If you’re in the market for an affordable compact hatchback, you’d be mad not to consider a Mazda - because the Mazda 2 is now more wallet-friendly than ever before.
The Mazda2 makes a whole lot of sense for a whole lot of lease customers.
It’s arguably one of the best-looking cars in the class, going up against the likes of the Ford Fiesta and Toyota Yaris, and it’s also got an enviable reputation for being ridiculously well-specced as standard.
Now the Mazda2 has become a whole lot more tempting - because a reduction in CO2 emissions and improvements in fuel economy mean you won’t be stung at the petrol pumps or at the hands of the taxman.
Mazda says there are 13 per cent improvements in fuel economy across the Mazda2 range - which means you should be looking at upwards of 55 miles to the gallon with this new incarnation.
Each and every Mazda2 is powered exclusively by a 1.5-litre ‘Skyactiv-G’ petrol engine, which comes in a range of power outputs of 75 PS, 90 PS and 115 PS.
All manual versions also feature Mazda’s ‘M Hybrid’ mild-hybrid system. And the improvements in efficiency come from subtle tweaks to the Mazda2’s exhaust system as well as to the engine compression ratio.
As a result, CO2 emissions have dropped by between 11 - 14g/km, depending on the engine output and transmission. As an example, the popular 90 PS Sport manual has dropped from 120g/km to 107g/km overall.
When it comes to performance, the Mazda2 is packing some real punch. The range-topping 115 PS GT Sport Tech model will see you hitting 62mph from a standstill in just 8.7 seconds, and the other engines in the range are fun to drive, too.
A Mazda spokesperson tells us: “Already a supermini well-regarded for its handling, subtle updates from the 2020 Mazda2 update have been retained unchanged, these include the use of a urethane top mount in the rear dampers and revisions to the power steering to improve response and feel, plus Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus) - the evolved version of Mazda’s GVC system, which now uses the brakes to apply direct yaw movement control in addition to the previous system’s engine control.”
Meanwhile the Mazda2 continues to offer some real bang for your buck.
Standard specifications across the entire range includes navigation, cruise control, integrated Bluetooth, air conditioning and wireless Apple CarPlay from Sport trim onwards.
From GT Sport trim onwards, the 2022 Mazda2 gets a colour head-up display, reversing camera, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.
And the GT Sport Tech has a standard equipment tally that includes items not normally found as standard in this sector, including adaptive LED headlights, blind spot monitoring, rear smart city brake support and a 360 degree camera.
Already a supermini well-regarded for its handling, subtle updates from the 2020 Mazda2 update have been retained unchanged, these include the use of a urethane top mount in the rear dampers and revisions to the power steering to improve response and feel, plus Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus) - the evolved version of Mazda’s GVC system, which now uses the brakes to apply direct yaw movement control in addition to the previous system’s engine control.
Jeremy Thomson, Managing Director Mazda UK, adds: “The Mazda2 may be the smallest car we produce, but it has at its heart the same values of style, driver involvement and quality that mark out all our vehicles.
“The Mazda2 is now more efficient than ever, while thanks to the generous equipment tally across all models, we have a distinctive and premium contender in what is still one of the most competitive segments in the UK car market.”
The new Mazda2 will arrive in UK dealerships in October.
Enjoyed this? Read our latest news:
- Mercedes-Benz reveals S-Class plug-in hybrid
-
New Renault Trafic Passenger more ‘car-like’ then ever
- Stylish new Smart EQ fortwo Coupe ‘Racing Green Edition’
- Select Electric bringing future tech into focus | British Motor Show 2021
- Best Car Lease Deals August | Convertibles
For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to our newsletter here.
