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  • 2

Mazda 2 vs VW Polo & Ford Fiesta - pictures

by: Auto Express team
30 Mar 2015
Go to: Mazda 2 vs VW Polo & Ford Fiesta
  • Mazda 2 vs rivals

    Mazda has put a lot of effort into the new 2 to make it competitive with the best of the supermini class. How does it fare?

  • Mazda 2 - rear tracking

    The new 2 follows Mazda's Kodo design language, with plenty of creases and curves along the flanks and a sharp front end. 

  • Mazda 2 - rear tracking

    The rear is slightly bulbous, but all models get a subtle tailgate spoiler.

  • Mazda 2 - interior

    Inside, the Mazda 2 looks smart and feels robust, if not as plush as the Polo. Stylish eyeball vents are inspired by Audi, while the steering wheel and gearlever feature soft leather.

  • Mazda 2 - rear seats

    Rear legroom is now a match for its rivals compared to the old model, while only taller occupants will find the sloping roofline eating into rear headroom. 

  • Mazda 2 - boot

    The boot has the same 280-litre capacity as the VW Polo, but it's hobbled by a high load lip and narrow opening. 

  • Mazda 2 - static

    "Mazda has a 'right-sizing' policy with its engines, but it has mixed results in the 2. The 1.5 lacks the low speed muscle that make the turbo VW and Ford so effortless." - James Disdale, road test editor. 

  • Mazda 2 - dials

    The speedometer is large and flanked by digital readouts for the rev counter and trip computer

  • Mazda 2 - screen

    There's plenty of standard kit, including sat-nav, cruise control, keyless entry and DAB radio - you'll have to pay extra for these on the VW or Ford. 

  • Mazda 2 - front cornering

    "The latest 2 is more grown-up than before, but it's not los tthe previous car's sense of fun, with sharp handling and a short-throw gearshift." - Sean Carson, senior road tester. 

  • Mazda 2 - rear cornering

    The steering isn't as weighty as the Fiesta's, but it's quick and precise, helping the Mazda dart through corners with impressive agility. 

  • Mazda 2 badge

    The application of SkyActiv technology means the 2 now tips the scales at 975kg, which has a positive impact on the car's performance. 

  • Mazda 2 vs rivals

    Mazda's 1.5-litre engine comes in three states of tune, while the Polo comes with a 1.2-litre turbo and the Fiesta a 1.0 three-cylinder turbo. 

  • VW Polo - front tracking

    If you're after a supermini that delivers big-car driving dynamics and refinement, then look no further than the Polo. 

  • VW Polo - rear tracking

    The 1.2 TSI is a smooth and effortless performer, and it edged ahead of the Fiesta and Mazda in our in-gear tests. 

  • VW Polo - cabin

    "The Polo feels a class apart when it comes to quality. With its tight shut lines and top-notch materials, the VW brings big-car premium appeal to the supermini sector." - James Disdale, road test editor. 

  • VW Polo - rear seats

    Access to the rear of the Polo is easy thanks to wide-opening rear doors, while the flat rear bench can accommodate three adults at a pinch. 

  • VW Polo - boot

    The Polo matches the Mazda's 280-litre boot, but it benefits from a lower load lip and wider opening. There's a flase boot floor to create a flat loadbay when the rear seats are folded. 

  • VW Polo -static

    VW has made few changes to the Polo's design, but there are minor tweaks to the exterior design. Higher-spec models feature LED headlights, and the classic design works well. 

  • VW Polo - dials

    At the track, we managed a 0-60mph sprint in 9.9 seconds, comparing favourably with VW's claimed sprint time of 10.8 seconds. 

  • VW Polo - info screen

    "VW's grown-up appeal extends to its hi-tech options, which include adaptive cruise control and a reversing camera." - Dean Gibson, deputy road test editor. 

  • VW Polo - front cornering

    The comfort and refinement of the Polo doesn't come at the expense of handling. There's a fair amount of body roll, but grip is good, and the VW isn't unsettled by mid-corner bumps. 

  • VW Polo - rear cornering

    The steering is naturally weighted and precise, while visibility is good - making the car easy to place. 

  • Ford Fiesta - front tracking

    "The Ford still sets the standard for driving fun. The quick steering, nimble handling and three-cylinder engine put you at the centre of the action. Yet this agility is matched to a supple ride and decent refinement." - Sean Carson, s

  • Ford Fiesta - rear tracking

    Despite its small capacity, the Fiesta's 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine pulls smoothly and eagerly from idle, without the surge of torque that afflicts the Polo. 

  • Ford FIesta -cabin

    Driving position is excellent in the Fiesta, further enhancing the involving dynamics. Some of the plastics inside feel a bit low-rent, though. 

  • Ford Fiesta - rear seats

    Access to the back of the Fiesta is good, but passengers will feel more hemmed in thanks to narrow rear windows and dark cabin trim. 

  • Ford Fiesta - boot

    The Fiesta offers a 290-litre boot if you stick with the standard repair foam; this drops to 276 litres if you spec the £100 space saver spare wheel, though. There's a high load lip and the rear seats don't fold flat, though. 

  • Ford Fiesta - static

    "Ford dealers are always keen to haggle, so you should be able to slash hundreds from the Fiesta's bottom line." - James Disdale, senior road tester. 

  • Ford Fiesta - screen

    Fiesta's blocky blue LCD display looks dated compared to the larger touchscreens in the Polo and Mazda. 

  • Ford Fiesta - dials
  • Ford Fiesta - front cornering

    In the corners, the Fieta's sharp chassis means it feels agile and delivers poise and plenty of grip. It has a supple ride over all surfaces, too. 

  • Ford Fiesta - rear cornering

    The Fiesta is a surprisingly relaxed long-distance cruiser, thanks to the smooth engine and low levels of road noise. 

  • Mazda 2 vs rivals

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