MAZDA2 1.3 TS2

YOU would be quite wrong to view the Mazda2 as a mere alternative to mainstream cars like the Vauxhall Corsa and Ford Fiesta because it is a smarter choice than you might think.

At one time Mazda was not considered to be a pacemaker in superminis but with the latest incarnation of the 2 things have changed.

Better looking and more exciting to live with than the car it replaced the latest version fits in well with the Mazda zoom-zoom philosophy.

Mazda has shaved quite a bit of weight off the car and although it is related to the Ford Fiesta, the 1.3 TS2 version I drove felt more nimble.

Adhering closely to respected Mazda core values with a good specification, reasonable price and excellent build quality it is a fun car to drive. Handling is first class for a car of its type and the only down side is a slightly over-firm ride.

But the car's precise steering which was better weighted than some much more expensive cars I had driven proved itself perfectly on twisty rural roads.

Shedding a bit of weight has done wonders for the design making the engine of my test car feel much more responsive.

Bucking the general trend to upsize, the 2 of 2011 is shorter than its predecessor, which aids economy and ease of parking in addition to any improvement it might make in performance and handling.

But it is not all about sporty image with this car because it is surprisingly practical. The boot has a lift-out lining, reversible floor and a healthy 250 litre capacity.

And although you could not brand this model as a dedicated five-seater, rear legroom is generous and a high roof plus a large glass area enhances the sense of space.

The rather everyday interior trim earns a could-do-better mark but controls are intuitively placed and therefore very simple to use.

The 1.3 engine is as lively as any in its market sector and the gearchange is very smooth. Noise levels inside the car are low at city speeds but road noise does drum up the decibels on motorways and dual carriageways.

The media and industry have acknowledged the qualities of this model which won the 2008 World Car of the Year trophy. It has also become one of Mazda’s most popular cars in Europe, attracting more than 207,000 owners.

For the latest version, Mazda conducted much market research to create transport solution that ticked the boxes not only for established supermini buyers, but for those downsizing from larger more thirsty vehicles.