Mazda 2 taps into diesel economy

Mazda"s entry model in the range is the 2, a car that has been transformed into an impressive performer, thanks to the addition to a diesel engine under its bonnet. The new Mazda 2 has style, is less conservative looking than the model that it replaces, but most of all, this car is now very thrifty. I"ve driven a petrol-powered 2 in the past but now this new diesel model wipes the floor with most of the competition in terms of economy. The car comes with a 1.4 litre diesel engine that has similar attributes to the powerplant fitted to the Ford Fiesta but, in the Mazda, it has been tuned for economy. The neat little engine develops 68bhp, which is average for a small diesel car at entry level. This is backed up with 160Nm of torque from the eight-valve four-cylinder unit. That combination of performance gives the car a modest acceleration rating of 15.5 seconds in a 0 to 100km/h race. In performance terms, that"s a match for the 1.3 litre Opel Corsa but puts the Mazda 2 at the lower end of the acceleration league. However, Mazda has put the emphasis on economy rather than performance with this small car. The 2 is significantly lighter than the model that it replaces and lighter than a comparison of 13 other cars examined, with the exception of the Toyota Yaris diesel. This helps it achieve a class-leading economy figure of 4.3 litres/100km (65mpg) in a combined driving cycle. This engine has been tuned for economy, too, as shown by its performance rating. It"s slower than many of the other similar-sized diesels and that ensures better economy and lower motoring costs in the long run. And with its thrifty diesel engine coupled with a five-speed gearbox, you can be sure that it comes with a low CO2 rating. This small diesel comes with a rating of 114g/km, which is close to the lowest in a 13-car comparison. That means lower road tax - you pay just the entry level €100 annual road tax, as you would with all cars in this sector, with the exception of the Mitsubishi Colt and Skoda Fabia. So, in every sense, this car is a very cost-effective vehicle to own and drive. But the Mazda 2 story is not just about saving money, though mind you, it helps in these troubled economic times. This small five-door hatchback has high level safety attributes and some style. On the safety front, the car comes with an all-disc braking system with ABS, electronic brake-force distribution with emergency brake assist, driver and passenger front airbags, driver and front passenger seatbelt reminder, front seatbelt pre-tensioners with load-limiters, three three-point rear seatbelts, twin Isofix child seat anchorages and an immobiliser. The car achieved a five-star rating in the EuroNCAP tests. It was rated among the safest cars in the small car segment, earning the maximum five stars for adult protection, plus a class-leading four stars for child protection and two stars for pedestrian protection. So, while it may be lighter than the previous Mazda 2, safety is not compromised and the design is such that there is better occupant protection. This small diesel is good to drive. The controls are well laid-out and uncomplicated. Seat adjustment for the driver is good and there is plenty of head height in front. The 2 handles very well in terms of road-holding but the 185/55 tyres do give a significant amount of road noise. There is a degree of harshness from the engine at low revs, too, but it compensates for this on the open road. The boot space is good, but a shade deep for extracting those heavier loads. Doors are firm to the close, without being too heavy. Entry to rear seats is adequate, even if rear passenger legroom is a little tight. In value terms, the Mazda 2 diesel is very competitive at €15,995, before delivery charges. That"s keener in price than the equivalent-powered Ford Fiesta diesel that has a similar engine performance. Mitsubishi"s Colt diesel can match the Mazda 2 pricing but not its economy or lower road tax cost. The Mazda carries a €1,000 premium over the entry level petrol model. For that, you get about 25 per cent better economy and €50 per year lower road tax. It"s modern, clean and very attractive, but that"s a personal view. See for yourself, because this is a small diesel that"s worth driving for its economy and value.