Mazda 2 Hatchback 2007 - Present

The Mazda 2 was launched in 2003 and was based on the Ford Fiesta, indeed it was built in their Spanish factory. 2007 saw the durable supermini revised with new engines and over 100kg of weight lost. The new look Mazda has an all new platform and suspension which has contributed to this weight loss.

The 2007 revision has seen a complete redesign of the body. Gone is the tall boxy format of the old car. The new model is stands lower to the ground and is has sleek curves all over. Inside the car the passenger space is excellent with room for four adults or if you prefer three kids in the back. The boot is a good size for the class of car but has an annoying lip that can be a pain to lift your luggage over. Storage inside the car is also good, the size of the glove compartment is impressive and the built in magazine rack an interesting feature.

There are two sizes of engine with three specs. The 1.3 come in two different levels of tune, 75 and 95 bhp. Both are able and willing engines that offer a good in town performance coupled with the ability to perform on the motorway. However if you are likely to want to use the car for longer journeys the 1.5 engine is the better option. A 0 - 60 of 10.4 seconds and top speed of 117 mph mean that you're never really found wanting other than in high wind when the lack of body weight can make for a nervous ride.

The Mazda 2 is among the most satisfying supermini to drive. It's handling is sure and unflustered, the steering precise. The suspension is set up to offer a lovely balance between holding the road and ensuring a comfortable ride for the occupants. It pushes into the corners and powers out of them. There is a slight hesitation when you first test the car in cornering, but the doubt is a short lived rubbery feel that it soon swept aside by the cars true colours. From here cornering is confident and not fussed.

Mazda have taken a decent car and improved on it in all areas to make a real gem. The cabin is light and airy thanks to a large windscreen and offers a lot of room to the people within. It's got plenty of guts and is nimble enough to make it an entertaining ride wherever you are.

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