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The Mazda2 Sport

MAZDA'S latest supermini, the Mazda2, has just been voted World Car of the Year 2008.

Now, I'm usually a bit of a cynic about COTY awards - exactly what criteria allows the judges to decide that a family hatchback is better than the latest Italian sports car, and just how untainted can voting be by the oceans of promotional cash that sloshes around the automotive industry?

But when the award is voted for by a panel of motoring journalists from all over the world and slaps down Ford's latest Mondeo and the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class on the way to the top spot, there's something going on.

The "2" is certainly a looker. With its sleek lines and swooping roof, it looks how Peugeot might have progressed the 206 shape if the company hadn't decided to follow fashion and pump up the 207 into a small saloon rather than keep it as a supermini.

I inadvertently parked my test Mazda next to a 206 and the similarities in size and shape were quite uncanny.

As the 206 is acknowledged as the most gorgeous car of its generation, that's praise indeed.

The Mazda2's looks are further enhanced by the range of striking metallic colours.

The Mazda is one of the few real superminis on the market. Most other manufacturers have been busy transforming their small cars into larger versions to give more room, making them an attractive alternative to their C-segment offerings to as many different types of buyers as possible.

The Mazda, though, sticks with the compact proportions that made the class so much fun in the first place - in fact, it's both lighter and shorter in wheelbase than its predecessor.

This slimming regime, coupled with a range of new-generation engines and much-improved aerodynamics, means far better figures for both fuel consumption and CO2 without sacrificing performance.

The current engine line-up features two 1.3-litre petrol units with sequential valve timing systems, producing 74bhp or 86bhp, and a 1.5-litre powerplant producing 102bhp.

A 1.4 diesel is also available with 114g/km of CO2 emissions (allowing it to swan around in London's Congest - sorry, Emissions - charge zone without having to pay a penny).

The current range is all five-door - although a smart three-door version has just been shown at the Geneva Motor Show - and I tested the range-topping Sport model fitted with Mazda's 1.5-litre petrol unit.

The Sport's 102bhp is just enough to have real fun, running up around the speedo quite smartly and easily cruising on the motorway.

The chassis is willing and taut, with direct steering and a set-up that allows the driver to take a lot of liberties before the stability/traction control systems step in.

Spec check

Mazda2 1.5 5dr Sport Price: £11,799 0-60mph: 10.4secs Max speed: 117 mph Engine size:1,498cc Max power: 102bhp Insurance group: 5E Features: Alloy wheels, cruise control, electric computer, climate control, MP3 stereo unit

The Mazda may be light, but that doesn't have to mean tinny. The ride is every bit as luxurious as its larger competitors.

Inside, the 2 strikes a perfect balance between funky and classy - a luxurious "tweed"-style seat cloth and a radioactive glow from the instruments at night being a couple of the nicer touches. Being a Mazda, the cabin has the feel of high-quality components well screwed together.

The Sport comes with a bumper package of goodies as standard - 16-inch alloys, cruise control, electric windows all round, a trip computer, climate control and a gloriously loud MP3 stereo unit.

Outside, a subtle bodykit identifies the Sport from lesser models while also serving to sharpen up the looks even more.

Mazda may have shaved off every bit of excess weight possible, but that doesn't mean the 2 compromises on safety. Its most impressive award is its remarkable five-star Euro NCAP rating for occupant protection.

It's safe, fun, frugal, good looking and well built - but is the Mazda2 the best car in the world this year?

I'll tell you when I've driven the rest.

For more information about the Mazda2, contact Alan Gibson Mazda on 01256 355221.

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