Mazda 2 1.3

The Mazda 2 has always lived in the shadow of its closely related Ford cousin. But is it finally time for it to shine? A package of updates including revised styling, an improved equipment list and re-tuned suspension was introduced late last year, and the Mazda has always represented great value in the supermini sector.

There was never much wrong with the way the 2 looked, so the visual changes were kept to a minimum. Its nose incorporates sleek twin-lens headlights, while a larger lower air dam brings it into line with the rest of the Mazda range. Small overhangs and sharp lines give the Japanese car an athletic stance, and it’s the only model here capable of challenging the Ford Fiesta for visual appeal.

The Mazda’s styling is also deceptive, because it’s the second longest car in our line-up, despite its compact shape. And in Tamura trim, it features large alloy wheels, sleek tail-lamps and a diffuser-style bumper, meaning  it looks the most dynamic, too.

Inside, a dash-mounted gearlever frees up space in the front seats, and the driver’s seat is height adjustable. Combined with a reach and rake adjustable steering column, the Mazda has the best driving position.

The dashboard is simple, but features neat touches such as a split glovebox and stylish round air vents. And while there are few soft-touch materials, the piano black trim on the centre console and leather finish applied to the steering wheel and gearlever provide a high-quality edge.

Interior options are limited, though. In Tamura trim, items such as leather seats, cruise control and a USB input are all unavailable. Standard kit includes air-con, but the rotary controls and manual slider for the recirculation switch feel cheap compared to the climate control in the Suzuki.

However, it’s a comfortable place to while away the miles. Despite its status as one of the biggest cars in our line-up, the 2 trails its rivals for rear cabin space, and only the tiny Suzuki provides a smaller load area than the 250-litre Mazda.

What it lacks in space, the 2 aims to make up for in fun. Mazda has consistently produced cars that are good to drive, and the latest model is no exception.

The perfectly weighted steering and slick gearchange ensure it’s a car that can be enjoyed at all speeds, and you don’t have to be driving quickly to feel involved. This is just as well, because the 83bhp 1.3-litre engine is no firecracker. The Mazda trailed the Toyota by a second in the sprint from 0-60mph, with a time of 11.8 seconds. And its five-speed gearbox meant it couldn’t keep up with the six-speed Yaris in our in-gear tests.

Around town, and at lower speeds, it feels lively enough. Its peak torque output of 122Nm is produced at only 3,500rpm – 1,300rpm lower than in the Suzuki. Turn into a corner, and the Mazda’s dynamic abilities come to the fore. Front-end grip is strong, while the brakes are both positive and progressive.

Bizarrely, stability control isn’t even available as an option, and a sharp mid-corner lift off the throttle can be enough to see the 2’s rear end lose grip. Keen drivers will love it, but we think stability control should be standard in the supermini class. Revisions to the suspension as part of its mid-life facelift were designed to improve comfort, but there is still a trade-off for the Mazda’s superb handling and agility.

It sits on 16-inch alloy wheels, and the ride is undeniably firmer than in the Ford and Suzuki, although no worse than in the Toyota, and it displays far greater composure than the new Yaris. 

On price, the Mazda enjoys a significant advantage over its competitors in this test. At only £11,830, it’s the cheapest model here, undercutting the Toyota by nearly £2,000. And thanks to low CO2 emissions, the 2 is cheap to tax. It put in average performance at the pumps, returning 33mpg.

However, the key to the Mazda’s appeal isn’t restricted to its efficiency and affordable price – it’s engaging to drive and great to look at, too. Will that be enough to see it triumph here, though?

Details

Chart position: 3WHY: Great to drive, sharply styled and solidly put together, the competitively priced Mazda 2 is as appealing as ever. But have subtle revisions gone far enough?