Mazda turns on the magic with latest supermini

There is no doubting that Mazda produce some of the best looking cars and from a technological point of view the Japanese company is doing things which are frightening the bejaysus out of its’ mainstream competitors.

And yet sadly, Mazda products appear to fall beneath the radar of so many motorists for whom the brand is simply non-existent on the presumption it does not have the right sort of engine/chassis mix that people here demand. As we all know though, presumptions can be dangerous.

When people look at engines such as the 1.5 litre petrol unit fitted to the Mazda2 we test here, they immediately think it is too big for a supermini contender and that its’ size will make it extremely tax inefficient and a gas-guzzler as well. Neither conclusion is anywhere near the truth of the matter.

In fact, benefitting as it does from Mazda’s SkyActive technologies and the ‘Kodo — Soul of Motion’ design briefs, the new Mazda2 actually brings a lot of big car technologies to the supermini realm and it much more of a potential contender in a very crowded market segment.

Some potential owners will be put off by the size of the 1.5 litre normally aspirated petrol engine, but they should not be. Mazda’s unit outputs 90 bhp and a decent 148 Nm at 4,000 rpm and this translates into a top speed of 183 kph and a 9.4 second 0-100 kph time, which all looks reasonable enough but might not stack up when it comes to fuel consumption and tax efficiency.

But it does stack up. This Mazda2 will consume just 4.5 litres per 100 km (which is over 60 mpg in old money) and it emits just 105 g/km which puts it into Tax Band A3 with an annual bill of just €190. Those figures should make people previously wary of this car to sit up and take notice.

The facts of the matter are that the car has very acceptable performance without stripping you of every asset you own. What should also attract attention is the fact Mazda has truly given the 2 a big car feel and that means not only is everything beautifully put together, but it is possible to choose a specification which will truly kill off pesky neighbours who think their supermini is better equipped.

In the GT model we tried, stuff like 16” alloys, automatic air con, keyless entry, DAB radio with 7” touchscreen infotainment system, come as standard, while stuff like half-leather seats and a navigation system are options.

Okay, so this particular car might be four-and-a-half grand dearer than the entry model, but it represents a level of sophistication that is rarely seen in the segment and a level of maturity and passenger comfort that’s right up there with the best.

This is a ‘big’ small car which looks fantastic, drives really well — be it either in the urban environment or out in the great wide open — and offers a depth of classiness and refinement seldom seen in this class.

Colley's Verdict

The Cost: From €15,995 - €21,890 as tested.

The Engine: Might seem a bit on the big side for a car in this class, but it certainly produces the right numbers.

The Specification: The standard kit is not bad, but the level of stuff you can add is very impressive.

The Overall Verdict: Has flown under the radar for too long.