The New Mazda 2 diesel features the same eye-catching, distinctive styling that is making the petrol models stand out from the small car segment crowd. The 2 models are be powered by a newly developed MZ-CD 1.4 litre common-rail turbo diesel engine.
“The new Mazda 2 diesel has all the attractive and dramatic styling of the petrol models, and offers customers increased fuel economy, reduced CO2 impact and ultra-low road tax of just £35 per year,” comments Mazda UK’s marketing director Mark Cameron.
“It is going to deliver an entertaining driving experience coupled with Mazda’s renowned Japanese build-quality and reliability. While styling is one of the most important factors in the buying process, consumers are increasingly aware of environmental issues and demand for small capacity diesels is growing. We expect the new diesel models to account for 12 percent of Mazda 2 sales,” added Cameron.
This four‑cylinder power unit is similar to the engine of the outgoing model, but more fuel‑efficient and with reduced operating costs. It produces 68ps at 4,000rpm and maximum torque of 160Nm at a low 2,000rpm for quick responses to the throttle pedal. The precise-shifting five-speed manual transmission is fitted with special gear ratios to make the most of the diesel engine’s torque and ensure that this version of new Mazda 2 is as much fun to drive as the petrol models.
Mazda has deliberately simplified the petrol model line-up and continues the same simple approach with the new diesel duo. Standard equipment for the Mazda 2 begins with the TS model – rather than a more basic ‘S’ model, priced at £9,499 and a £1,500 step-up to £10,999 buys the TS2 model, complete with alloy wheels and air-conditioning.
Each trim level of Mazda 2 diesel is so well equipped that the options list is remarkably short, just metallic or mica paint (£350) and manual air-conditioning for the TS model (£500). Customers ordering a diesel Mazda 2 can choose between the same nine exterior colours as offered with the petrol model and two interior colours – Charcoal Black (TS) or Black (TS2) upholstery.
Standard equipment on the Mazda 2 1.4D TS includes: 15 inch steel wheels, ABS with Emergency Brake Assist and Electronic Brake-force Distribution, driver and passenger front airbags, remote central locking with deadlocks, electric front windows, electric adjustable door mirrors, driver seat height adjust, CD radio with auxiliary jack and two speakers, multi‑function glovebox with magazine rack and a Thatcham Category 1 alarm and immobiliser.
The new Mazda 2 1.4D TS2 model has 11 additional equipment items including: 15 inch alloy wheels, side and curtain airbags, body coloured electric, heated folding door mirrors, body coloured door handles, two additional audio speakers (total four), 60/40 split rear seats, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, leather steering wheel and gear knob and manual air-conditioning.
Thanks to its lightweight construction, sophisticated aerodynamics and high torque figure (160Nm compared to the 1.3-litre petrol model’s 122Nm), the new Mazda2 diesel combines lively performance with remarkable fuel economy.
Although by their nature, diesel engines are heavier than petrol units, the Mazad 2 diesel is a lightweight engine, featuring aluminium cylinder block, head and sump with alloy pistons and smaller diameter (45mm) main crankshaft bearings, so it adds only 25kg to the car’s kerb weight, which is still a highly competitive 1055kg (including a 75kg driver).
With the diesel engine, Mazda 2 accelerates from 0-to-62mph in 15.5 seconds and has a top speed of 101mph. Fuel economy on the combined cycle is a remarkable 65.7mpg, giving a realistic range of almost 600 miles on a single 42.8 litre tank. The engine is Euro 4 compliant and places this Mazda duo in road fund licence B so an owner will pay just £35 annual road tax.
Prices
• Mazda 2 1.4D 5dr TS, PS 68, Estimated 'OTR' £9499, CO2 Emissions (g/km) 114, RFT Band B, Insurance group 3E
• Mazda 2 1.4D 5dr TS2, PS 68, Estimated 'OTR' £10999, CO2 Emissions (g/km) 114, RFT Band B, Insurance group 3E
Please note prices are inclusive of number plates, 12 months’ road fund licence and first registration tax.