Streamlining is one of the areas that Mazda takes very seriously, with good aerodynamics comes better fuel consumption figures and reduced CO2 emissions. The front view is one of clean, tidy lines with a gently curved bonnet and integrated front bumper. Currently the Mazda2 is available as a five-door hatchback with two 1.3-litre (75PS and 86PS) and 1.5-litre (103PS) petrol engines plus a 1.4-litre 68PS diesel unit. There are three levels of specification, TS, TS2 and Sport. My test car was the 1.5 Sport which was flexible enough for in-town driving yet coped well with fast motorway journeys without too much stress. The suspension was on the firm side and this provided for plenty of front wheel drive grip on the open road with little body roll.The new Mazda2 has brought some changes to the inside, too. The wheel-in-every-corner layout allows for a relatively spacious cabin. Despite being some 55mm shorter than the previous model, you now sit lower so there is plenty of headroom. While the rear legroom is moderate, it is adequate for adults and, as it is a 5-door hatch, the rear seats are easily accessed. The rear seats have the usual 60:40 split and fold function, except on the TS, which has a one-piece folding bench. The minimum boot space is a modest 250-litres but this can be increased to a maximum 787-litres with the rear seats folded and the five-door hatchback loaded to the roof.
Like the outside the interior is modern and bright, well laid out with good visibility thanks to its low waistline. The slim rear quarter pillars allow for good rear side vision. The main interior changes are in the front of the cabin where the 5-speed, manual shift has been moved and is now stack-mounted which makes for easier hand movement back to the steering wheel after a gear change. The driver’s seat height adjustment range has been increased and the rake-adjustable steering column has 50mm of travel, so it is easy to find a comfortable driving position. The dashboard is formed of two levels with the smoother top half containing the air vents and small instrument nacelle, which houses sporty, white dials, across the range. All Mazda2 models have electric front windows, only the Sport has rear electric windows. All models have stereo radio/CD and MP3 player, electric power steering, driver and front passenger airbags, remote locking and alarm and immobiliser. The new styling and range of colours will appeal to the younger generation without alienating the more traditional or existing Mazda2 customers
