Mazda 2

Mazda 2

                                           Mazda 2

The new-look Mazda 2 is set to be a huge hit thanks to its bold, sexier curves. The supermini is also lighter, quieter and returns an impressive 47mpg. We reckon it's a makeover that our own Trinny and Susannah would be proud of.

                                             Mazda 2

Superminis have been piling on the pounds to the point where they risk being called giant minis.
But Mazda frequently refuse to follow the motoring herd, which is why their new 2 model is a refreshing return to nimble superminis as we used to know them.

                                           Mazda 2
 The Mazda 2 proves that small can still be beautiful, cheeky and, in the case of this Mazda, sporty as well. It's a striking little bundle of curves and sharp flowing lines that make it one of the best-looking cars of its kind, alongside the Fiat Grande Punto and Vauxhall Corsa.

                                           Mazda 2  
The new 2 is actually 40mm shorter at 3,885mm, and lighter, weighing in at just 955kg - and that's despite the fact it is wider than the previous model. 

                                           Mazda 2
Mazda's calorie-counting engineers have put the 2 on a crash diet at motoring's very own Fat Club, stripping weight across the car right down to a tiny 98g from the door-mounted speakers.

Forget every second counts - every gram counts here. And that weight loss helps in the all- important battle to improve fuel economy, with the 1.3litre petrol returning 52mpg and the 1.5litre 47mpg, while the 1.4 turbo diesel will return in excess of 60mpg.The lightness and more compact size also means that the 2 Handling and ride comfort have been another priority.

                                           Mazda 2
So the 2 now lives up to Mazda's dynamic and sporty DNA, something the old model lacked completely.

Mazda officials refused to confirm there will be a hot hatch three-door version in about a year's time but I am confident we will see one.The final trick is that despite its size reduction, the 2 still offers very adequate interior space for four, while the boot is an acceptable 250litres. It's also a funky but uncluttered place to travel in, with all the main instruments well laid out and very driver friendly - particularly the new gear lever that is mounted higher on the centre console. 

                                           Mazda 2
We should not really be surprised that the 2 looks so good, because it was designed by Ikuo Maeda - known to his friends as Speedy - who gave us the successful RX-8.Price remains vital in the supermini sector, which is why the 1.3-litre Mazda 2 will start at around £8,500 for the five-door when it hits UK showrooms this September.It will be followed several months later by an even sportier three-door model.And at that price it will go straight to the top of a lot of drivers' shopping lists. 

                                   Mazda 2