Mazda 2 review (2007-2010)

Model: Mazda 2 1.3 TS2
Bodystle: five-door hatchback
Engine: 1.3-litre four-cylinder, petrol
Transmission: five-speed manual

What is it?

The Mazda 2 falls into classic supermini territory, a small hatchback that will take four at a squeeze. Unlike the smallest city cars the Mazda 2 and its supermini compatriots offer the promise of long distance ability as well as manoeuvrability in the city. Not that you'd want to cross continents but with the right engine and a bit of determination, there's certainly the performance to keep up speed with the rest of the traffic. The last Mazda 2 was a box on wheels, able but ultimately an unlovable car. This all-new version contrasts with a sexy style and less weight making it instant eye candy. As is the forthcoming new Ford Fiesta, with which the Mazda shares a lot of components.

GALLERY: Mazda 2

Where does it fit?

The 2 is the entry point to the Mazda range, and as such it's important that buyers get into something appealing that will lead them up the range in future years. Rivals are legion - this sector of the market takes 25% of all UK sales and there are almost 50 similarly sized alternatives to the Mazda. As well as the Fiesta, key competition comes from the Vauxhall Corsa, Renault Clio, Fiat Grande Punto, Honda Jazz, Toyota Yaris, Peugeot 207; the list is almost endless. And if the way it looks is important to you, then it's hard to rule out Fiat's new 500 or the Mini.

Is it for you?

The supermini market can be split down the middle. Cars which are bought because they both look good and you like looking good driving around in them and those that strive to provide a more practical package even though it inevitably seems to end up compromising the appearance. Now, there's nothing wrong with good looks as long as the car is a good one, but you only have to look at the popularity of Peugeot's old 206 to realise that people will always buy mediocre cars if they are pretty. The Mazda 2 promises more, not least in terms of quality while the Mazda brand name is highly credible these days.

What does it do well?

It's a nice, easy car to drive. The more compact dimensions and well-placed driving controls mean that there are few obstacles to the driver feeling at one with the Mazda 2. Its light weight has another benefit. Even this 85bhp 1.3-litre version - the mid-powered petrol engine - has good get-up-and-go, with a lively nature that makes nipping in and out of city traffic less stressful. Couple that to sharp, incisive steering and handling and this small hatch provides more entertainment than almost any rival. This is how a supermini used to be, light, nimble, agile on its feet, but a concept that seems to have been pushed onto the back burner by other manufacturers.

What doesn't it do well?

The great chassis dynamics don't come without a downside. The ride is really rather firm (that's where the weight of heavier cars can help smooth the imperfections), which can make it seem jittery at low speeds with plenty of bumps being felt through the cabin. Then there is the noise from the tyres. It's substantial- get the car up to motorway cruising speeds and you'll need to wind the radio right up. Hit a section of concrete surfaced road and things get close to unbearable at high velocities.

What’s it like to live with?

The Mazda 2 gets a user-friendly but pretty run-of-the-mill supermini interior. It is certainly not as classy as some of the best, largely because the dashboard plastics look functional rather than having any pretence of soft-touchy quality. But there are a few stand out points, notably the distinctive round control panel above the high-mounted gearlever. The steering wheel adjusts for height but doesn't move in and out, which is a shame. Space inside is middling, which is where the bigger superminis now score over this Mazda. You can fit four adults, but it's tight. Boot space is mediocre too.

How green is it?

All that weight saving pays off when it comes to economy and emissions. The Mazda 2 with the 1.3-litre engine averages, according to the official figures, 52mpg, which surprisingly is still only around the average figure for a petrol supermini. Surprising, but still extremely good. When it comes to emissions though, this Mazda shines. Its C02 figure is just 129g/km, almost 10 points better than the average. That's still not good enough to get below the London congestion charge break point, though. For that you'll need the buy the Mazda 2 diesel which adds a greedy £1,000 to the price.

Would we buy one?

Easy on the eye, simple to drive, and good fun, the Mazda 2 has a great deal going for it. It even proves that weight isn't everything when it comes to safety - it gets the full EuroNCAP five star rating. The pricing is spot on too, but we cannot suppress an underlying feeling that this is a decent small car, but not a great one. Perhaps we have just got used to the way that many superminis today tend to have such a grown-up feel about them, and the Mazda 2 trades this for compactness and agility.

GALLERY: Mazda 2
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