THE Mazda2 supermini is getting the sporty treatment with the arrival of a GT model.

Priced from £16,995 the new GT Sport sits at the top of the Mazda2 range and comes with a distinctive rear roof spoiler, full LED headlights and sits on 16-inch alloys.

Inside, there's a head up display for the driver, sports seats finished in leather and alcantara and the door sills are set off with bespoke Mazda2 scuff plates.

The additions give Mazda's baby some added flair but it's what is under the bonnet that really makes the difference.

For this model Mazda has tweaked the 1.5-litre SKYACTIV engine to 115ps by increasing the turbo boost. That's 45 horses more than you get on the entry level car.

The result is some lively performance of 0 to 60 in 8.7 seconds and a top speed of 124mph. It may not be true hot hatch material but it packs plenty of fun and will be enough for most.

Handling has always been a Mazda forte and the GT Sport is true to form with a delightfully positive feel to the steering and firm but not harsh suspension.

All together this version of the Mazda2 is nicely agile and the six speed manual gearbox has a fine spread of ratios.

Cruising at motorway speeds of jinking along country lanes this is a car with an accomplished feel about it.

Official fuel figures are 56.5mpg with emissions of 117g/km and mid-40s is a realistic proposition in everyday use.

With some quality trim including carbon effect panels around the dash it has the necessary GT feel about the cockpit and the three dial instrument panel is centred on a rev counter with the speedo a digital readout.

It is fully equipped with sat nav and smartphone connectivity and as a five door hatch it is as accommodating as any other in the Mazda2 line up which makes it a keenly priced alternative to the likes of the Ford Fiesta and SEAT Ibiza.

Boot space ranges from 280 to 950 litres which is par for the course in the supermini sector.

The GT model is aimed towards the younger end of the driver spectrum and as such is a very sensible package - smart and stylish yet practical and well equipped.

The added power is the icing on the cake and makes this a little car that is big on fun in every way and very affordable.