Delightful drive and design

MOST city cars neither look good nor drive fast well. Fortunately, the new Mazda2 is not one of them. The fourth generation of this sub-compact hatchback has delectable styling to match its high-speed abilities. While most models in this segment have an amorphous one-box body to maximise cabin size, the Mazda2 has a clearly defined profile to project its sporty styling.

The deep front grille gives it a striking new mien, while its sculpted profile alludes to the "pouncing motion" of a cheetah, or so its designer says. Like the bigger Mazda3 and Mazda6 models, the Mazda2 reflects the Japanese carmaker's sensuous Kodo design.

But whatever the design philosophy, the Mazda2's upright A-pillars and wheels placed at each corner of the car certainly make it more athletic-looking than many other mainstream mini hatches.