2020 Mazda 2 [UK]

Featuring a renewed more sophisticated exterior design, new technology, improved refinement and an upgraded interior, the 2020 model year version of this popular supermini will be offered with a simplified five-model range, exclusively powered by Mazda's familiar 1.5-litre Skyactiv-G petrol engine - which for the first time is matched to Mazda's M Hybrid mild-hybrid system.

Visually, the upgraded Mazda2 is marked out by the adoption of the latest evolution of Mazda's Kodo design. The new grille features a mesh pattern, bringing it into line with the style seen on the all-new Mazda3 hatchback, while the wider signature wing and revised headlights heighten the Mazda2's sporty appearance. At the rear, the redesigned bumper gives the impression of a lower stance on the road.

Inside, revisions to dashboard trims, air vent louvres, door inserts and the instrument hood are examples of how improvements to materials and design have enhanced the Mazda2's already upmarket interior. Highlighting Mazda's driver centred focus, the new front seats feature a more advanced design and structure that better supports the body and helps maintain a posture in which the pelvis is upright and the spine maintains a natural S-shaped curve. The comfort of all occupants has also been considered with a host of upgrades designed to improve refinement and interior quietness. New damping materials have been added in the cabin and a reduced gap around the base of the B-Pillar further upgrades sound insulation, as do revised sealing rubbers between the roof panel and the boot.

Engines and transmissions

The 2020 Mazda2 is available in the UK exclusively with a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated Skyactiv-G petrol engine that's offered with a choice of two power outputs: 75ps and 90ps. The 75ps engine is available in SE-L trim, while the 90ps version makes up the bulk of the range and is offered in SE-L Nav, Sport Nav and GT Sport Nav trims.

For the first time in the Mazda2, the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated Skyactiv-G petrol engine is matched to Mazda's M Hybrid mild-hybrid system to deliver lower running costs and strong environmental credentials. Standard on all Skyactiv petrol engines with a manual transmission, Mazda M Hybrid technology uses a small Belt-Integrated Start Generator (B-ISG) to capture and store kinetic energy from regenerative braking and repurposes it to improve efficiency. As a result, manual versions of the Mazda2 have emissions from as low as 94-95g/km and economy of 53.3mpg on the combined cycle.All models now feature a six-speed Skyactiv manual transmission as standard, while in Sport Nav trim you can also choose a six-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic transmission.

When developing the 1.5-litre engine, Mazda's engineers eschewed the current trend of exploiting tried and tested technology such as forced induction and downsizing engines, and opted instead for a fundamental rethink that would allow them to 'right-size'. The result was the 1.5-litre all-alloy engine which uses advanced technologies - including intelligent direct fuel injection, low-friction design, and a compression ratio of 13:1 for both power output engines - to deliver high levels of economy, refinement and flexibility without compromising performance.

In the Skyactiv-G petrol engine, the top-dead-centre temperature remains lower than the last generation engine, halving the level of residual exhaust gas from eight to four per cent, while introducing an extended and looped four-into-two-into-one exhaust system prevents exhaust gas leaving one cylinder being forced into the combustion chamber of another.In addition, the piston heads are fitted with cavities to prevent the initial combustion flame from hitting the piston and interfering with the flame's growth, and low-temperature oxidation - an exothermic reaction in which the bonds within the molecules of petrol break and produce energy - were exploited to further boost torque across the rev range.

The 90ps variants use an innovative four-two-one exhaust manifold, which lowers the in-cylinder compression temperature to help prevent knocking (unwanted premature ignition), improve the scavenging effect and with it combustion efficiency, and deliver extra torque - especially at low engine speeds. The 'standard power' 75ps version of the 1.5-litre Skyactiv-G petrol engine has a 13:1 compression ratio, variable valve timing on the intake manifold only and simpler four-into-one exhaust manifold. Despite its smaller exhaust, simpler valve timing, lighter engine cover and smaller oil pump, this version still produces more torque than Mazda's previous-generation MZR 1.3-litre petrol engine.

Safety

The Mazda2's Skyactiv-Body 'triple H' body structure, which comprises 65 per cent high tensile steels, provides an incredibly strong and lightweight protective safety cell around driver and passengers. Standard-fit safety equipment includes - Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Emergency Stop Signalling (ESS), Hill Hold Assist (HHA) and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). The supermini is also equipped with six airbags - dual front, side airbags and full-length curtain airbags - ISOFIX anchorage to the two outer rear seats, and five three-point seatbelts, 4 with pre-tensioners (not available on the centre rear seatbelt).

The optimised side and curtain airbags are of a larger capacity to not only cover the pelvis but also offer higher levels of impact protection to the chest and abdomen. Naturally, the head areas for both front and rear occupants are fully covered.

In addition to the Colour Active Driving Display featured on the flagship GT Sport Nav, this range-topping model also benefits from a reversing camera as standard, giving drivers a clearer image to make parking easier than ever and highlighting any potential hazards when reversing.

Mazda's i-Activsense suite of advanced safety technologies help the driver to be aware of potential hazards and avoid them. Standard on all 90ps models, the Advanced Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) is designed to automatically stop the car, or reduce the speed of the car, when there is a risk of collision with the vehicle or pedestrian in front while travelling at speeds up to approximately 50mph. This helps the driver avoid or reduce the severity of a crash. Using a near-infrared sensor mounted on the windscreen to constantly monitor preceding vehicles at a range of up to around six metres, SCBS primes the brakes to remove any play in the pedal if its detects a collision is imminent. If the driver does not respond to potential obstruction ahead, SCBS automatically applies the brakes, extensively reducing the possibility of impact at speeds of up to 10mph and significantly reducing the intensity of a collision.

Also now standard from 90ps SE-L Nav models upwards is Mazda's Lane-keep Assist System (LAS). The intuitive system uses a front view camera mounted at the top of the windscreen to monitor the proximity of lane markings and determines whether or not the vehicle is about to unintentionally stray from its lane. It warns drivers via a vibration in the steering wheel and an audible sound from the corresponding side speaker along with a visual warning in the instrument panel.

Available to the GT Sport Nav trim only, Driver Attention Alert (DAA) is designed to reduce accidents caused by driver fatigue. Working a speeds over 40mph, the system begins to learn and interpret the driver's habits, and if the system detects changes in the vehicle that suggests the driver may be losing concentration, it will play an audible sound and display a warning in the Multi-Information Display to suggest a break for the driver.