Mazda announces Mazda2 diesel prices for the UK

We've been keeping an eye on the new Mazda2 for a while, and our UK readers can now start calculating just how badly they might want to drive one of these little cars. Mazda has announced that the common-rail turbo diesel-engined Mazda2s will start at £9,499 (on-the-road) for the lower-end version and £10,999 for the upper end (see details after the jump). The cost will nab you a supermini that gets 65.7mpg (Imperial, which is 54.7 U.S.) and emits just 114 grams of CO ₂ per kilometer. Compliant with the Euro IV directives, the Mazda2 will cost the owner just £35 in annual road taxes. Deliveries start in March.

[Source: Mazda]

ALL-NEW MAZDA2 DIESEL PRICES REVEALED

Two-strong Mazda2 diesel model range priced from £9,499 (on-the-road)
1.4-litre, 68ps diesel supermini achieves 65.7mpg and a 114g/km CO2 rating
Exceptionally generous levels of standard equipment on both models
Thatcham Category 1 alarm and immobiliser as standard
On sale in December, for delivery from March 2008, with Band B £35 road tax

Prices for the all-new Mazda2 diesel range of five-door hatchbacks, which will go on sale next March, have been confirmed and start from just £9,499 (on-the-road). Two equipment levels (TS and TS2) will be available each boasting the generous level of standard equipment already featured on the new Mazda2 petrol models.

New Mazda2 diesel models feature the same eye-catching, distinctive styling that is making the petrol models stand out from the small car segment crowd. Both models will be powered by a newly developed MZ-CD 1.4-litre common-rail turbo diesel engine.

This four‑cylinder power unit is similar to the engine of the outgoing model, but more fuel‑efﬁcient and with reduced operating costs. It produces 68ps at 4,000rpm and maximum torque of 160Nm at a low 2,000rpm for quick responses to the throttle pedal. The precise-shifting ﬁve-speed manual transmission is fitted with special gear ratios to make the most of the diesel engine's torque and ensure that this version of new Mazda2 is as much fun to drive as the petrol models.

"The new Mazda2 diesel has all the attractive and dramatic styling of the petrol models, and offers customers increased fuel economy, reduced CO2 impact and ultra-low road tax of just £35 per year," comments Mazda UK's marketing director Mark Cameron.

"It is going to deliver an entertaining driving experience coupled with Mazda's renowned Japanese build-quality and reliability. While styling is one of the most important factors in the buying process, consumers are increasingly aware of environmental issues and demand for small capacity diesels is growing. We expect the new diesel models to account for 12 percent of Mazda2 sales," added Cameron.

Simplified model range will Boost Sales

Mazda, which is focusing on retail sales with new Mazda2 and has deliberately simplified the petrol model line-up, is continuing the same simple approach with the new diesel duo. Such is the generosity of the standard equipment that the Mazda2 range starts with the TS model – rather than a more basic 'S' model – priced at £9,499 and a £1,500 step-up to £10,999 buys the TS2 model, complete with alloy wheels and air-conditioning (see below). The range-topping Sport derivative is reserved for the petrol line-up.

Standard equipment on the Mazda2 1.4D TS includes: 15-inch steel wheels, ABS with Emergency Brake Assist and Electronic Brake-force Distribution, driver and passenger front airbags, remote central locking with deadlocks, electric front windows, electric adjustable door mirrors, driver seat height adjust, CD radio with auxiliary jack and two speakers, multi‑function glovebox with magazine rack and a Thatcham Category 1 alarm and immobiliser.

The new Mazda2 1.4D TS2 model has 11 additional equipment items including: 15-inch alloy wheels, side and curtain airbags, body coloured electric, heated folding door mirrors, body coloured door handles, two additional audio speakers (total four), 60/40 split rear seats, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, leather steering wheel and gear knob and manual air-conditioning.

Each trim level of Mazda2 diesel is so well equipped that the options list is remarkably short, just metallic or mica paint (£350) and manual air-conditioning for the TS model (£500). Customers ordering a diesel Mazda2 can choose between the same nine exterior colours as offered with the petrol model and two interior colours – Charcoal Black (TS) or Black (TS2) upholstery.

Remarkable fuel Economy with reduced Emissions
Thanks to its lightweight construction, sophisticated aerodynamics and high torque figure (160Nm compared to the 1.3-litre petrol model's 122Nm), the new Mazda2 diesel combines lively performance with remarkable fuel economy.

Although by their nature, diesel engines are heavier than petrol units, the Mazad2 diesel is a lightweight engine, featuring aluminium cylinder block, head and sump with alloy pistons and smaller diameter (45mm) main crankshaft bearings, so it adds only 20kg to the car's kerb weight, which is still a highly competitive 1050kg (including a 75kg driver).

With the diesel engine, Mazda2 accelerates from 0-to-62mph in 15.5 seconds and has a top speed of 101mph. Fuel economy on the combined cycle is a remarkable 65.7mpg, giving a realistic range of almost 600 miles on a single 42.8-litre tank. The engine is Euro 4 compliant and places this Mazda duo in road fund licence Band B so an owner will pay just £35 annual road tax.

STANDARD EQUIPMENT
Mazda2 1.4D TS

Petrol 1.4-litre, 68ps, 160Nm torque, 114g/km CO2, 5-speed manual
Safety & Security

All-disc braking system with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD) with Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
Driver & passenger front airbags
Driver and front passenger seatbelt reminder
Front seatbelt pre-tensioners with load-limiters
Three 3-point rear seatbelts
Twin ISOFIX child seat anchorages
Thatcham Category 1 alarm & immobiliser
Exterior

15-inch steel wheels with 185/55 R15 tyres
Body-coloured bumpers
Electric door mirrors
Black mirror housings and door handles
Comfort & Convenience

Remote central locking and dead locks
Folding jack-knife key
Electric front windows, with one-touch auto down
Remote release fuel filler flap
Electric speed-sensing power steering
Interior

Driver's seat height adjustment
Driver and passenger seat height-adjustable head restraints
Front centre console with storage and cup holders
CD Radio with auxiliary jack and two speakers
Multi-function glovebox with magazine rack
Rear seat three height-adjustable head restraints
Charcoal Black trim

Mazda2 1.4D TS2
Petrol 1.4-litre, 68ps, 160Nm torque, 114g/km , 5-speed manual

Additional equipment over TS model.
15-inch alloy wheels with 185/55 R15 tyres
Body-coloured door mirrors (electric, heated and folding)
Body-coloured door handles
Side and curtain airbags
Steering wheel mounted audio controls
Two additional audio speakers (total 4)
60/40 split folding rear seats
Leather steering wheel and gear knob
Manual air-conditioning
Black trim

New Mazda2 Price List

Mazda2 (Diesel)	Ps	Estimated 'On the road' Retail	CO₂ Emissions (g/km)	Road Fund Licence Band	Insurance Group
1.4D 5dr TS	68	£9,499	114	B	3E
1.4D 5dr TS2	68	£10,999	114	B	3E