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Full Review: Mazda2

By John Slavin
Freelance Contributing Writer
08 October 2010

Mazda2: style isn’t out of reach for first time buyers
When you’re learning to drive, it’s difficult not to be a bit over aspirational about what your first car might be. I always fancied a hot hatch, maybe like the Saxo VTR I run about in now, but it was way out of reach for a new driver. Indeed, once I passed my test (first time, I might smugly add) I ended up with a Nissan Micra 1.0, followed shortly after by the most awful Clio 1.2, and then an Escort.

But style isn’t necessarily out of reach for first time buyers in the modern age, and the Mazda2 proves that. In fact, I wanted to see just what a modern first time buyer might get out of their machine, so I asked for something below the top spec for this test. Mazda obliged, sending me a Mazda2 TS2 1.3, which is in the middle of the range, with a few nice luxuries like air-con, which incidentally is so cold it made me shiver on a blazing sunny day.

New Mazda2s start at just under £10,000, which isn’t bad when you look at how pretty this little thing is, and used cars start at about £5,500. Sensible money for a first car, helped by the low insurance groups, high reliability and low service costs. But facts and figures are all well and good, what’s it actually like?

I wanted to see just what a modern first time buyer might get out of their machine, so I asked for something below the top spec for this test. Mazda obliged, sending me a Mazda2 TS2 1.3.


Very good, actually. The ride is compliant, but still offers an interesting drive through the bends, helped by Mazda’s weight saving regime, which makes the Mazda2 lighter and nimbler than many of it’s rivals. The gear change is exquisite, echoing the precise, positive feel of the brilliant MX-5, which is one of my all-time favourite cars. Steering is well weighted and accurate. The engine note is almost silent at low revs and is interesting and entertaining when you push hard, if not exactly sonorous.


The interior is well styled
The interior is well styled, with sporty, clear to read dials, a nicely sized steering wheel, and an attractive centre console. It’s well put together, too, though not of the highest quality - a moot point considering almost every rival is a little lacking in the materials department. Also of interest, if only to a girl, is the lack of a passenger vanity mirror, though it’s not a major fault. The glovebox features a neat design, which allows you to drop small items in without opening it up, handy when on the go.

Audio quality is good, and AUX connectivity is standard throughout the range, so you can listen to your iPod or other audio player in the car. Boot space is ample, but not exceptional. It’s ideal for a small shopping trip, though, and folding rear seats increase the capacity substantially.

In summary, the Mazda2 is a wonderfully packaged car that does everything well enough, and nothing wrong. Providing an entertaining drive, enjoyable performance, decent practicality and a good price means that the 2 is an ideal first car or city runabout. Going by Mazda’s track record, the Mazda2 should be fairly reliable, too, and the arrival of a face-lifted model means that second hand cars will drop in price. So it’ll make for an even better buy both new and used.


In summary, the Mazda2 is a wonderfully packaged car that does everything well enough



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