Mazda 2 GT Sport Tech 115PS 2021 UK first drive

You really have to admire Mazda’s determination to do things differently. Whether it’s holding out as the last maker of truly affordable sports cars, or rejecting large-capacity batteries for its debut EV with a view towards rotary range-extenders, the Japanese firm doesn’t play by everyone else’s rules. That attitude is also true of the Mazda 2 supermini.

Even after its most recent round of mid-life updates, the Mazda 2 still one of the few cars in its class to remain naturally aspirated in all its forms - albeit now with mild-hybrid assistance. The efficiency-boosting tech was introduced last year for the entry-level and mid-range powertrains. Now it’s the turn of the top-end 113bhp Mazda 2 model, which has been reintroduced for 2021.

The 1.5-litre four-cylinder has received an increased compression ratio and an upgraded exhaust manifold also helps keep emissions in check, but it’s the power hike that will enable it better to compete with turbo three-pot rivals from the likes of Ford and Seat.

It’s available on only the range-topping GT Sport Tech model tested here, which gets a full suite of interior technology and safety features as standard, including wireless smartphone mirroring, 360deg parking cameras, adaptive LED headlights and blind spot monitoring.

The 2’s cabin is still the same mix of old and new, with welcome upgrades such as a colour head-up display sitting above a delightfully analogue instrument cluster. The oversized speedometer might be flanked by simple LCD panels, but it can’t help but feel dated compared with the fully digital dashboards of rival superminis.

There’s an abundance of physical buttons, and the rotary infotainment controls are appreciated, although they remain a little too far back in the centre console. The touchscreen is on the small side and graphically basic, although it does at least support Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Overall materials quality is great for the class, though, and Mazda’s minimalist styling punches above its weight.

On the road, the 2 is as well balanced and responsive to drive as ever, with precise and sensibly weighted steering. The whole experience is consistent, with no single element feeling out of sync with the way the car rides and handles. It doesn’t maintain that composure towards the limit, meaning a Ford Fiesta is still the benchmark, but for daily driving, it leaves little to complain about.