DEPENDING on your needs, the Mazda2 could be all the car you ever need.

If you're single, a couple, or just a small family, it's definitely one to consider as it's stylish, affordable, loaded with equipment and, like most Mazdas, enjoyable to drive.

It's available with a 1.5-litre petrol engine with either 74bhp, 89bhp or 113bhp; the 89bhp manualand 113bhp variants featuring mild-hybrid tech and there's also a self-charging hybrid.

However, the 113bhp Mazda2 is only offered with a six-speed manual gearbox.All are five-door only.

The range-topper is the 113bhp GT Sport Tech model. It officially returns 56.6mpg so I was pleased with the 45.6mpg I managed.

As has always been the case with the Mazda2, there's excellent standard specifications across the entire range. All models feature a dash-mounted, seven-inch colour touchscreen display twinned with a handy rotary controller, plus satnav, cruise control, Bluetooth and aircon.

From GT Sport trim onwards, the Mazda2 gets a colour head-up display, reversing camera, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The GT Sport Tech equipment tally includes items not normally found as standard in the supermini sector including adaptive LED headlights, blind spot monitoring, rear smart city brake support and a 360-degree camera.

Despite its size, there's ample room upfront and a comfortable slot for virtually all sizes of driver due to its reach-and rake adjustable steering wheel. However, it's only fair to point out that two six-footers would probably struggle to sit one in front of the other, though you could just about fit five adults at a tight squeeze. It's best seen as a small family car.

The boot space remains at 280 litres, which in turn increases 950 litres with the 60:40 split rear seats folded down. The regular shape of the boot means it can now comfortably hold a large 72cm suitcase or a standard-sized baby buggy - with rear seats in place - or a pair of golf bags with the seats folded.

The supermini is also equipped with six airbags - dual front, side airbags and full-length curtain airbags - ISOFIX anchorage to the two outer rear seats, and five three-point seatbelts, four with pre-tensioners.

As you would expect from Mazda, it feels agile both in and out of town, with sharp steering and that six-speed manual gearbox is very slick. It's definitely one of the best handling cars of its size, agile with plenty of grip thanks to Mazda's G-Vectoring Control which varies the engine's torque in corners to improve turn-in and handling, and plenty of punch from the naturally-aspirated engine.