats and allows an i-Drive-like experience. 

Gone is the rather plain and plastic dashboard and in its place is something you wouldn't mind having in a car at twice the price.

The infotainment and sat-nav accepts commands either through the touchscreen or a controller which means it’s intuitive for pretty much any driver, regardless of what they’ve driven in the past.

It’s not perfect though, with the screen looking oddly unfinished thanks to some icons that disappear off the side of the screen, while the touch screen itself needs a little more effort behind your prod than you might be comfortable with. I’m also hoping that somebody at Mazda can explain why the volume control goes up to 63...

Likewise, the head-up display utilises a cheap-looking bit of perspex that folds out of the instrument binnacle rather than an embedded system of screens and mirrors. It works, but a mistimed throw of some gloves on to the dashboard could see it meet an untimely end.

A head-up display utilises a cheap-looking bit of perspex that folds out of the instrument binnacle

These are minor glitches in what is an impressive cabin though, and you’ll soon learn to live with them. What remains is first class, and instantly familiar to anybody stepping out of the more expensive Mazda models.

You’ll recognise the handling prowess too. Turn is impressive with no hint of understeer. The steering, which is a little light and vague in a straight line, weights up nicely on the twisty bits and really allows you to feel how much grip is available - quite a lot, in case you're wondering. It’s not quite up to Fiesta ST levels of fun, but then it’s also a lot easier to live with on a day-to-day basis.

That’s thanks to a ride quality that can’t quite claim to be limo-like, but is rather good.

Imperfections in flowing roads are soaked up nicely, although damaged tarmac on urban roads can thump through the cabin a bit more than you might like. Life’s a compromise though, and the balance between ride and handling is tough to get exactly right.

Imperfections in flowing roads are soaked up nicely, although damaged tarmac on urban roads can thump through the cabin a bit more than you might like

That’s matched by a 1.5-litre normally aspirated petrol engine that enjoys being revved. You won’t miss a gear change either as the five-speed manual is a glorious thing to use.

Keep the engine singing and it’ll get you to 60mph in just 9.4 seconds, while promising to return 62.8mpg.

That economy figure might just be attainable too. While my time with the car saw it return just 45mpg, it was being driven around some demanding roads in an, er, enthusiastic fashion.

Show it some sensible roads with a fair and reasonable pilot and the 2 should prove to be unreasonably frugal.

The 1.5 Skyactiv engine promises 62.8mpg

Equipment levels are high too, with all but the entry level SE coming with DAB radio, Bluetooth connectivity and a USB port, along with cruise control, air conditioning, emergency city braking and lane departure warning.

Technically, there’s slightly less room in the back and boot than some rivals, but it’s close enough and, thanks to standard split rear seats, it’ll be practical enough for all but the fussiest city car driver.

The high asking price of £14,395 might put off a few business users though, even with a low CO2 figure of 105g/km for the model tested here, and prices for some models can go north of £17,000.

However for private buyers, there are usually some excellent finance offers available direct from Mazda, which should ease the pain somewhat.

Verdict

Combining some stylish design on the outside, classy design on the inside, enough performance to keep you smiling and frugality to keep the bank manager smiling, the Mazda 2 makes for an excellent supermini.

It might not quite manage to be the best in any one area, but the total is greater than the sum of its parts.

It may not be class-leading in any field but the Mazda2  is greater than the sum of its parts

Mazda2 at a glance:

Model tested: Mazda2 SE-L Nav 1.5 SKYACTIV-G 90PS
Price: £14,395

Length: 3885mm
Width: 1695mm
Height: 1475mm
Wheelbase: 2490mm
Boot space: 250 / 787 litres

Top speed: 114 mph
0-62 mph: 9.4 seconds
Official combined fuel economy: 62.8mpg
CO2 emissions: 105 g/km
VED Band: B / £20 per year
Car insurance group: 15E

Engine: 1.5-litre petrol
Power: 90 PS (89 bhp)
Torque: 148 Nm (109 lb ft)
Kerb weight: 1,050kg

Key rivals: VW Polo, Ford Fiesta, Kia Rio, Skoda Fabia, Peugeot 208, Toyota Yaris

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