New Mazda2 already a hit with car buyers

Its new Mazda2 supermini is about to arrive in showrooms, to be followed by the all-new CX-3 compact SUV and, towards the end of the summer, the latest incarnation of the iconic MX-5 roadster.

With the big Mazda6 significantly revamped and upgraded only two months ago, it means that by the end of the year its 'oldest' model will be the Mazda3 – and that was only launched a year ago!

All are based on two principles: SKYACTIV chassis and engines developed for impressive fuel efficiency and more agile, sharper handling, while the 'striking ' 'KODO, or 'Soul of Motion' design which gives the range sportier, sculpted more contemporary lines for their eye-appeal.

The new Mazda2 is the latest expression of these principles and with its bold new front end, sculpted sides and rear it looks more like a 'hot hatch'; than a runabout. Yet even the performance flagship manages 56.6mpg while the more expensive diesel option, itself no slouch, can boast an official average of over 83mpg.

There's also a lot of new technology, from an excellent touch screen information and control centre to, on top spec versions, a jet fighter style head-up display which is a first for this class of car.

Prices range from £11,995 to £17,395 with three versions of a new 1.5 petrol engine rated at 75, 90 or 115PS – a power unit which will also be an option in the new MX-5. There's also a particularly smooth and quiet turbo diesel (again 1.5 litre) which packs 105PS of punch.

In this area of the market – and based on some impressive pre-order figures – Mazda expects the 90PS version to be the biggest seller. Its figures are eye-openers, with a claimed 0 to 62mph time of 9.4 seconds and average consumption of 62,8mpg.

What may also be a factor is that the cheapest, 75PS engine is only available in models with the two lowest trim levels, so you don't get, for example, the impressive new touch-screen control centre.

The diesel doesn't come in entry-level specification, so while its 83mpg and mere 89g/km of CO2 emissions (ie no road tax) would mean cheaper running costs in the longer term, particularly for higher mileage drivers, the cheapest version is £15,995.

We've seen the impact of Mazda's SKYACTIV principles in previous cars. It's partly about weight saving, shaving off grams here and there and they add up to kilograms: in fact the new 2 is seven per cent lighter than its predecessor even though it's bigger and there's more room inside.

One way this was achieved was by using a new chassis of ultra-high tensile steel, endowing it with 22 per cent more torsional rigidity and improved impact protection.

On the road, a stiffer, lighter chassis combined with a longer wheelbase and considerably sharpened-up power steering make the new 2 a genuinely fun car to drive, with a quicker turn-in and impressive roadholding which give you much cause for confidence.

If it's performance you want, the pick of the bunch is the top of the range petrol version, the 115PS Sport Nav. The quickest (0 to 62mph in 8.7 seconds) and best equipped, owners of this £16,995 model will really appreciate this improvement in handling which makes it a serious contender. And an economical one, too with an official average of 56.5mpg and a relatively low 117g/km of CO2. Keen drivers will also appreciate the super slick, six-speed gearbox.

The diesel is a real smoothie. In the cabin you'd be hard put to distinguish noise levels from the petrol version and with 105PS and a hefty (for its size) 220Nm of torque it will do the 0 to 62mph dash in a brisk 10.1 seconds. It can also average that impressive 83mpg.

Inside, there is more headroom all round, more leg space in the rear and more shoulder room for the driver and front passenger. There's also more boot space, up to 280 litres and with the split/fold rear seats you can pack in an hefty 950 litres of cargo.

Another innovation is the centrally mounted seven-inch touch screen display, with an addition rotary 'multimedia commander' conveniently placed for either driver or passenger for phone connectivity, the infotainment system and, on higher spec models, the clear and uncluttered navigation system.

All new Mazda2s, from the entry level model upwards, come with a wide range of safety systems including ABS, brake assist, stability control, traction control, emergency stop signalling, hill hold assist and a tyre pressure monitor. Front, side and curtain airbags are standard.

High grade versions get a lane departure warning system plus 'city brake' which is designed to prevent rear-end shunts in town traffic. There's an optional safety pack with blind spot monitoring, rear crossing traffic alert and auto dipping headlights.

The entry SE comes with steel wheels, 'coming home lights, height adjustable driver's seat, radio/CD player with steering wheel remote controls, central locking, electric front window and air conditioning.

Further up the range all versions have alloy wheels, plus electric rear windows, cruise control/speed limiter, touch screen display, DAB radio, fog lights and power-folding, heated mirrors. Top of the range Sport and Sport Nav models also get privacy glass, automatic lights and wipers, rear parking sensors, SatNav and climate control, plus sports seats, LED headlamps and bigger, 16-inch alloys.

You can, of course, buy cheaper cars but the new Mazda2 combines more space with impressive economy, and particularly in the higher trim models a lot of technology normally reserved for bigger, more expensive models. The new car is stronger, too, and its excellent handling characteristics are not just there for keen drivers to enjoy: precise handling and roadholding are important safety factors as much as airbags and electronic wizardry.

It seems potential owners appreciate the package, too. Using just two pre-production models and a new virtually reality 'tour' of the car at its dealerships around the country, the bank of orders already taken has delighted even the Mazda marketing men.

By John Griffiths