Rated by independent crash test experts Euro NCAP as a four-star car, which is a good score for a car of this size. All cars get twin front airbags, while side ‘bags are offered on the Sport (they’re optional on other models). ABS was initially only an option on the entry-level S, which was rectified in 2004 when it became standard on all models. Every car has an alarm, deadlocks and an immobiliser.
When it comes to practicality, the 2’s biggest asset is its shape. The tall body means that it’s versatile and can carry awkwardly-shaped loads. There’s about enough luggage room for a modest weekly shop. The seats have a 60/40 split, plus you can lift the bases up to allow the backs of the seats to fold nearly flat into the floor. With the seats down there is a sizeable and useful load area.
Euro NCAP Rating
The Mazda 2 (03-07) was tested by Euro NCAP in and received the following safety ratings:
Euro NCAP provides motoring consumers with a realistic and independent assessment of the safety performance of some of the most popular cars sold in Europe. The safety ratings are determined from a series of vehicle tests, designed and carried out by Euro NCAP. These tests represent, in a simplified way, important real life accident scenarios that could result in injured or killed car occupants or other road users.