Model tested: Mazda 2 1.5 Sport
Price as tested: £12,149
Range price: £8,499 - £12,149
Insurance group as tested: 5
Insurance group range: 3 - 5
CO2 emissions as tested: 140g/km
Average range CO2 emissions: 128g/km
Company car tax %: 16%
EuroNCAP result: *****
Date tested: April 2008
Road tester: Adrian Hearn
Auto Trader Ten Point Test rating: 88%
The last 12 months have seen the stunning Audi R8, Ford Mondeo and BMW M3 go on sale. And all three of these big releases were beaten to the title of World Car of the Year by the Mazda 2 supermini.
We were stunned by the new Mazda 2’s lightweight shell, sleek looks and stunning handling when we drove it round the dazzling roads of Tuscany and Scotland last year.
So when we were given the opportunity to take a Mazda 2 on loan for a week we jumped at the chance.
View our slide show of the Mazda 2
Looks | Looks Inside | Practicality | Ride and Handling |Performance
Running Costs | Reliability | Safety | Equipment | X-Factor
1. Looks
The new car’s design has come on leaps over the original Mazda 2, which was a capable, but dull motor. The boxy design has been replaced with swooping curves stretching the length of the car, elliptical headlights which veer towards the Mazda grille and a set of sexy 16-inch alloys. The addition of front fog lights give a more aggressive stance, while the rear spoiler gives it another element of sportiness.
9/10
2. Looks inside
While not as dynamic as the exterior, the Mazda 2’s interior is a pleasant place to sit. The gearbox is positioned just beneath the centre console and is a perfect place to change gear from. The radio and CD player are built into the dash and feature a symmetrical array of switches with the air-con dials placed above the raised gearbox. The steering wheel is comfortable to hold and has controls for the sound system and trip computer.
8/10
3. Practicality
We were pleasantly surprised by the Mazda 2’s practicality. The boot’s 250-litre capacity was more than enough to carry two passengers’ luggage for an overnight stay. Inside the driver and passenger have a good amount of space, while the rear will comfortably seat two, or three at a stretch. The car has excellent all-round visibility making overtaking and parking easy.
8/10
4. Ride and Handling
After driving 160 miles on the motorway, we got the opportunity to take the Mazda 2 on some winding B-roads and were amazed by its handling prowess. You can drive it hard into corners and the grip is superb, with a minimal amount of roll and the steering is sharp and responsive. The downside to the firmish suspension is the bumps the Mazda 2 picks up on some seriously damaged roads.
10/10
5. Performance
There are three petrol models; 2 1.3-litre engines producing 74bhp and 84bhp and the 1.5-litre lump developing 101bhp. The latter is the one to choose, accelerating from 0-62mph (100kph) in 10.5 seconds and having a top speed of 117mph. It’s very refined and motorway cruising is practically silent. The numbers don’t scream excitement, but it’s surprisingly brisk. There’s also a 1.4-litre diesel engine, which places efficiency above performance. With the stunning chassis and handling, the Mazda 2 is crying out for a hot MPS model.
8/10
6. Running Costs
With prices ranging between £8,499 and £12,149 the Mazda 2 is slightly cheaper than rivals the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa. After this initial outlay, you won’t need deep pockets to keep it on the road. Insurance groups 3 to 5 mean cheap premiums while the petrol models average between 47.9 and 52.3mpg with the diesel managing 65.7mpg. With weight reduced (the Mazda 2 weighs just 955kg) energy required to drive the vehicle is reduced, so emissions are cut by 13 per cent. This means the 1.3-litre and 1.5-litre models emit 129 and 140g/km respectively placing them in tax band C (£115 per year).The diesel is in band B which means exemption from the London Congestion Charge when the pay format is revised in October.
9/10
7. Reliability
Mazda is ranked second in the Reliability Index and is renowned for building solid vehicles. The Mazda 2 doesn’t seem to buck the car maker’s good trend. From the refined engine to the indicator stalks, everything is superbly put together. If something does go wrong, you’re covered by a three year / 60,000 mile warranty.
9/10
8. Safety
In the EuroNCAP crash test programme, the Mazda 2 was awarded the full five stars for adult occupancy and four stars for child occupancy. All models feature driver and passenger airbags and an alarm and immobiliser as standard while the TS2 and Sport trims also getting curtain ‘bags. The Sport model we tested also featured traction control (this can be added to other trim levels for £550).
9/10
9. Equipment
The Mazda 2 comes in three trim levels; TS, TS2 and Sport. The entry-level TS is quite basic featuring a CD player, central locking, electric front windows and 15-inch steel wheels. The TS2 adds 15-inch alloys, leather steering wheel and gear knob, steering wheel and manual air-conditioning. The top-spec Sport gets 16-inch wheels, sports styling kit, front fog lights, rear electric windows, cruise control and a trip computer.
8/10
10. X-Factor
Superminis are getting bigger and heavier but the Mazda 2 has bucked the trend in sensational fashion. The 2 has gone from a run-of-the-mill motor to the top of the ranks thanks to its lightweight body, great looks and excellent handling. Beating the stunning Audi R8 supercar to be named 2008 World Car of the Year increased its credentials and it’s helping Mazda to record European sales over the past 12 months. The Mazda 2 is our supermini of choice and it will be interesting to see how the all-new Ford Fiesta fares against it when it goes on sale.
10/10
View our slide show of the Mazda 2
