Mazda 2 vs VW Polo & Ford Fiesta

The supermini sector is the most fiercely contested in the UK car market, so any new arrival will have to be on top of its game if it wants to succeed. 

Mazda has worked hard to give its latest 2 a fighting chance. Not only is the newcomer bigger, better equipped and more refined than its predecessor, it features an eye-catching price tag and promises to lead the way for driver fun.

• Best superminis on the market

Just as importantly, it benefits from Mazda’s latest SkyActiv kit, which means lightweight construction and a number of fuel-saving additions. Here we test the car in mid-range 1.5 SE-L Nav guise.

Setting the benchmark for the Mazda is the VW Polo. With its classy image, upmarket interior, punchy turbocharged petrol engine and top-notch refinement, the VW is the most grown-up small car money can buy. The Ford Fiesta is the old-stager in this encounter, but it still sets the standard for driving engagement, plus it looks good and is surprisingly practical.

So, can the Mazda take the spoils, or will it be left feeling blue after tasting road test defeat?

• Mazda 2 review

• Volkswagen Polo review

• Ford Fiesta review

Read individual reviews by clicking the links above, and scroll down to see which supermini star comes out on top...

Head-to-head

Engines

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Instead of downsizing, Mazda talks about ‘right-sizing’ with its engines, so the new 2 comes with a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre in three states of tune. The 89bhp version in our test model feels sluggish at low speed, although it delivers decent running costs. Ford and VW have fashionable small-capacity turbos, but with different layouts – the former has a 1.0-litre three-cylinder, while the latter gets a 1.2-litre four-cylinder.

Touchscreen tech

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A touchscreen infotainment system (above) is standard on 89bhp Mazda 2 1.5 SE-L models and above. It features a seven-inch display and can also be accessed via a rotary controller. The Polo has a smaller screen, but a more intuitive interface, while the Ford does without this cutting-edge kit.

Weight saving

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Saving weight is a big part of Mazda’s SkyActiv philosophy, so it’s no surprise that the new 2 tips the scales at just 975kg. That partly explains how it can be so agile and so efficient. The Polo and Fiesta appear heavy by comparison – they weigh 1,107kg and 1,101kg respectively.

Verdict

1st place: Volkswagen Polo

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It’s another win for the Polo, but its margin of victory is smaller than ever. Keeping the VW on top are its impeccable build quality, classy cabin, top-drawer refinement and punchy powerplant. It’s also practical and cost effective to run. The Polo’s handling could do with a bit more sparkle and it doesn’t look as dramatic as its rivals, but it has plenty of upmarket kerb appeal.

2nd place: Mazda 2

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The distinctive Mazda 2 just misses out on top spot on the podium. Like its predecessor, the newcomer is eye-catchingly styled and fun to drive, but there’s now a new-found maturity. The 2 is comfortable and refined, plus it boasts a roomy, generously equipped interior. Yet it’s let down by cheap-looking interior materials and the lacklustre response of its engine. 

3rd place: Ford Fiesta 

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Our former class champ takes the wooden spoon in this encounter, but the Fiesta still has a lot going for it. Not only does it look sharp, the engaging handling and eager three-cylinder engine make it the number one choice for keen drivers. However, there are now too many chinks in the Ford’s armour. It’s expensive and isn’t as well equipped as rivals, plus its interior looks dated.

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