Green, lean and keen: the new Mazda 2 - Introduction

Lighter, smaller, greener... the next Mazda 2 is a bit different from other recent new small cars.

While the likes of the Vauxhall Corsa and Peugeot 207 have been bulking up (necessary to give the cars the safety and space today's buyers demand, their makers say), the new 2 has been on a diet.

It's shorter and lower than the current car and, of greater significance, around 100kg lighter. Fuel economy is 18% better, while carbon dioxide emissions are down by up to 23g/km (depending on the model). Most models will cost you a bit less in road tax as a result.