It’s all change for Mazda this year with five new models from across the entire range (except the Mazda3) being launched in the next six months - and if the Mazda2 is anything to go by, it’s going to be an interesting and busy year for all concerned.

The supermini is a completely new design and boasts a 16-strong line-up with on the road prices ranging from £11,995 to £17,395 on the road.

There are four engines on offer, with three petrol and one diesel. The entry-level petrol engine is a 74bhp 1.5-litre, which offers CO2 emissions of 110g/km and fuel economy of 60.1mpg with a five-
speed manual gearbox.

I’ve driven three of them: SKYACTIV-G Petrol Sports Nav 115ps manual; the diesel 105ps Sport Nav manual; and the petrol 90ps SE-L Nav manual.

They all include a package of generous standard equipment including 7-inch colour touchscreen with Bluetooth connection and combines a rotary multi-media control wheel within easy reach behind
the gearstick in the central console.

In addition the SE-L and Sport Nav models feature an integrated sat nav system which comes with three years of free map upgrades. Sport models also benefit from the addition of 16-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry and climate control air-conditioning.

The new 2 keeps its sharp looks, but with a dynamic twist. It uses the latest Kodo Soul of Motion design with a bold, chrome-ringed grille, swept back lights, bold creases down the side and a coupe-
like roofline. It is also a little bigger than before with a longer wheelbase giving a little more interior space.

1.5-litre petrol engine punches well above its weight reaching 62mph from a standing start in a rapid 8.7 seconds; the 90ps in 9.4; and the 105ps diesel 10.1. Despite that performance doesn’t come at the cost of efficiency – there’s a claimed combined average of 56.5mpg; 62.8mpg and 83.12 respectively.

The interior is smart, stylish and unfussy, a little like the exterior, and the drive is positive, the handling solid and the ride firm enough to be sporty but not enough to lose out on comfort.

As far as safety is concerned the Sport Nav also comes with a head-up display screen which can flip up above the speedo – the first in its class – giving handy readouts on speed, sat nav guidance and speed limits. Also included are rain-sensing wipers, rear parking sensors and dusk sensing lights.

There’s also a decent stereo, plus LED headlamps with automatic headlamp dipping. Safety aids include lane departure warning, city braking and blind-spot monitoring on the mirrors all available.

The only downfall I can see is the lack of room in the rear for anyone over 6ft. Despite this, I suspect the competition will be looking over their shoulders at the new generation to come out of the Mazda stable this year.

It’s a great little car which not only provides style, comfort and safety by the spade full, but
maintains the level of fun and excitement to which all superminis should strive.

For more information on the Mazda2 range and the upcoming new releases of the CX-3, MX-5, Mazda6 and CX-5 go to www.mazda.co.uk

Mazda2
16 models in the range
Price: from £11,995 to £17,395
Engine: 1.5-litre petrol and diesel
Transmission: Five-speed manual and auto