Heading 1: Introduction

The Mazda 2 has been around for almost a decade now, and while it may not have been a leading light in the supermini market when it was first released in 2014, it is gaining greater relevance today. As its rivals become bloated in size, stuffed with technology, and given smaller and turbocharged engines, the Mazda 2 remains resolutely old-school. It continues to offer appealing old-fashioned qualities that other superminis seem to have forgotten about.

Heading 2: Engine and Performance

The Mazda 2 comes with a rev-hungry atmospheric engine and is available in four variants of Mazda’s own Skyactiv-G engine, a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol. These make 74bhp, 89bhp, 89bhp, and 113bhp, with the latter two being fitted with a mild-hybrid system to boost fuel economy. Despite the lack of a turbo, the Mazda 2’s fuel economy is already impressive. You can also opt for an automatic gearbox, although that would seem to conflict with the ethos of this car.

Heading 3: Interior and Technology

Inside the Mazda 2, you will find only a modest touchscreen accompanied by a big central tachometer and seven-segment readouts. There’s no digital dial here, but that’s part of the charm of this car. While rivals have been stuffed with ever more technology, the Mazda 2 has remained resolutely old-school. The lack of a diesel model may be disappointing for some, but there’s still a good amount of choice with the four variants of the Skyactiv-G engine.

Heading 4: Trim Levels

As of facelift number two for the Mazda 2, there are now four trim levels available. Each of them changes the styling somewhat, most notably in the front grille (with some models getting a blanked-off look) but also in the wheels, trimming, badging, and interior materials. The four trim levels offer a good amount of choice for buyers, allowing them to customize their Mazda 2 to their liking.

Heading 5: Rivals

While the Mazda 2 may not have been a leading light in the supermini market when it was first released, it is gaining greater relevance today as its rivals’ futures look rather shaky. The Ford Fiesta, which similarly focuses on driver engagement and was until recently Britain’s best-selling car, is edging towards retirement. Other superminis have become bloated in size, given smaller and turbocharged engines, and stuffed with ever more technology. In contrast, the Mazda 2 remains resolutely old-school, offering appealing old-fashioned qualities that other superminis seem to have forgotten about.

Heading 6: Conclusion

In conclusion, the Mazda 2 continues to impress enthusiastic drivers with its appealing old-fashioned qualities. While its rivals have become bloated in size, given smaller and turbocharged engines, and stuffed with ever more technology, the Mazda 2 remains resolutely old-school. It offers a good amount of choice with the four variants of the Skyactiv-G engine and four trim levels. As its rivals’ futures look rather shaky, the Mazda 2 is gaining greater relevance today and is worth considering for anyone looking for a supermini that focuses on driver engagement and offers a unique driving experience.