Mazda 2

Our verdict

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.