Mazda2 hatchback - Interior & comfort

Compared to the previous Mazda2, the latest model’s interior is a far more appealing place to while away the miles. It’s more modern, too, thanks in part to an eight-inch infotainment screen that’s now standard on the cheapest trim level. This has reduced the need for numerous small buttons and the result is a dashboard that's much less cluttered than the previous car's. Compared to the latest Mazdas, however, the 2 is feeling its age inside.

Mazda2 dashboard

Build quality inside the Mazda2 is excellent, too – comparable to the classy Audi A1 in some places. Top-spec models come with stitched leather on the seats, door panels and dashboard, while there's also expensive-looking carbon-fibre trim. The car's circular air vents give things a sporty feel, while the additional rectangular vent hidden in the trim is a neat touch.

The eight-inch infotainment system makes such a difference to the Mazda2 that we’re glad it’s now standard (you used to get a basic radio display in the cheapest SE-L model). It’s easy to operate and a rotary controller is used to select various functions. If you connect your smartphone, you can access functions such as social media and Internet radio through the central screen, too. As a whole, the infotainment system isn’t as crisp as some rivals’ screens, but it does come with wireless Apple CarPlay and wiredAndroid Auto; giving you the option to use your phone’s software rather than Mazda’s.

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The rest of the car's systems are easily controlled with a few buttons, while the climate control is adjusted using three chunky dials on the centre of the dashboard. One bugbear is the lack of a decent cubby to securely put your phone or keys.

Equipment

The Mazda2 is available with plenty of hi-tech equipment, whichever model you pick. The base Centre-Line features LED headlights, Bluetooth, cruise control, electric windows, air conditioning and rear parking sensors. Importantly, it also comes with an eight-inch infotainment display as standard, boasting impressive smartphone connectivity, along with its own sat-nav. There’s also extra safety kit if you pick the 89bhp engine, and this is our pick of the range.

Exclusive-Line specification increases the size of the alloy wheels to 16 inches, and adds a number of styling flourishes inside and out to make it look more athletic, along with a new body-coloured grille design. It also includes keyless entry and LED daytime running lights. Homura adds a reversing camera, while black alloy wheels and exterior trim, along with a honeycomb grille create a sporting feel. Inside, there’s black cloth trim with red accents. Top-spec Homura Aka adds luxuries like a heated steering wheel and front seats, along with a 360-degree camera view and all-around parking sensors, but it also pushes its price above £20,000.