By Declan Glynn
While other brands seek efficiency through small capacity engines and turbocharging, Mazda sticks to larger, naturally aspirated engines that give punchy performance and excellent economy.
Engine availability in the Mazda 2 is limited to a mild-hybrid 1.5-litre ‘Skyactiv-G’ petrol unit in two states of tune – 75PS and 90PS, with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard.
Trim Levels
There are three trim levels available in the Mazda 2 – GS, GS Sport and GT, with a 5-door hatchback being the only body-style available. Standard specification across the entire Mazda2 range is impressive, with every trim level coming with power-folding heated door mirrors, cruise control with adjustable speed limiter, LED headlights with automatic height control, air-conditioning, roof spoiler, leather steering wheel with audio and Bluetooth controls, auto door locks, tyre pressure monitoring system, 15” alloy wheels, radio/CD, alarm, front & rear electric windows, and Mazda’s i-Stop system.
Solid, Energetic Stance
The Mazda 2 is a shining expression of Mazda’s ‘Jinba Ittai’ philosophy, meaning that the car positively bursts with energy, character and vitality.
The car is also a perfect manifestation of Mazda’s KODO Design too. It delivers a solid stance, muscular lines with sharp creases, a modern cabin and an overall look that says ‘forward momentum’.
Car on Review
My review car was fitted with the 1.5-litre petrol engine with 90bhp and 148Nm of torque – enabling the car to sprint from 0-100km/h in just 9.7 seconds, while consuming as little as 5.3-litres of petrol for every 100km’s driven on a WLTP extra-urban driving cycle.
Thanks to low CO2 emissions, annual road tax is just €180. My GT specification review car comes with key features such as digital (DAB) radio, automatic air-con, LED daytime running lights, 7” TFT colour touchscreen with Multimedia Commander, Android Auto & Apple CarPlay connectivity, rear parking sensors, rear privacy glass, smart keyless entry, 16” bright alloy wheels, rain sensing wipers, navigation system, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, humidity sensor and a shark-fin antenna.
Excellent All-Rounder
The Mazda 2’s spacious, well-designed interior has a quality feel to it that gives the impression that it is a car from the class above.
Taking pride of place in the cabin are upmarket details like eyeball air-vents, a large speedometer and a large touchscreen display.
Pricing & Warranty
Prices for the new Mazda 2 start at just €19,505, while my top-spec GT test car is priced at €21,905 and represents excellent value for money.
All new Mazda cars come with a 3-year (100,000km) warranty and a 3-year European roadside assist package for complete peace-of-mind motoring.
The new Mazda 2 is small in size, but big on freedom.
