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It's been a cracking few months for small cars. An updated Volkswagen Polo. A new Skoda Fabia. Hyundai's slick i20. And now the seriously good-looking new Mazda2 is here and it comes with an impressively low CO2 emissions figure.
In fact, the 1.5 SkyActiv-D diesel model emits a tiny 89g/km, meaning you'll pay just €180 a year to tax it. Mind you, the SkyActiv-G 1.5-litre petrol model will hardly break the bank - its emissions range from 105- to 110g/km meaning you'll pay just €190 a year on tax. Interestingly, it's the more powerful 90hp 1.5 petrol that scores the lower emissions rating of the two petrol models, which just goes to show how much harder you'll have to work the 75hp petrol model to keep up with traffic.
Inside
Mazda says that there's a whole lot more interior space than on the outgoing 2. That car was based on the Ford Fiesta of course, but the new Mazda2 is all new from the ground up, sharing a SkyActiv platform with the Mazda3 hatchback and saloon and the upcoming CX-3 crossover.
Inside, there is a big seven-inch touchscreen for the stereo and infotainment system and there is a huge list of high-end options. Plump for the €19k GT model with the 90hp petrol engine and you'll get 16-inch alloys, heated seats, seven-inch colour display, multi media commander, DAB radio with extra USB, six speakers, smart keyless entry, rear parking sensors, rain/light sensors, privacy glass and climate control. Of course, for the more value-minded, the range kicks off with the 1.5-litre 75hp model for €15,995. That may seem expensive for a small car and especially so when ranged against the likes of the Skoda Fabia, but Mazdas do tend to be better equipped as standard than most of its rivals.
The official word
Tony Howarth, Managing Director, Mazda Motor Ireland said: "The all-new Mazda2 represents a huge leap in refinement and practicality versus the outgoing model. With features and equipment not offered by any of our competitors it sets a new standard for the segment. The all-new Mazda2 has been upgraded to enjoy the same premium feel as its sister models and our engineers have once again shown their obsession with challenging convention by developing a larger car which weighs less than its predecessor. I am convinced this car will be a hit with the Irish public".
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