Mazda 2

The Mazda2 is an excellent supermini that’s shed some 200kgs over the previous model to make it light, nippy and efficient. Looks extremely sharp too.

• Comfort

  Surprisingly comfortable given the short wheelbase and compact dimensions - you'll even be able to manage the odd motorway trundle without any bother at all. Trans-continental might be a bit frustrating.

  

• Performance

  The diesel is due soon, but up until that point there are just three petrol variants to choose from, a pair of 1.3-litres with either 74 or 85bhp, or a 1.5 with 102bhp. Really you want the 1.5 Sport - 0-62mph in 10.4 seconds and 117mph. All the engines feel quite fizzy and suit the car down to the ground.

  

• Cool

   Rational and stylish and not a Fiat 500. So bonus points all round, but not very cool.

  

• Quality

  Nicely fixed up, playfully-designed dash that feels like it might at least last as long as you will. Mazda knows how to do this sort of thing, and the 2 feels like it's been designed with humans in mind. The fact that the car is platform-shared with the new Ford Fiesta should assuage any latent reliability worries.

  

• Handling

  The diet has certainly helped the 2 get fit - there's a positivity to the steering that means it always feels perky and up-for-it, great throttle response and a general air of sprightliness that you can't beat in a city. It might get a touch understeery when the roads open out, but in town this is a glorious little terrier.

  

• Practicality

  Five doors and a hatch, with room for four adults, but this isn't a huge car so don't expect too much. Still, for the size, a 250-litre boot with the seats up isn't too bad, and there's a more useful 787litres with the seats folded.

  

• Running costs

  Low emissions and good fuel economy (114/129/140 g/km for the diesel/1.3/1.5 and 65.7mpg, 52.3 and 47.9mpg respectively) mean that the 2 should be cheap to run. The diesel and smaller petrol are both insurance group 3, with the 1.5 Sport coming in at group 5.