Mazda 2, the smallest in the Mazda range, has now had a new addition to the cars that were introduced in April, with prices starting at £15,795 the Mazda 2 Sport Black+ Edition is now available.
Tom Scanlan drives the latest 2018 Mazda 2 Supermini
This new edition features the currently in vogue black colour on its alloy wheels, roof spoiler, shark fin antenna and rear privacy glass. There are three body colours to choose from at no extra charge: blue, grey and crimson.
The Black Edition has the 1.5 petrol engine in 90 PS form. The engine is reasonably lively, although steep hills require dropping down a gear or two from top (fifth). The gear-change itself is a delight, being quick, light and precise. On open roads, the engine shifts the Black perfectly sprightly enough and that is the general feel of this car: light on its feet and fun to drive.
Handling is secure; the car was being tested on some challenging leafy, wet winding country roads. In towns, it is simple to park, with a particularly handily-small turning circle. It is never any strain to drive, with light and precise steering.
In comparison to a more powerful 115PS version of the 1.5 is no pale shadow and well worth considering if you don’t need too much performance...but zero to 62 mph in 9.4 seconds is not at all slow.
The 115PS GT Sport Nav + had the manual six-speed gearbox, again really pleasant to use. The engine is particularly smooth and quiet — ticking over at around 600 rpm, it is virtually silent. In fact, you could be thinking that, unless you look at the rev-counter, Mazda’s excellent start-stop system has deployed. The test car was priced at £18,075, including options totalling £980.
The 115 engine can get the car to 62 in 8.7 seconds.
In the front of the Mazda2, there is plenty of shoulder room and very comfortable seats. The rear is just about alright for two adults and fine for two children. However, there are no reading lights or air vents for those passengers.
The boot is reasonably-sized for a car in this sector, being deep rather than long. It is the simplest of jobs to fold the rear seat-backs down to release a lot more luggage space.
The official combined cycle mpg figures for the engines are 62.8 and 56.5 respectively. The VED will be £140.
By the way, the + hieroglyphic means that the cars have passed the WLTP, standing for the current regulations for Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure.
Apart from the two types tested, there is a 75 PS version and you can get an automatic with the 90 PS engine.
This Mazda 2 supermini prices start at £13,375 and, given a sizeable list of connectivity, convenience and safety features, stand up well within the sector.
Car reviewed: 2018 Mazda 2 Black+ Edition 1.5 SKYACTIV-G Petrol 115ps Manual Mazda 2 prices start at £13,595, car as tested 18,075 0-62mph 8.7 secs Top speed 124mph Fuel Economy combined 56.5mpg CO2 emissions 117g/km Engine 1496cc SkyActiv-G unleaded 4-cylinder EU6 Max Power 115PS@6000rpm Torque 148Nm@4000rpm Transmission 6-speed manual
Light on its feet and fun to drive
Excellent start-stop system
Handily-small turning circle
Slightly expensive
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