Mazda has now added an automatic transmission to its Mazda2 range in the UK priced from £9,995.

The 1.5-litre four speed automatic will now be available and Mazda is also launching a new sporty Mazda2 Tamura available now as a permanent addition to the range’s line-up.

The Mazda2 accounts for a quarter of all Mazda sales in the UK and the automatic is expected to account for 8% of all Mazda2 sales in 2011.

For the upgraded Mazda2’s powertrain line-up, the three petrol engines have been re-tuned to Euro Stage V while the five-speed manual transmission’s gearing has been revised to save fuel.

For both the low and high power 1.3-litre engines, the CO2 output has been cut from 125 to 119g/km – meaning that five petrol Mazda2 cars now have a rating under 120g/km and move to the lower tax ‘C’ band, while the diesel model moves down to band ‘B’, so six models qualify for £0 road tax first-year rate and reduced benefit in kind costs, offering users significant savings.

The new Tamura model adds 16-inch alloy wheels and a sports styling kit with side skirts, rear spoiler and four-lamp headlights to the TS2 features. The Mazda2 Tamura also comes with three years complimentary servicing and road fund licence if the customer elects to finance through a two or three year Mazda PCP.