Auto Driven: Mazda 2

Models tested: Mazda 2 1.3 TS and 1.5 Sport
Model prices: £8,499 and £11,799
Price range: £8,499 - £11,799
Insurance group as tested: 4 and 7
Insurance group range: 4 - 7
Date and location tested: September, Tuscany
Road Tester: Adrian Hearn

Most new superminis become larger, heavier machines as they evolve, but the all-new Mazda 2 has broken the mould and is 100kg lighter than its predecessor.

So with the weight loss and more muscular frame has the Mazda 2 fulfilled the marketing tagline, ‘It’s fit?’

Adrian Hearn went to Tuscany to see if the Japanese motor could cut it on some of Europe’s toughest, but most picturesque roads.

Torrential rain, poor road surfaces and driving in Europe for the first time – the Mazda 2 really needed to impress me as I emerged from a lightning-filled flight to Florence.

First impressions on the Mazda 2 were good. While the old 2 was solid and reliable, it lacked the personality to go with the Japanese brand’s legendary MX-5, unique RX-8 and blisteringly-quick MPS models.

Mazda needed to build a car to fit the brand’s ‘Zoom-Zoom’ criteria. 

Out goes the tall and narrow frame of the previous Mazda 2 to be replaced with a more muscular, better-balanced shape with a far sportier look. It’s slightly shorter than the outgoing model but is also lower meaning a more planted feel.

The front lights peer downwards towards a Peugeot-esque gaping mouth, while swooping lines spread from one side to the other. It’s truly brutal in comparison to the previous model.

The range-topping 1.5-litre sport model we drove produced 100bhp and 137 nm of pulling power. This accelerated the 2 from 0-62mph (100kph) in 10.4 seconds and on to a top speed of 117mph. The accelerator pedal is really responsive and great for tackling Tuscany’s winding hills. It’s not quite in hot hatch territory, but Mazda say if the market is there, it will build an MPS model.

Driving the 2 hard through corners, the suspension coped superbly and the traction control and stability control meant any over-ambitious moves wouldn’t mean an unintended trip down a ravine.

The 1.5 Sport is well equipped, boasting sporty features such as 16-inch alloy wheels and a sports bodykit which included side skirts and a rear spoiler.

Other features include all-round electric windows, a smart CD player with MP3 connectivity, automatic lights and rain sensors and front fog lights.

The plastics that make up the interior feel hard and robust, matching the quality of the exterior. The seats have a black sports cloth trim and placed between the front seats is a space to place a handbag. This space is created by moving the handbrake closer to the driver and placing the five-speed gear stick in an elevated position. There’s plenty of room for passengers in the rear, while the boot is a spacious 250 litres.

Safety-wise it’s well equipped. Standard safety and security features including anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution and emergency brake assist. In the event of these aids not being enough, the driver and passenger are protected by front and side airbags. It is yet to be EuroNCAP crash tested but Mazda is confident of being awarded five stars. All models are fitted with a  Thatcham approved alarm and immobiliser.

After driving the Sport model I took the lesser-powered 1.3 TS for a spin. This produces 72bhp and 121nm of pulling power and accelerates from 0-62mph (100kph) in 14 seconds before running out of steam at 104mph. While these figures seem less than impressive, the 1.3 TS coped aptly with Tuscany’s hills.

By shaving off 100kg through fitting a lighter exhaust system along with making the 2 lower and slightly shorter than the outgoing model. Mazda claim to have reduced fuel consumption by 15 per cent and ensured agile handling. Our model has a claimed combined fuel economy of 47.9mpg which is impressive for a punchy 1.5-litre petrol engine, while the entry level 1.3 manages 52.3mpg. Tax shouldn’t be too taxing either with the 1.5 emitting 140g/km while the entry level model and the emissions are cut to 129g/km. Both models will cost the owner £115 a year to tax.

Previous small Mazdas have been Ford Fiestas in disguise, sharing the same platform as the popular Ford and, in the case of the 121, was practically identical.

But while the latest model shares a few components with the Fiesta, the Mazda 2 can be celebrated in its own right – as one of the market’s sexiest and most competent superminis.   

Rivals

You might want to consider:

Ford Fiesta

Renault Clio

Citroen C2

Fiat Bravo

Honda Jazz

Compare prices for the Mazda 2 with Auto Trader’s New Car Search

Read the What Car? verdict

Read more car reviews