Mazda 2 facelift (2010) first picture

While it's not the best supermini out there (Ford's excellent Fiesta currently occupies that throne in CAR's world view), we've always had something of a soft spot for the second-generation Mazda 2, the principal reason being its non-subscription to the usual theory that bigger is better. Weighing in at under a tonne, it's almost a throwback to superminis of yore - and we mean that in a good way.

Thankfully the new Mazda 2 doesn't appear to have changed much. The front end has received attention from the stylist's pen in order to bring it in line with Mazda's current line-up, and features new headlamps alongside a layered grille. Lower down, the grinning air intake and foglight surrounds clearly ape the current Mazda 3 and forthcoming 5.

We've never quite loved the interior quality of the 2 (especially when compared to the likes of, say, VW's new Polo), but Mazda's promising an upgraded cabin this time around.

Other changes include a chassis supposedly tuned for greater ride comfort, and a tweaked range of engines - although we won't know anything about these until the Paris show gets underway.

The facelifted Mazda 2 goes on sale in the UK in October 2010.

By Ben Foulds