Nicholas casts his eye over this biomass-constructed interior supermini – Ed
Why have I taken this little supermini to a forest for its photoshoot?
It’s not to take it off-road or though mud – I can assure you no Mazdas were harmed in the making of this review – but in the brochure I discovered Mazda uses plant-derived biomass for its interior plastics, instead of the fossil fuel based plastics other car manufacturers use. So it seemed only right to let the planet meet the car trying to save it.
Great fun to drive
Aside from a carbon neutral dashboard, the Mazda 2 is also noteworthy for being great fun to drive. If having a responsive and agile car is important to you, then this should be the first supermini you think of.
It isn’t especially grippy but has a lovely, flowing rhythm from corner to corner and feels lower and sportier than a Fiat 500 or Ford Fiesta. The ride is also very resolved, isolating you from the noise and vibration of harsh road surfaces. This makes it more of a shame that the engine I tried, the 1.3 petrol, was lacking in charisma and motivation.
Disappointing interior trim
The other thing that disappointed was the interior trim. The plastics on the steering wheel felt brittle and the heater controls didn’t feel too robust either.
However, interior quality isn’t that important in £12,000 superminis, and the Mazda 2 comes with airbags front and rear, trip computer and steering wheel mounted stereo-controls as standard and can be had with a 67mpg diesel – everything you need from a small car.
Summary
It’s a very honest and practical car this, but one crying out for a better interior. If you’re thinking of buying it, specify it with a willing engine to partner the brilliant, sporty handling. 6/10
Thanks to Northwood Garage, Cowes, for the loan of the vehicle.
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