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The old Mazda2 was practical and dynamic but its Postman Pat image had to go. This time around its sleeker styling and sportier engines make it a first-class city car for a much trendier market.

The first thing that strikes you about the Mazda2 is that it looks very at home in a University car park, whereas its predecessor was more likely to be found outside bingo halls and bowls clubs. Sure the Japanese loved its tall frame and its smock-like dress sense but us Europeans like a more tailored, body skimming outfit and this is exactly what the 2005 Sassou concept car promised we’d get. Sure enough the new Mazda2 has the bold jaw-line and high bonnet which gives it much more potency. Its wings are curvaceous and well hemmed just like its roadster cousins. The compact behind and steeply angled lights of the new Mazda 2 are again all part of this young and lively expressionism. It really can’t be faulted on its looks and individualism, this time there’s a clear identity and it wears it well.

But let’s not dismiss the whole Postman Pat connotations altogether; it may not be a boxy van shape anymore but the Mazda2 is equipped to drive to the ends of nowhere with relative ease. Demonstrating this was the choice of UK venue where the Mazda2 was launched. It doesn’t get more remote than Ackergill in Scotland where the jolly little spaghetti tracks will always take you the long drawn out route past natural wildlife reserves and forgotten stone cottages way up in the hillside. There were no Royal Mail strikes in Daily Thompson’s books and no AA men, similarly the Mazda 2 has always prided itself on its reliability and quality and these factors look set to follow through.

Another big plus point for buyers is the Mazda2’s fuel economy; the Japanese firm has achieved this by significantly reducing the car’s weight. Tipping the scales at a modest 955kg, it really earns its name as a supermini. Lithe and sporty, just 20% of its weight is made up by its ultra-high-tensile steel bodyshell. Its suspension, exhaust system and rear seats are also lighter and you can expect an average fuel consumption of 53.2mpg in the 1.3-litre petrol versions which produce either 74 or 85bhp.
If you want to up the anti and this was advisable in Scotland where the roads were particularly steep and demanding then the 102bhp 1.5-litre petrol model will provide the extra torque you’ve been hankering for as well as top end gusto. All petrol variants are available in showrooms now and a 1.4-litre diesel will arrive shortly. Of course you can expect even more frugal fuel economy with this one and the power stands at a humble but efficient 67 horses.

The Mazda2’s grip is particularly impressive and because the ride is more on the sturdy side, and the car is now lower to the tarmac there’s no clumsiness through corners either. In fact when you turn up the power, the Mazda2 is cool under pressure with the added reassurance of DSC which is an option on Sport models. It folds in to corners with envelope precision and has no trace of van-likeness.
The seats are supportive and we were very taken by the extra piping which is particularly sporty. Other typical Mazda laurels include a well organized dash and handy extras like a jack port for ipods and other electricals. Steering wheel controls, a high mounted gear stick and highly visible white-backed dials all compliment the pleasurable driving experience. The plastics do look a bit cheap and the dash slightly gappy but then perhaps it notices more because Mazda usually spoil us with their lavish interiors.

If you’re traveling in the back seats then you’ll enjoy adequate legroom despite the new Mazda2 being slightly shorter than its predecessor. Boot space is mediocre but if you want to load it up with bulky suitcases or pushchairs then you can push some or all of the rear seat backrests flat. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) are all fitted as standard on Mazda2. Opt for anything from the TS2 spec and above and you’ll also get additional side airbags. The official NCAP ratings haven’t been announced yet but Mazda are confident they’ll get the full five stars for frontal crash tests. Price wise the 2 is also competitive with the 1.5-litre being a whopping two grand cheaper than the equivalent Corsa.

So you see the launch of the new 2 wasn’t just a nip here and a tuck there, it was one of the most exciting transformations of the year. Not to be glib but what a difference four years make!

Verdict

FOR: Sporty image matches its drive; it’s lively and practical and also has a earthly conscience.
AGAINST: Interior plastics let down its stylish image, especially the gappy dash, there’s also a random tray which seems a tad pointless but these are all minor points.
CONCLUSION: The 1.5-litre is a nippy little supermini that will go the distance in style. Its fuel conscious both in environmental and finacial terms and offers all the comforts you could ask for, bar the built-in coffee maker.

Spec

ENGINE: 1.5-litre
POWER: 103bhp
0-62mph (sec): 10.4
TOP SPEED: 117mph
MPG: /-/-/47.9 (urban/extra-urban/combined)
WEIGHT: 955kg
PRICE: £11,799
RIVALS: Honda Jazz, Mitsubishi Colt, Renault Clio, Vauxhall Corsa, Peugeot 207