Mazda 2 running costs work out pretty well. All the engines return good fuel consumption for their size, while low CO2 ratings help to keep road tax down. Mazda servicing is generally reasonable and insurance costs are in-line with similar models.

Mazda 2 emissions are nice and low. The 2 bucks the trend of small cars getting bigger and heavier. It’s almost 100kg lighter and 40mm shorter than the car it replaced. It translates into much lower emissions and better fuel economy. The 1.6-litre diesel emits a low 110g/km CO2, and is therefore cheap to tax, plus it claims 67.3mpg average economy.

The 1.3-litre petrol is claims 56.5mpg and emissions of 115g/km, while the 1.5-litre petrol comes in at 49.6mpg and 132g/km – all respectable figure for a car of this size. The 1.4-litre diesel was ditched in October 2010.