Model refresh, facelift, mid-life update. Whatever you want to call it, the Mazda2 has just undergone it.

Handsome thing, though, isn’t it? The most obvious change to the baby supermini appears at the front, where Mazda’s KODO design language introduces a mesh grille much like the one on the larger Mazda3. There’s also revised headlights at the front and a newly-shaped bumper at the back.

On the inside, the 2 gets new dashboard trims, air vent louvres, door trims and seats – exciting, we know.

What is genuinely exciting, though, is that the diesel engine has been ditched, meaning all trim levels come with Mazda’s 1.5-litre naturally aspirated Skyactiv-G petrol engine in either 74bhp or 89bhp forms.

The entry-level SE-L is the only one to come with 74bhp, but you’ll still get rear parking sensors, 15-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, climate control and cruise control as standard options. Not bad, although 11.7secs to 100km/h might be a struggle to live with.

There are then four other trim levels of increasing spec – all with 89bhp – topped by the GT Sport Nav, which also features a reversing camera, heated leather seats and a colour head-up display. A far simpler range then?

Well, to ensure there’s still some interest during the ordering process, Mazda has introduced a mild-hybrid system on the 2, but only for those equipped with the 6spd manual gearbox. The electric assist means CO2 emissions of between 94-95g/km for the manual, whilst the unassisted 6spd auto lags behind on 118g/km.

The 2 was already a decent drive, but Mazda has taken the time to revise the power steering to improve response and feel, whilst also evolving its rather nerdy G-vectoring system. Top work, all.

STORY Greg Potts