2 TO THE POWER OF 3(some text hidden)

By Jonathan Crouch

Ten Second Review word count: 108

The Mazda2 is a strong option if you're looking for a quality supermini and has been usefully improved in recent times. Here, we focus on the mild hybrid version, plus if you want full-Hybrid technology, then Mazda has a re-badged version of the impressive Toyota Yaris to offer you. It's the e-SKYACTIV-G mild hybrid range we look at primarily here though, based on a third generation 'DJ/DL'-series design that dates back to 2015 but is aging well. This model packs in some big car features into a pertly-styled body and features great real-world economy. It's still a real contender to the likes of the Corsa, 208 and Polo.

Background word count: 161

The Mazda2 is still going places. The first Mazda2 sold 410,000 units between 2003 and 2007. The second generation model had a seven year run at the market, but had already eclipsed its predecessor's total midway through 2010. Both cars owed a lot to Ford's strategic partnership with Mazda, effectively being rebodied Fiestas which, as anyone who's ever driven a modern Fiesta will happily admit, is no bad thing. For the third generation version, this current car, launched in 2015, Mazda went it alone, this MK3 model '2 riding on its own SKYACTIV chassis technology, updated at the end of the decade with the mild hybrid e-SKYACTIV-G technology that features in the car today. The brand doesn't have a full-Hybrid engine in its portfolio, so has borrowed one from rivals Toyota, which is sold as the Mazda2 Hybrid but is essentially a separate product sold alongside this one. Our focus here though, is on the mild hybrid models, here usefully improved.

Driving Experience word count: 348

It should be sporty shouldn't it? After all, the Mazda2 always has been and right from the beginning, this third generation version has featured basically the same 1.5-litre SKYACTIV-G petrol unit that you'll find in entry-level versions of the brand's MX-5 sportscar. Since the end of the last decade though, certain versions of this powerplant have been embellished with electrical tech the MX-5 has never had - namely Mazda's M Hybrid mild-hybrid system, which you'll get with this engine provided you don't order it with its feeblest 75PS output or have it paired with automatic transmission. Most will choose the M Hybrid powerplant in 90PS form, but you can also have it in the uprated 115PS guise we tried. Confusingly, the Japanese maker also offers a full-Hybrid Mazda2, which isn't our focus here and is very much a separate product, based entirely on a Toyota Yaris, which means it gets that car's 1.5-litre self-charging engine mated to a 80PS electric motor, giving a total system output of 116PS. The M Hybrid set-up is very different - and of course much less efficient, storing up energy recuperated off-throttle or under braking and using it to aid acceleration and run the car's engine start/stop system. It works with 6-speed manual transmission; Mazda hasn't yet figured out a way of making it work with the alternative 6-speed auto you can have with this car in 90PS form. That adds over 2 seconds to the 90PS manual model's 9.8s 0-62mph time (en route to 114mph), figures the 115PS model improves to 9.1s and 124mph. But sportiness in a mainstream supermini doesn't usually have very much to do with outright speed. Handling's key and is aided here by the 'G-Vectoring Control Plus' system that Mazda introduced into this car a few years back, which uses the brakes to apply direct yaw movement control in addition to engine control. Basically, it helps you get grip down through the bends. It's nippy round town too, an environment where you appreciate the ease with which you can park this car and its tight 4.7-metre turning circle.