The new model brings a five level grade structure – SE, SE-L, SE-L Nav, Sport and Sport Nav that is intended to set new standards for infotainment, in-car connectivity and equipment levels in the segment.

Available from SE-L 90PS grade, a 7-inch touch-screen combines with a rotary Multimedia Commander to create an enhanced human-machine interface (HMI). DAB radio features for the first time in the Mazda2 and, in SE-L Nav and Sport Nav grades, a new navigation system offers greater accuracy, improved search features and three years of free map updates.

In addition, Mazda's MZC Connect in-car connectivity system works with compatible iPhone and Android smartphones to access a variety of free mobile content via AhaTM, a cloud platform-based service which features thousands of stations, personalised, location-based services and both Twitter and Facebook audio feeds. MZD Connect also supports iPod, MP3 and CD playback, terrestrial radio, SMS and readout functions.

A choice of 1.5-litre, 75, 90 and 115PS petrol and 1.5-litre, 105PS diesel engines are offered, all of which are Euro 6-compliant.

The Mazda2 also brings a comprehensive array of active safety systems including Anti-lock Brakes (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Electronic Brake Assist (EBA), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control System (TCS), Emergency Stop Signalling (ESS), Hill Hold Assist (HHA) and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) are fitted as standard across the model range.

SE-L 90PS, Sport, Sport Nav grades and the Sports Launch Edition model are further equipped with a Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), and Smart City Brake Support (SCBS). Operating between speeds of 2.5 and 18.5mph, SCBS automatically applies the brakes if the system detects an imminent frontal impact.

Finally, an optional Safety Pack on 115PS Sport Nav models brings High Beam Control (HBC), an Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) system, and an Active Driving Display – which marks the debut of head-up display technology within the B-segment and projects the most important real-time driving data directly into the driver's forward field of view.