2005 Mazda 2 Antares review from UK and Ireland

No mechanical or electrical failures at all - the 2 is an extremely reliable little car.

The Mazda 2 is a roomy and dependable little car, with much more attractive looks than its predecessor, the Demio.

Underneath, this car is basically a Ford Fiesta/Fusion and shares its platforms, running gear and engines with the blue oval cars.

The 1.4 litre engine is very reliable, but lacks sparkle, with disconcerting flat spots which become very apparent when driving on even slight inclines - there have been times (even in my low mileage, Mazda serviced car) when the car will not pass 50 in these conditions even with the accelerator down to the floor. Not really good enough on what is quite an expensive 1.4 litre super-mini.

The car cruises well, although road noise is a little excessive - this appears to be a general Mazda problem. Wind noise can be an issue, particularly when it blows through the air vents behind the windscreen - they whistle quite intrusively.

Handling is good and really the excellent Fiesta chassis deserves a much better engine. There is very little lean in corners and grip is superb, with very positive steering feedback.

Build quality is adequate, but not as good as on the large 6. Some items of trim work loose a bit too easily and the plastic panels inside the doors are a bit too cheap feeling for a car of this price.

Seats are very comfortable and adjustable although driver comfort is let down by the lack of a foot-rest next to the clutch - which in itself can be a bit heavy at times.

Paint quality is pretty good by modern standards and doesn't mark as easily as the Renaults or Fiats I have owned. Bumpers do chip a little too easily though.

Practicality and flexibility are pretty good, but not quite a match for the Honda Jazz.

The integrated CD/radio unit is average with CDs often sounding a bit shallow and tinny. Radio reception is very variable - sometimes it can be hard to keep a signal.

Worst feature of all is the fuel consumption. For a small car, the economy is terrible and daily commutes are far more expensive than with any other car I have owned.