THINK Mazda and you think MX5 and Wankel engines.
What you don’t traditionally think is supermini, but that all changed with the introduction of the Mazda 2.
With its good looks and competitive price it was named World Car of the Year in 2008. It also stole the hearts of many in the supermini segment market.
Now in 2011 and the manufacturer has updated the Mazda 2 to ensure it remains fresh in the eyes of the buyer. Something of high importance considering the amount competition in this particularly crowded market.
But rather than make substantial alterations to a car that has done so much for Mazda, the design team at the Hiroshima plant has been reigned in so only subtle changes have been made.
On the outside, the foglights have been changed and the grille slightly adjusted, inside the changes are even less noticeable but things still appear well laid out and solid. Importantly the Mazda 2 is still a good looking car!
Looking to the Mazda MX-5 for inspiration, the Japanese manufacturer followed the roadster’s ‘gram strategy’ approach to design. This meant every aspect of the car’s construction was double-checked for excess weight, without compromising on safety or driving dynamics.
Its relentless search for improvement has also led to an up to five per cent reduction in CO2 emissions. Fuel economy is highly competitive and the Mazda 2 is still a great choice for the environmentally conscious, with all the engines Euro Stage 5 compliant.
The Mazda 2 comes with a number of engines; a 1.3-litre and 1.5-litre petrol and a 1.6-litre diesel. All have been revised to ensure compliancy with the Euro V emissions standard, and all benefit from marginal improvements in economy and CO2 emissions. On test I was driving a three door 1.5 Sport model.
With prices starting at £12,495, the 1.5 Sport model will do 0-62mph in 10.4 seconds (making it a warm hatch instead of a hot hatch) and will do 49.6mpg on the combined cycle and releasing 135g/km CO2.
Get over the fact that it is perhaps not as ‘sporty’ as you may hope and the car is really fun to drive. You won’t be burning rubber at the traffic lights but what you do get is a car that remains very tidy on the road. The ride is smooth and it allows you to cruise home from a busy day at work in comfort.
The Mazda 2 1.5 Sport is a ‘warm-hatch’ for grown-ups. Less concerned with turning the heads of spotty faced oiks who like to supe their cars up with spoilers and front skirts, Mazda has once again produced a top notch small car to compete against the other 30-odd rivals in the supermini segment.
Quite simply, the Mazda 2 1.5 Sport is a driver’s small car.