THE new Mazda 2 is a supermini that is big on vitality and versaitility. When it goes on sale in the near future, the fourth generation Mazda2 range will be available in five grades: SE, SE-L, SE-L Nav, Sport and Sport Nav. There's a choice of 12 petrol and four diesel variants, with prices varying from £11,995 to 17,395 on-the road.
I drove two models on a press test drive event in Devon - the petrol SE-L Nav and the diesel Sport Nav - and I have to say that I was impressed with both of them.
The new Mazda2 brings new levels of technological sophistication, active safety and fun to a super competitive market that has been traditionally dominated by the likes of the Ford Fiesta, the Vauxhall Corsa and the Renault Clio.
First of all the Mazda2 looks great and punchy from the outside. The signature wing front grille with the predator-like headlamp styling gives it a sporty feel and makes it instantly recognisable as part of the Mazda family.
Interior space has been slightly increased compared to its predecessor thanks to a longer wheelbase with smaller overhangs. Mazda has taken advantage of this to offer a cabin in which you could probably squeeze in five adults at a push, while there's also a good sized glove box at the front, and clever storage pockets in the doors to hold bottles.
The boot is also more than adequate for a supermini, offering 280 litres with the rear seats in place and 950 litres with them folded down.
Internally the Mazda2 is packed full of technology, with an easy-to-use seven-inch touch-screen display and Multimedia Commander infotainment control similar to that I experienced on the new Mazda 6 recently. There's also a DAB radio, but it's all laid out in a tidy, clutter-free way.
MZD Connect, which was first used on the Mazda3 when it was launched at the beginning of last year, also makes it easier for you to pair your mobile phone with your car and take advantage of functions such as internet connectivity and access to social networking.
The whole system is as straightforward as any on the market, and within minutes I had connected my mobile phone to the system and was making good use of the services on offer.
The two models I drove also boasted an integrated satellite navigation system, while the Sport model also comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, smart keyless entry and climate control air-conditioning. The Mazda2 is seven per cent lighter than its predecessor, and features a range of ultra-efficient SKYACTIV powertrains. There's a choice of 1.5-litre, 75, 90 and 115ps petrol and 1.5-litre, 105 ps diesel engines, all of which are Euro 6-compliant.
I drove the cars from Exeter Airport down to Salcombe via Dartmoor and was immediately struck by how much fun and surprisingly roomy they were.
Both models were spacious and stuck to the road fantastically. They were smooth and comfortable on some of the rather rough and ragged Devon country lanes that I had to endure, and handled superbly to give the driver a truly comfortable drive. Changing gear was also smooth and responsive.
Despite their relatively small engines there was certainly plenty of power too when I took them on A roads and the M5, and the easy-to-use sat nav rescued me on a number of occasions when it would have been easy to have got lost.
Safety is an issue that has not been lost on the Mazda2, with numerous systems including Anti-lock Brakes, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Electronic Brake Assist, Dynamic Stability Control and Hill Hold Assist fitted as standard across the model range. Some models are also further equipped with a Lane Departure Warning System and Smart City Brake Support, which operates between speeds of 2.5 and 18.5mph and automatically applies the brakes if the system detects an imminent frontal crash.
An optional Safety Pack on the 115ps Sports Nav model offers even higher levels of driver assistance with High Beam Control, Blind Spot Monitoring, a Rear Cross Traffic Alert System and an Active Driving Display.
The latter has been introduced to the segment for the first time and projects the most important real-time driving data directly into the driver's forward field of view.
The new Mazda2 is available in a choice of 10 colours including the sporty Dynamic Blue and stylish Smoky Rose. It is also available with 15 and 16-inch aluminium or 15-inch steel alloys.
The Mazda2 will be celebrated by a special Sports Launch Edition, which is powered by a 1.5-litre 90ps SKYACTIV-G petrol engine.
Priced at £14,995 on-the-road it includes an integrated navigation system, 16-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass, dusk sensing lights, rain-sensing front wipers, rear parking sensors and free-of-charge Metallic/Mica/Pearlescent paint.
For more information you can contact Perrys Barnsley, Claycliffe Road, Barugh Green, S75 1LR. Tel: 01226 887447
