Mazda 2
Ratings
4 stars
Summary
Recommended. Stylish, space efficient, low-weight supermini that makes sense.
Review
Mazda has never been very present in the supermini market, offering cars that have seemed a little oddball compared with big sellers like the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa. All that changes with this new Mazda2, which majors on style and low weight to give it an advantage in this crowded category, which provides an astonishing 50-plus choice of superminis.
This Mazda is unusual for countering the trend that sees cars getting bigger and heavier each time they're updated, this new version of the 2 not only being smaller than its predecessor but lighter too, by almost 100kg. That may not sound much, but it's a major achievement in a car that's safer than before, and carries more equipment. The benefit of lower weight is always present, in the form of lower fuel consumption, reduced emissions and improved performance. Despite being smaller the new 2 offers more interior room than the previous model, and it also scores five NCAP stars for occupant protection.
There are three engines in the range at launch, including a two 1.3s of 75 and 86bhp and a 103bhp 1.5. A 1.4 turbodiesel - the same engine used in the Ford Fiesta, Peugeot 207 and Mini - goes on sale early in 2008. There are three trim levels, and later on there will a high performance MPS version.
Ratings Breakdown
Styling
4 star
Mazda has majored on style as a means of distinguishing the 2 amongst those shoals of superminis, and on the whole it has succeeded. Pert, curvy and lightly muscular, it's certainly one of the better-looking cars in this class, and a vast improvement on its boxy predecessor. And its cabin is quite a
Handling
4 star
The 2 looks quite sporty, and that promise is largely realised on the road. It's responsive, doesn't roll much and is easy to drive briskly, making for a reasonably entertaining drive on a twisty road. The electric power steering, unusually for these systems, offers a little more feel than others of
Comfort
4 star
Decent room up front, excellent cruising refinement and comfortable seats make this a better long-distance car than you might expect, and if the ride quality is sometimes a little firm it's pretty good overall.
Quality & Reliability
4 star
This car feels tightly assembled, and its interior appears robust. Though the dashboard is entirely made from hard-surfaced plastics its appearance is of acceptable quality - good enough that you don't feel you're aboard a budget car.
Performance
3 star
None of the three petrol engines offers startling performance, despite the Mazda's lower weight, but, they better most of the competition and prove peppy enough on the road if you work them enthusiastically. The 86bhp 1.3 sounds less stressed than the 75bhp version, while the 1.5 has traces of sport
Roominess
4 star
Space up front is reasonable if you're tall once the seat height adjuster is lowered, while rear room is competitive, and the boot decently sized. Oddments space inside is decent, and runs to a rather odd magazine rack in the front glovebox - it might hold a couple of thinner mags - and bottle-holde
Running Costs
4 star
The 2's lower weight should produce superior fuel consumption figures, CO2 outputs are competitive for the engine size and will come below 120g/km with the diesel. Servicing cost should be low, as are its insurance groupings. Mazdas tend to be exceptionally reliable and the 2 should may its value sl
Value for money
4 star
The Mazda's pricing is competitive, and its standard equipment slightly more generous than is usual for the money. Standard kit on the entry TS model includes anti-lock brakes, twin airbags, electric front windows, an MP3 compatible radio/CD an alarm and electric door mirrors, for instance.
