A supermini with style and sporting flair
May 21 2009 By Edward Stephens
THINK Mazda, think sporty and dynamic. The Japanese car company has made an enviable name for itself by producing a range of cars with a sporting bias.
So it was no surprise when its latest Mazda2 was cast in the same mould.
While some superminis are content to look sedate, boring even, the Mazda2 has a flair and sharpness that hits you in the eye.
With its high rising waistline, distinctive lines in the metal and curves in all the right places, this trendy newcomer stands out from the crowd.
Even more noticeable is the Sport version that I tried, thanks to its special styling kit – which includes side skirts and rear spoiler – and 16in alloy wheels.
Step inside and that sporting sharpness is evident here too.
Everything in the car falls easily to hand, particularly the high mounted gear lever with its slick, short throw action which adds to the sporting feel of the car.
Combine this with variable power steering, giving plenty of driver feedback, and the responsive lightweight sports-tuned chassis and you have a real driver’s car which is great on tight country roads or for nipping in and out of city traffic.
The electric power steering also ensures that when it comes to parking the Mazda2 you can virtually turn the wheel with one finger, so multi-storey car parks are a cinch.
As you pick up speed the steering becomes progressively firmer, so that at motorway speeds you get the firmness you need for stability. And on the motorway the little Mazda2 feels remarkably composed.
It also feels remarkably gutsy with no lack of power when you need it, although there were times when I felt that a sixth gear would have made it that little bit better.
Mazda says most new superminis have been getting bigger and heavier – probably because motorists demand more and features on them – making them thirstier and less agile.
The Mazda2, however, is lighter, making it more fuel efficient and definitely more lively.
The suspension is firm but the ride is good and there is little in the way of body roll. On certain surfaces the tyre noise is noticeable, but in general noise levels are pretty low.
The seats are impressively supportive and comfortable, with plenty of adjustment, although there is no adjustment on the steering column.
Space up front is surprisingly good for a small car and it is definitely not a squash in the back.
Boot space is adequate for a car of this size, with the added flexibility of being able to fold down the 60-40 split rear seat backs for more space. With the seat backs in position the Mazda2 offers 250 litres of luggage space but with them lowered it rises dramatically to 787 litres.
The new Mazda2 was Voted World Car of the Year 2008 and given five stars in the Euro NCAP crash tests, both of which are pretty strong recommendations to anyone trying to decide which of a plethora of superminis to opt for.
* FAST FACTS - Mazda2 Sport
Price: £11,542
Mechanical: 103 bhp, 1498cc, 4cyl petrol driving front wheels via 5spd gearbox.
Max speed: 117 mph
0-62 mph: 10.4 secs
Combined mpg: 49.6
Insurance group: 5E
CO2 emissions: 135g/km
Warranty: Three years, 60,000 miles, 12-year anti perforation warranty
