2nd Mazda 2

Improvements help maintain the 2’s position as a good-handling, well equipped supermini

MAZDA revamped the 2 supermini recently, but the updates were relatively minor. Changes to the suspension and steering are the most notable when it comes to the driving experience, but these haven’t altered where the Mazda sits in relation to its rivals: it’s still one of the best superminis to drive, if you don’t mind the less gutsy, non-turbo engine.

The steering is numb, as in nearly all modern cars, but is well weighted and direct, and the chassis is agile and grippy. The 2 is not quite as playful as the Fiesta, so the Ford has more of a sense of fun about the way it drives, but the Mazda is almost as satisfying. Details such as the slick gearshift and great driving position mean that the 2 is enjoyable on lots of different roads.

The engine could be a sticking point for many, though. Since it does without a turbo, it’s more responsive to throttle inputs and revs more sweetly than the Ford’s three-cylinder motor. But the trade-off is that there’s not as much torque in the mid-range, even with a small hit of mild-hybrid assistance, so you have to change down a gear or two if you want to accelerate quickly. Long gearing exacerbates this, because it takes a long time to get to the top of the rev range, where the motor develops its maximum power.

It’s quick enough when you do rev it hard, but this hurts refinement, and the thrashy engine note isn’t interesting enough for this to be a lot of fun. The Fiesta’s engine has more punch and sounds better; overall, the Ford is our pick for those who love driving, but the Mazda’s mature character means it’s still a worthy left-field option.

The engine in the Mazda 2 now has mild-hybrid tech fitted. This means it has a system to re-use energy generated under braking to reduce engine load which improves starting as well as emissions. It makes no difference most of the time, but you can notice the improved responsiveness and smoothness of the stop-start system in traffic.

The Mazda generally rides smoothly, but it’s not as forgiving as the Ford in town. Refinement is good, though; the engine is hushed at speed and the high-quality cabin doesn’t rattle or creak.

The materials here feel more upmarket than those in the Fiesta, and build quality is a strong point. However, the small infotainment screen looks dated next to the responsive, sharp display in the Ford, even though the Mazda now gets Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Other standard kit includes sat-nav, LED lights, climate control, AEB, parking sensors and lane-keep assist.