We’re big fans of the Mazda 2. Not only is it cheap to run and practical, but it’s also great fun to drive. So, it should come as no surprise we were keen to try Mazda’s mean-sounding Sport Black edition.
What’s new? Well first thing’s first, it doesn’t have any more power. This is undoubtedly a bit of a shame if you’re a petrolhead, but with 89bhp from its 1.5-litre petrol and hardly any weight to propel, the standard supermini has always felt fairly nippy in its top trim.
With just 1,050kg of weight to cart around, it can accelerate from 0-62mph in 9.4 seconds and makes quite a good noise as it goes about its business. It can also return a quoted 62.9mpg and emits less CO2 than most farm animals (105g/km if you’re interested).
With young drivers in mind, we can also see why Mazda didn’t want to see its 16E insurance group jump upwards. Still, we live in hope the sweet 128bhp version of the 1.5-litre which is found in the new MX-5 will make it into the Mazda 2 one day…
Instead, the Sport Black enjoys a makeover to spice up its image and give the spec sheet some added zest. It features ‘Brilliant Black’ front and side skirts along with a rear spoiler and chrome exhaust trim.
The Sport Black is also finished in one of two colours; Soul Red Metallic or Snowflake White Pearlescent and customers can further personalise the Mazda 2 with exterior graphics and contrasting door mirrors. The ‘KODO’ stickers add a racing stripe from the headlights to the taillights, while ‘Race’ adds decals behind the front wheel and along the bottom of the car. Either set can be chosen, or you can buy both for the most striking effect.
On top of the SE-L Nav trim level the Sport Black is based on, Mazda has added 16-inch alloy wheels in a Gunmetal finish, rear tinted glass, automatic lights and wipers and rear parking sensors.
So, how does it drive? Well, almost exactly like the standard car, because the only real change is the slightly larger wheels. The steering and gearbox have a light, snappy feel, but that’s not to say they‘re lacking in feel. There’s some positive feedback through the steering, and the nose of the Mazda 2 always feels eager to dive into the next corner.
Its suspension is taut and contains body roll well, but because the Mazda 2 is also very light, it doesn’t need to be excessively stiff, and so bumps in the road are also dealt with pretty effectively.
The engine is extremely smooth, and despite its limited power output, it feels keen enough to propel the Mazda 2 along the road at a pace which makes the racing stripes seem at least somewhat credible.
But, there’s the small matter of price, which at £15,395, places the Sport Black against some feisty rivals. The 136bhp Suzuki Swift Sport is actually cheaper, costing £14,499 but its interior has a much cheaper feel. If you are willing to spend slightly more the DS3 1.2-litre 110 PureTech may also be within reach, while the Ford Fiesta Red has 138bhp for £16,345.
The Mazda 2 is a newer design than those cars though, and with lots of extra kit over an SE-L Nav model for a small extra monthly cost on most finance deals, it’s sure to win quite a few customers over.
