Mazda's baby...but the 2 seems to reverse the trend for sit up and beg city cars. This is sleek and interesting. Shorter than the previous model and significantly lower, it rides on the same wheelbase. It is also a lot lighter, something achieved through the use of high tensile steel in some body parts, redesigned suspension and exhaust. This significantly increases consumption figures and lowers emissions.
The '2' is powered by two 1.3ltr engines, which produce under 130g/km of CO2. There is also a 1.5ltr petrol and a 1.4ltr, 75bhp turbodiesel sourced from Peugeot. The 1.5ltr produces 103bhp at 6,000rpm with 101lb-ft of torque at 4,000rpm; the two 1.3ltrs produce 75 and 86bhp respectively with almost identical torque figures.
Mazda has a great name for reliability and quality build. The one thing that lets this car down is the interior, which is made from hard plastic with none of the soft touch materials we have come to expect in cars these days.
The majority of models come with keyless entry and a knob on the steering column to start the engine. The gearshift is dash-mounted. On the move, the car is agile and responsive, although the steering can feel a little rubbery as it is first turned.
There is plenty of room for four adults, a good boot, despite the shape and size of the car, and plenty of other storage areas including bottle and cup holders.
Insurance is group 3 and 4.
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Mazda 2.