Mazda2 one of the best
MOST of us have lusted after a Mazda MX-5 sports car at some stage in our lives but can’t reconcile it with the needs of family practicality.
But now you can get the same feel of the marvellous 1.5 MX-5 engine in the excellent Mazda2 supermini.
It’s the only petrol engine available in the Mazda2 line-up and comes with a range of power outputs from 75bhp to 115bhp.
I drove the mid-range SE-L, with 90 horses doing their stuff under the bonnet and gave it back to the man from Mazda with great regret.
What’s not to like? 0-60mph in under 10 seconds, low, low emissions and real economy of nearly 48mpg.
It’s a petrol engine without a turbocharger and achieves the same kind of performance and economy as the small boosted engines now available from other car makers.
But this is a Mazda, and I know from personal experience that they go on and on.
The MX-5 is thought by some to be the most reliable car in the world and I have a friend with an early ’90s model that is approaching 200,000 miles without having had any major problems.
This latest 2 was designed around Mazda’s flowing Kodo theme and is one of the most stylish and distinctive five-door superminis on the market.
Inside, there is good room for four adults and excellent headroom for those who might need it.
Equipment includes a leather covered multi-function steering wheel, internally adjustable headlight beam, aircon, DAB stereo with touchscreen and separate controller and a split-fold rear seat.
It also has remote locking and keyless starting, and the front seats are supportive and have excellent adjustment for all.
The Mazda2 SE-L I drove costs £14,000.