The best superminis offer more than just cheap running costs, small dimensions and stylish looks. The latest crop - including the new Mazda2 and the Nissan Note - also boast more advanced engines and improved practicality, wrapped up in a fun-to-drive package that makes them easy to manoeuvre around town.
Mazda previewed the new Mazda2 via its Hazumi Concept at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show and debuted the production version this year.
On the other hand, the Nissan Note was introduced at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show as the Invitation Concept and the production model was subsequently launched a few months later.
Exterior
In the styling department, the Mazda2 is definitely more appealing, with its funky sheet metal inspired by the signature 'KODO: Soul of Motion' design language.
It is amazing how Mazda's designers have made the Mazda2 carry off its own unique look despite sharing many design cues with its bigger brethrens like the Mazda3 and Mazda6.
Beautifully sculpted lines flow from the pair of 'Eye of a Beast' headlamps and along the sides - providing ample aggression and a perfect fit for the term 'Soul of Motion'.
Nissan, however, has opted for a slightly more subtle and safer approach. Providing visual power is a unique mesh grille, the swept-back head lights as well as standard sporty-looking full body kit.
Nevertheless, the Note has a slightly greater road presence thanks to its size. Measuring 4,100mm x 1,695mm x 1,525mm (L x W x H), the Note is 40mm longer, 2mm narrower and 30mm taller than its rival in this comparison.
Interior
There is a sense of sporty feeling as soon as you slot yourself inside the Mazda2, thanks to red trimming running along the leather seats, steering wheel, gear lever and handbrake. This is also enhanced by the sporty-looking binnacle that houses the instrument cluster.
Overall, the Mazda2's interior boasts solid materials with excellent fit and finish and garners a more upmarket feeling. Switchgear arrangement is also neat and there's even a premium touch to some of the buttons and knobs.
Despite its diminutive size, there isn't much problem fitting three Asian adults into the rear quarters of the as well as a few cabin-sized luggage into the car's 250-litre boot.
There is a sense of sporty feeling as soon as you slot yourself inside the Mazda2, thanks to red trimming running along the leather seats, steering wheel, gear lever and handbrake. This is also enhanced by the sporty-looking binnacle that houses the instrument cluster.
Overall, the Mazda2's interior boasts solid materials with excellent fit and finish and garners a more upmarket feeling. Switchgear arrangement is also neat and there's even a premium touch to some of the buttons and knobs.
Despite its diminutive size, there isn't much problem fitting three Asian adults into the rear quarters of the as well as a few cabin-sized luggage into the car's 250-litre boot.
In comparison, it seems like it is back to basics in the Note with a cabin design that comes across as a little dated and has more traces of hard plastics.
But more importantly, the biggest advantage of the Note's cabin is the amount of space it offers. Being the bigger car with a longer wheelbase, headroom and especially legroom are abundant for rear passengers - especially important for better comfort on longer journeys.
Last but not least, the Note also triumphs its opponent here in cargo capacity - offering 45 litres more than the Mazda2.
The Drive
Powered by a 1.5-litre SkyActiv engine, the Mazda2 is quite peppy on the go. Paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox, the engine does feel a little bit harsh when the throttle is mashed. But once the car is brought up to speed, it remains calm and composed.
While the fuel economy of 12.5km/L during our test drive is rather far off from the stated figure of 19.6km/L, the Mazda2 really shines in its handling department. You can feel the sturdy chassis when you chuck this car around and it remains stable and full of grip - making it really easy to have fun in this car.
The car is also more refined than before - with decent cabin insulation that obliterates most external noises at higher speeds.
On the contrary, the Note feels a little more urgent to go, perhaps due to its lighter weight of 1,030kg. Power delivery is smooth and refined, thanks to the 1.2-litre DIG-S engine that is paired to an Xtronic CVT transmission.
But while the engine is of a smaller displacement as compared to the Mazda2's, the car only returned some 12km/L during our time with it.
Powered by a 1.5-litre SkyActiv engine, the Mazda2 is quite peppy on the go. Paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox, the engine does feel a little bit harsh when the throttle is mashed. But once the car is brought up to speed, it remains calm and composed.
While the fuel economy of 12.5km/L during our test drive is rather far off from the stated figure of 19.6km/L, the Mazda2 really shines in its handling department. You can feel the sturdy chassis when you chuck this car around and it remains stable and full of grip - making it really easy to have fun in this car.
The car is also more refined than before - with decent cabin insulation that obliterates most external noises at higher speeds.
On the contrary, the Note feels a little more urgent to go, perhaps due to its lighter weight of 1,030kg. Power delivery is smooth and refined, thanks to the 1.2-litre DIG-S engine that is paired to an Xtronic CVT transmission.
But while the engine is of a smaller displacement as compared to the Mazda2's, the car only returned some 12km/L during our time with it.
Round corners, the Note is a little less nimble, too, but it is still relatively planted. Nonetheless, the ride in the Note is more comfortable for passengers, soaking up road undulations without much of a hitch.
Conclusion
At $113,888 (as of 20th March 2015), the Mazda2 may be a little steeply priced in its class, but it boasts spanking good looks, a very sophisticated interior, sublime handling and an extensive range of features that justify its value.
The Nissan Note, on the other hand, may not be as exciting to drive, but it still gets the job done effortlessly and efficiently. At $106,800 (as of 20th March 2015), it is $7,088 cheaper than the Mazda2.
Nevertheless, despite its higher price tag, we'd take the Mazda2 Hatchback any day of the week, but it doesn't mean the Note is any less of a car. It's just up against a very strong contender that's well-rounded in its class.
