The Mazda 2 has been awarded a 3.5-star rating by Green NCAP, making it one of only three new internal combustion engine cars to achieve such a score.

Only full battery-electric (BEV) and plug-in electric (PHEV) models have achieved higher Green NCAP ratings.

“Results like these validate our strategy at Mazda to continue improving internal combustion and in doing so mitigate today the real-world environmental impact of our cars,” said Heiko Strietzel, powertrain manager at Mazda Motor Europe. “It’s part of our multi-solution approach that includes different forms of power and, as always, painstaking efforts to reduce every possible gram of weight.”

The Mazda was tested with the 75PS 1.5-litre Skyactiv-G petrol engine. It scored particularly well for energy efficiency, with an index of 6.9/10. Control of pollutant emissions was good, according to Green NCAP, but the organisation said the car would benefit from a gasoline particulate filter (GPF) as measurements of particulate matter were elevated in some of the more demanding tests.

Mazda updated the 2 for 2022, with revised powertrains and new trim levels.

The latest model has reduced CO2 emissions by up to 14g/km. All Mazda 2 models use the brand’s 1.5-litre Skyactiv-G petrol engine, which is offered in 75PS, 90PS and 115PS variants.

Mazda’s M mild-hybrid system is fitted to all manual models, with the exception of the entry level 75PS SE-L.

Prices start at £16,475 and peak at £20,845, for the range-topping 115PS GT Sport Tech.

Ford’s Puma SUV was also tested by Green NCAP, with the 1.0 litre mild hybrid petrol engine, and achieved a three-star rating.

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