Mazda Mazda2 1.3 TS2 5dr Car Review - March 2012

The TS2 is a trim higher than the TS, and while the two have a lot in common - such as the 1.3-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine - the TS2 has more power (83bhp). A higher torque figure of 90 lb-ft at 3500rpm ensures that the car can deliver decent punch on the motorway where performance requirements are higher.

There is nothing spectacular about its 0-62mph time of 13.6 seconds, but a top speed of 106mph makes it competent enough on motorways and fast A-roads.

The Mazda2 1.3 TS2’s proficiency on the road is exceptional. No other small car can match the balance of handling, grip and steering provided by the Mazda2 TS2. Suspension is a little firm but insulates occupants well from the effects of bumps on smoother roads. The 5-speed manual gearbox is smooth and accurate. In terms of comfort, responsiveness and handling, the Mazda2 1.3 TS2 is a class-leader.

The engine is smooth, giving off a non-intrusive low, sporty rumble when on the move. Wind and road noise are minimal. Visibility all-round is excellent.

The Mazda is an eye-catching hatchback. The front bumper is wider and larger, and right above it is a small, narrow grille bearing the Mazda logo. Curvy fog lights are added to give it the trademark Mazda touch.

Commendable work has been done on the interior, but it is not as polished as the exterior. The quality of materials is good though and while it doesn’t feel as lavish and upmarket as the Ford Fiesta, it does look neat.

The TS2 has a considerable amount of equipment. It comes fitted with power steering, central locking, driver airbag, passenger airbags, front side airbags, electric door mirrors, electric front windows, air con and alloy wheels. The entertainment system includes a CD player and MP3 connectivity. Metallic paint is available, for £420.

You will have nothing to worry about as far as your safety and the car’s security are concerned. Mazda is a strong brand with a proven record of reliability, and its cars are built to last. Previous Mazda2 models have been ranked highly in reliability tests. In the Euro NCAP crash test, the TS2 5dr got an impressive 5-star rating for occupant safety, 4 stars for child safety and 2 stars for pedestrian safety.

The driving position is superb. The pedals are well-positioned and the gearlever is set high enough to prevent brushes with your knee. The seats are all comfortable and the driver’s is particularly supportive. Controls are within easy reach and the dash layout is clear.

There is plenty of space in the cabin and all passengers will travel in comfort. The car will seat four adults comfortably and can even accommodate five, but they will have to squeeze in. The Mazda's five doors make the rear seats easily accessible.

The boot is small at 250-litres, which is just enough for one or two small bags. When you have no rear passengers, you can fold the seats to increase boot capacity to 787 litres. The boot opening is larger and better positioned than in the TS, making loading easy.

At £11,480, the Mazda2 TS2 is competitively priced and offers great value for money. Desirability and strong resale values increase its appeal. Good fuel economy, a low road tax band, low insurance costs and affordable servicing will keep your running costs down.

Drive it sensibly and you will get 55.4mpg, which is good enough for a small car. Emissions average 119g/km, attracting £30 under VED band C. It falls under insurance group 11, so premiums should be reasonable. Mazda offers a 3-year warranty up to 60,000 miles with service intervals of 12,500 miles.