The spirited Mazda2 seems even more fun to drive when dressed in the Spirited Green Metallic exterior color. When the driving ends, it’s also small enough that parking doesn’t mean the driver needs to find a spot with a tractor-sized footprint. While Mazda2’s cabin isn’t drenched in high- tech wizardry (no navigation or USB port), the standard list is plentiful and includes air conditioning with pollen filter, tilt steering wheel, power door locks and windows, height adjustable front shoulder belt anchors, and a 12-volt power outlet. Even though Mazda2 (sold in Sport and Touring versions) is basically unchanged for 2012, the car is far from stale. Comfortable front seats also make this hatchback a fine ride for multi-hour driving treks.

Mazda2 is powered by a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder that produces 100 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 98 pounds-feet of torque at 4000 rpm. The car isn’t a speed demon, but the available power provided the Mazda2 with sufficient pep on expressway cruises during a one-week test drive. The five-speed manual transmission on the tested car was smooth and easy-to-shift. (A four- speed automatic transmission is available.) Safety attributes include dynamic stability control, traction control as well as dual front and side impact airbags, and airbag curtains. The front wheel drive Mazda2 collects estimated mpg of 29 city/35 highway when fitted with the 5-speed manual transmission. MSRP of Mazda2 Touring is $15,855.