SECTOR: Supermini   PRICE: €12,790–€18,790   FUEL: 3.4–4.9l/100km   CO2: 89–117g/km 

No manufacturer selling cars in Europe can afford to ignore the B-segment. While the C-segment tends to be the best-seller, both privately and in fleet – VW dominating with the Golf, B-segment models tend to dominate in markets such as France, Spain and the UK. This may not be core fleet sector business, but there are a large number of B-segment models on fleet books. Think Fiat Punto, Ford Fiesta, Opel Corsa, Peugeot 208 and VW Polo.

Mazda was well aware of the importance of the sector and back in its days of Ford ownership, the Mazda 121 was simply a re-badged Ford Fiesta. Much has happened since then, although the outgoing Mazda2 was also based on the 2008 Fiesta platform. While it has not been able to compete in volume terms, it has gained a solid reputation as a stylish small hatchback.

Mazda’s resurgence with models such as the recently revised Mazda6 and Mazda3 has made the brand attractive to fleet buyers. Now a new Mazda2 built on a Mazda platform has arrived, derived from the Mazda Hazumi concept shown at the Geneva Show in 2014. Hazumi was one of the last projects overseen by Mazda Europe design director Peter Birtwhistle before his retirement later in 2014.

The Hazumi concept also previewed Mazda’s MZD Connect system, which includes a seven-inch touchscreen and smartphone connectivity. To that has been added a head-up display in some Mazda2 models, a first in the B-segment, according to Mazda.

Mazda says that, in line with its Skyactiv technology, the new Mazda2 is around 7% lighter than the outgoing model. It is adopting the same approach to engines as in other Mazda models. The Hazumi concept also previewed a new 1.5-litre Skyactiv diesel engine and both petrol and diesel engines will be based on the same engine block. Petrol engines develop 75hp, 90hp and 115hp driving the front wheels through either a five or six-speed manual transmission. There is also an option of a six-speed automatic with the 90hp engine. Petrol will account for most Mazda2 sales and with CO2 emissions between 105g/km (for the 90hp manual) and 117g/km, they will have reasonable fleet appeal. Lower CO2 emissions are part of the 1.5-litre diesel package, which sees emissions of 89g/km for the 105hp engine. This is the only diesel power option and it comes with a six-speed manual transmission as standard.

The diesel version really impressed on the road, with low engine noise, impressive torque, good performance and flexibility. For high mileage fleet drivers who do not need a large car, the diesel has a lot going for it. It doesn’t feel nose-heavy in the way that diesels used to, contributing to the nimble chassis.

Petrol models may not offer the diesel engine’s torque, but offer good performance and low noise without the diesel price premium. Our pick would be the 90hp manual with the lowest CO2 emissions of 105g/km but the same 148Nm of torque at 4,000rpm as the 115hp engine.

Add in a long list of safety equipment and a comfortable cabin with reasonable rear seat legroom and Mazda looks as though it has a success story on its hands.

What we think

The Mazda2 has more character and more fleet appeal than the model it replaces, with low-CO2 diesel and petrol engines to suit most types of driver.