The fourth-generation Mazda supermini came to market with significant expectations for the brand, which is seeing its influence on the market re-emerge with a burst of new models sporting the new Skyactiv petrol engine.

Mazda pulled out all the stops to ensure as much market appeal for the 2 as possible, from its March on-sale date to having two models touring each

dealership in the network with an invitation-only guest list for the car’s legions of fans.

“The Mazda2 is our best-selling model in the UK and its successor marks an important milestone for the brand,” said Jeremy Thomson, Mazda UK managing director, when the car launched.

As well as featuring the ‘Kodo – Soul of Motion’ body styling, Mazda has also maximised usage of the range of ultra-efficient Skyactiv engines.

The new 1.5-litre Skyactiv-G petrol is available in three power outputs, with new five and six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearboxes, plus a new 1.5 litre Skyactiv-D diesel with a six-speed manual gearbox.  

The diesel’s efficiency figures of 83.1mpg and 89g/km CO2 compare favourably with our petrol’s 62mpg and 105g/km respectively.

Prices go from £11,995 up to £17,395 in the 16-strong model line-up with five trim levels – SE, SE-L, SE-L Nav, Sport and Sport Nav.

The additional equipment on the SE-L, above SE, includes 15-inch alloy wheels, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power-folding heated door mirrors, Bluetooth, DAB radio, seven-inch colour touchscreen and integrated sat-nav, lane departure warning and ‘Smart city’ brake assist (these last five aren’t available in the 75PS SE-L).

The small car is Mazda’s top seller this year, with a retail/fleet split of 75%/25%.

From January to September, the registration total is 6,582 units (YoY 2014: 6,047), compared with the new Mazda3 at 6,360 (5,456), according to SMMT figures.

The latter was launched before the Mazda2, of course. Just looking at September figures, however, the 2 outsold the 3 by 937 units (2,067 v 1,130).