FUEL isn’t the only thing going up in the motoring world. One of the most obvious upward trends in recent years has been for cars to balloon in size and weight.

We all like our gadgets, but for every extra toy there’s a price to pay. The same is true of safety kit. While it’s hard to argue against such equipment, the more airbags and electronic stability kit you stuff in a car the less lithe and frugal it will be.

For many car firms the answer has been to fit bigger engines to their bigger cars, making Mazda’s decision to focus on weight reduction something to be applauded.

The previous Mazda 2 didn’t exactly light the fires of passion, which is a shame as it was a perfectly sensible and practical small car. Most firms would just make a few tweaks and cross their fingers, but Mazda saw the chance to do something different.

The result is the new 2, a conventional hatchback although unconventional in the sense that its rakish looks make you stare, weight has been taken out and it is built to impressively high standards.

Almost 100kg lighter than its predecessor, it’s clear that much work has been done to make serious gains in drivability and economy. The 2 is also a fraction shorter (40mm) than the old car yet boasts the same wheelbase – a good thing if you’re a back seat passenger.

All this weight loss and size reduction has meant the Mazda 2 is a rare beast, a small car that is engaging to drive.

Of course, most situations are unlikely to prove conducive to a good thrash, but there’s a simple, direct feel to the Mazda 2’s various controls, which makes even the shortest, dullest drive into town something to enjoy.

Like all modern Mazdas, the 2’s controls are light and easy to operate. The car’s steering comes closer than most to offering decent levels of feedback and is worthy of praise, while the car’s various controls and displays are straightforward.

Visibility is also good – another key attribute for town driving – thanks in part to the slightly raised driving position and plenty of glass.

There is more to Mazda’s 2 than just its personality though. Cabin storage space is ample for a car of this size, with the multi-compartment glovebox a particularly useful feature.

A lack of space isn’t an issue in the back either. Usually a dire experience for adult passengers, sitting in the back of the Mazda 2 is actually quite comfortable.

Two 1.3-litre units (74bhp and 85bhp) plus a 1.5-litre (102bhp) petrol variant are joined by a 67bhp 1.4-litre diesel option. And that’s it.

I would be willing to stick my neck out and recommend the more powerful 1.3 petrol car as the one to have, but being practical I would have to go for the 1.5 if even a handful of motorway miles are involved.

The slightly more relaxed nature of the latter aids refinement and the extra horsepower comes in handy when you fancy a weekend thrash on your favourite B-road.

The decision is made harder by the option of an excellent automatic version matched to the 1.5-litre engine, but although the manual version cries out for a sixth gear, I would still plump for that one.

In addition, for a limited period only, the nine-strong model range is joined by the 1.3-litre five-door Takuya version, which is the one to go for if you are looking for extra value.

Additional features include front fog lamps, black sports trim, rear electric windows, climate control air-conditioning, Bluetooth hands-free kit, a new rear bumper sports trim and a choice of five colours. It is priced at a very reasonable £11,940.

Mazda’s usual TS and TS2 trim levels and their associated generous levels of standard kit are also present, along with a Sport trim level for the 1.5 petrol car. You don’t get any real go-faster bits, but you do get a subtle yet tasteful bodykit to flag up the car’s elevated performance.

Fortunately, the extras do a good job of complementing the Mazda 2’s already sharp looks. And at a time when there are too many silver cars on the road, the bright green option is worth having, not only to make a statement but also to match the faces of envious fellow car drivers.

Mazda 2 1.5 Sport

Price: £13,295.

Engine: 1.5-litre petrol unit developing 102bhp.

Transmission: Five-speed manual transmission, driving the front wheels.

Performance: Top speed 115mph, 0-62mph in 10.7 seconds.

Economy: 48.7mpg.

CO2 Rating: 135g/km.