Mazda2 Road Test

Mazda2

All of the cars in Mazda2 range are fitted with a single CD/radio/MP3 system. The TS has two speaker and two more are added with each successive trim level. The system also features secondary control on the steering wheel in TS2 and Sport models, while all of them have a separate AUX socket.

The base, £8,499 (£9,499- diesel), TS model is all about practicality, function and safety. It is comfortable enough but lacks the ‘goodies’. Key features on the specification list are electric door mirrors, powered front windows, central-locking with a ‘blipper’, two ISOFIX anchor points, ABS with EBD and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), driver and front passenger airbags and height-adjustable rear headrests.

At a penny short of £10,000 (£10,999 diesel), the TS2 swaps the 15-inch steel wheels for alloys, the black mirror housings become body-coloured and the mirrors gain heating and folding functions. Choosing this level also buys a leather covered steering wheel to match the gear knob, manual air-conditioning, plus side and curtain airbags.

The Sport changes its appearance with a Sports styling kit comprising front bumper, side skirts and a rear spoiler. The wheels are 16-inch alloys and this level also includes front foglights, automatic headlights and wipers, electric rear windows and, in view of its sporty nature, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and TCS traction control all for £11,799.

Given the position of the wheels in relation to the body, the Mazda2 has inherent stability. This and the handling are further improved by the increased (by 20 per cent) torsional rigidity of the body structure. Despite the lightness of the car, it doesn’t feel at all skittish; quite the opposite, in fact and the electric power steering has just the right amount of weight, directness and feel.

It took the test car 10.4 seconds to do the 0-62mph sprint and the top speed is 117mph, thanks to the engine producing 103PS (101bhp)at 6,000rpm and 137Nm (101lb ft) of torque at 4,000rpm, which makes the mid-range a fun place to be.

In all, the new Mazda2 has done what the company set out to achieve. It has upgraded everything but not upsized. The new styling and range of colours will appeal to the younger generation without alienating the more traditional or existing Mazda2 customers.