For once when a car maker says a model is "all new" it is actually true. The only element the Mazda2 shares with its predecessor is its name.

The new Mazda2 is 100 kilograms lighter than the previous model and Mazda has kept the weight of the car under 1,000kg, which the firm says cuts fuel consumption by up to 15 per cent, while also making it much more agile.

The previous car to carry the badge was a sensible, sober-looking, slightly boring supermini, but the new five-door sports zippier, eye-catching looks and an altogether more engaging feel on the road.

Hop behind the wheel and you are cocooned in a classy cockpit, with sporty styling cues ranging from white dials, red needles, black sports trim and a slick, short-shift, five-speed manual gearbox.

The ride is firm and handling precise, but the sporty feel has not been achieved at the expense of comfort.

And while the appeal is clearly at the young-at-heart driver, the Mazda2 is a grown-up car.

Classy touches include automatic lights and rain-sensing wipers, climate control air-conditioning, trip computer and cruise control.

A speed alarm is a useful touch, as under the bonnet of the top-of-the-range Sport test model was a 1.5-litre 103 horsepower engine kept in check with electronic systems usually found on much larger, more expensive cars.

Everything from dynamic stability control, traction control, to anti-lock brakes with emergency brake assist, work unseen to keep you on the straight and narrow.

Much more visible are the 16-inch, ten-spoke alloy wheels and the sports styling kit, which includes body-coloured sports grille, front sports bumper, side skirts and roof spoiler.

With prices starting from about £8,500, the Mazda2 gives a choice of three petrol engines, a 65mpg, 1.4-litre turbo diesel and three equipment levels.

The range starts with the TS; a £1,500 step up buys the TS2 model and a further £1,800 purchases the Sport.

Standard equipment on the entry-level, 1.3-litre, 75 horsepower Mazda2 TS includes 15-inch wheels, anti-lock brakes, driver and passenger front airbags, remote central locking with deadlocks, electric front windows, driver seat-height adjustment, CD radio with auxiliary jack and two speakers, alarm and immobiliser and electric, heated door mirrors.

It might be a small car, but it carries a big responsibility for Mazda. The firm is so confident about its appeal that it predicts that its small car sales in the UK will triple this year to 12,000.

Auto facts Mazda2 1.5 Sport

  • Price: £11,799
  • Ins group: Five
  • Fuel consumption (Combined): 47.9mpg
  • Top speed: 117mph
  • Length: 389.5cm/153.3in
  • Width: 169.5cm/66.7in
  • Luggage capacity: 8.8 cu ft
  • Fuel tank capacity: 9.4 gallons/42.8 litres
  • CO2 emissions: 140g/km
  • Warranty: 3 years/60,000 miles