Just to put this review car in perspective, it's around €3,500 more than the entry level Mazda2, writes Brian Byrne. Leaving aside the fact that nobody buys, or is sold, an entry car, what did I get more for my week in the GT grade over the SE?
First, a more powerful engine. A 90hp version of the 1.5 petrol unit rather than the 75hp one. That's positive both in terms of giving the car noticeably more pep, but also makes it more economical.
The GT grade also provides 28 more features than the 61 which are listed standard on the base car. Most of these differences are in the comfort and convenience areas, in the 'safety and security' the only added items are lane departure warning, automatic city braking, and speed limiter.
I mention all that to make the point that RRP starting prices are kind of irrelevant in the real market, and most buyers should pick a grade first and then compare prices with similar grades in other brands' models. Sure, that might seem self-evident, but the 'extras' in the most popular grades can vary widely across brands. Mazda in Ireland generally provides good specification across the range.
The current Mazda2 can make a case for being amongst the best looking superminis. The style and lines are right on message with the brand's current design theme and it exudes an air of 'let's go' which can only encourage owners to get on the road with any excuse.
Typically too, the review car was in red, a version of the colour which Mazda has taken almost as a trade-mark. They call it 'Soul Red', acknowledging their belief that it is a core reference.
The 7" central screen can be operated both by touch and by the circular knob between the seats, I preferred the latter because just dropping a hand is less distracting than reaching across and trying to touch a certain spot. While I'm on the instrumentation, the main dials were quite clear and uncluttered, but still would be better with a little colour in them. The black-grey theme is quickly boring.
For passengers, the Mazda2 has reasonable room for the class, and those in the back won't be entirely uncomfortable provided they are not beyond the norm for height. Access to the rear is always easy as the Mazda2 only comes as a 5-door hatch.
The 90hp motor is an all-aluminium direct injection unit that was introduced in 2014 to the Mazda3 and is now available in suitable power outputs for the smaller car. It's a perky yet thrifty engine, and in the light Mazda2 brings the car into the sub-10s sprint to 100km/h space. That's where a little fun becomes available. I rather thought, though, that an extra cog in the 5-speed gearbox would have been nice.
The Mazda2 is one of those cars I enjoyed a tad above the usual in the class during my time with it. But I've always had a gra for Mazda anyhow.
PRICE: From €16,095; Review car €21,505. WHAT I LIKED: Style and drive. RATING: 4/5.
