MAZDA PROVES THAT LESS CAN BE MORE These days every generation of every car seems to bring a model that was bigger than the one that went before. Now, however, Mazda has decided it’s time to buck the trend, and why not? This, after all, is the only maker in the world to persevere with the Wankel rotary engine, and dear old Felix would probably be very happy that someone cared if he were still alive despite the fact that his invention bankrupted NSU and sent it into the arms of Volkswagen. Mazda’s revolution comes courtesy of the new 2. The old model was the size of the Ford Fusion but the new one is more akin to a Ford Fiesta or, if anything, slightly smaller. In some reviews you’ll read how Mazda has shrunk the size of its supermini but that’s not strictly true. The old 2, you see, was not a supermini in the first place but one of those mystifying mini MPVs that nobody seems to love as they are neither one thing nor another. The only one that seems to work is the British-built Nissan Note, which must be galling for Renault whose closely related Modus has done abysmally. Back to the 2, though. Mazda has done a cracking job with the new car. It may be small, it may be practical but hell it looks exciting. I saw one only today finished in the new bright green colour (not really that new as there was something similar on the Montrose in 1978 but I don’t expect you to remember that because you are not a car saddo like me) and it’s exactly what the car demands. The 2 has some startling shapes and lines engraved across its bodywork and while on some cars that might not work (think Bangle BMWs for a start) in the Mazda it goes down a treat. Another plus of making a smaller car is that Mazda has been able to shave the weight off so the 2 is well under a tonne and only a fraction more than my right leg. I wish I knew its secret. There are three petrol engines plus Mazda has also started taking orders for the diesel it is just adding to the range. Two of the petrols share the same capacity, 1.3 litres, and the other is a 1.5. The difference between the 1.3 litre engines is in the power output, with 74 bhp for TS cars but a healthier 85 bhp for the TS2. As there is no penalty in kerb weight between the two cars and their CO2 rating and combined fuel consumption stay the same at a quoted 52.3 mpg there seems little environmental cost in taking the better power output and it also brings you a lot more car. It also makes the 2 more brisk with a 12.9 second 0-62 mph time and 107 mph top speed. Economy is boosted by the use of electric power steering which only absorbs engine power when it’s being used. The old hydraulic systems used an engine driven pump that sapped bhp all the time and also affected economy and emissions. The difference is only marginal but, as anyone who has ever tried balancing a household budget knows, every little helps. With its list price of £9,999, the TS2 is good value although it’s about £500 more than the old equivalent even though it’s smaller. It proves the old adage that less is more! It’s also cheap to run for a petrol car with an average in the high 40s. With that in mind I would not consider shelling out the extra for a diesel unless I was going to do very high mileages in which case, to be honest, I would want a bigger car anyway. People accustomed to driving European designed and built cars might find some aspects of the 2 a little flimsy and cut price but on the whole it’s well put together. Even better, it provides a truly original and alternative choice in a world of bland cars. If for no other reason, buy one just because it’s a poke in the eye for nosey neighbours every time they look out of the window. Maurice Hardy Now that small cars have become so efficient in virtually every way it’s actually very rare that we need something bigger. And when we do, I reckon it would make sense to hire a bigger car for the special event and economise with the smaller one for the rest of the time. Mazda seems to have struck a sensible balance between compactness and space with the new 2. You can fit in four adults if you have to, although buyers of this type of car probably seldom do. Where families are concerned, there is enough space for two adults and three children and this Mazda should not be viewed merely as a good choice of second car or urban runabout. It will hold its own on longer distances and keep up with the cut and thrust of motorway driving. Whether or not you will feel as safe as if you had something bigger is open to debate. The Mazda two has a five star crash test rating and if you choose one of Mazda’s brighter colours everyone will know you are there. I could live with it quite easily. Annette Hardy Car: Mazda 2 TS2 1 Does it fit your ego?... 0-62 mph: 12.9 secs Top speed: 107 mph Bhp: 85 @ 6000 rpm Torque: 90 lb ft @ 3500 rpm ...and your wallet?... Price: £9,999 Urban: 40.9 mpg Extra urban: 61.4 mpg Combined: 52.3 mpg CO2 emissions: 129 g/km Insurance Group: 4 Best bits: it’s refreshing; and stimulating; and all you need.