4 November 2014

More room, thrifty engines, in new Mazda2

The new generation Mazda2 will come with a choice from 1.5 petrol and diesel engines, writes Brian Byrne.

The direct injection petrol unit will offer 90/115hp and an average of 4.5/4.9L/100km consumption in the respective versions, and the 115hp one will come with a 6-speed manual gearbox and Mazda's i-ELOOP energy storage system. CO2 in each will be 105/115g/km.

The 105hp diesel will offer fuel consumption of 3.4L/100km, CO2 emissions of 89g/km and a 6-speed transmission.

Technologies available will include a head-up display of essential information in the driver's line of view, as well as Mazda's connectivity system which works with both IOS and Android smartphones.

The new car has more front shoulder room and rear legroom than the current model, the latter thanks to a longer wheelbase. The boot is also more accessible.

The car launches in Europe in early 2015 in a 5-door format. No Irish arrival has yet been flagged.