Mazda 2

Mazda's new 2 series car replaces the former 121 - which latter has been a rebadged Ford Fiesta for a number of years. And now it is still based on the Fiesta, the new one, but with some significant touches of its own, particularly the front end family look of the brand. We liked its style, and we'll be interested to see how well it will help to bring Mazda back up the ratings here when it is introduced next year. The 3-year warranty alone will help too. The Mazda2 will be powered by a newly-developed 91PS 1.3-litre engine, with S-VT continuously variable valve timing mechanism. Stylewise, the Mazda2 features sharp, up-slanting headlights and the signatory 5-pointed grille with centrally located Mazda emblem. The front and rear fenders are stretched out to emphasize a 'wide tread' look. Provisional Stars: 8/10

Mazda Demio

On runout now (see above) to be replaced by the Mazda2, this has been Mazda’s entry to what’s termed the ‘small’ MPV segment. Engine choices are 1.3- and 1.5-litre, the latter only giving a marginal increase in performance but coming with a better interior specification and the option of an automatic. Stylewise the Demio is on the boxy and not very interesting side, but it is quite roomy, is tall enough to be appreciated by people who are getting stiffer with age, and has a driving position that keeps you above the claustrophobia of the traffic gridlock. Again, one to look closely at if you have a family of the age that’s hard on a car’s interior. Stars: 5/10

Mazda 323

This one, like many of Mazda’s current mainstream cars, has been around for quite a time and is beginning to show its age in small details. It will, in fact, be replaced in the coming year by a new Mazda3. But what it gives away in flair it makes up for in being a very solid and reassuring car, with a very good build quality and provided with very decent ergonomics. For a car heading for the end of its model life, it boasts quite a range of versions still on the list, and you can have it in 4- and 5-door forms, the latter being distinctly more distinctive looking. Autobox and airconditioning are all available, and a four-level specification offering includes ‘Sport’ and a ‘GT’. The 323 would be one of the Mazdas that puts it squarely at the top of the used car market for reliability, as recently highlighted by J D Power. Stars: 6/10

Mazda Premacy

Premacy was upgraded in the last quarter of the year. Among the enhancements to the contender in the Scenic/Zafira class MPV is a new 2-litre engine developing 130PS. Exterior changes include a new ‘5-point’ grille reflecting the overall Mazda ‘family face’, more integrated headlights, a changed bumper moulding and under-spoiler. There are also new wheels and trims. Inside, there are more comfortable and supportive seats. The original 1.8-litre petrol and 2-litre turbodiesel engines are available in addition to the new 2-litre petrol, which version also comes with dynamic stability control. This DSC system has two levels, one which operates in moderately slippy conditions and the other in emergency situations. Overall, a good car in its segment, if not the most inspiring. But remember the good residuals and reliability of Mazdas. Stars: 7/10

Mazda 6

The winner of the Semperit Irish Car of the Year 2003 award organised by the Irish Motoring Writers Association. This successor to the unlamented recent 626 models puts Mazda squarely at the forefront of its segment, as are likely the new models in the lower segments next year. The range includes saloons, hatchbacks, and wagons, with 1.8-litre petrol starting the engine options that include 2- and 2.3-litre units. Other engines include a pair of 2-litre turbodiesels. The exterior styling and the interior materials and finish are up to the levels of more expensive cars. So far, on the experience of a number of drives, I’d be very impressed with the performance and handling of the new Mazda, and reckon it deserving of its Semperit ICOTY win. Stars: 9/10

Mazda MPV

The new Mazda MPV has a number of significant changes to the previous model introduced in 1999, mostly under the skin. Externally the 2002-model MPV is identifiable by its restyled and fuller bumpers, its new headlamps, a prominent new Mazda five-pointed arrowhead grille and its new style alloy wheels. Changes have been made on the inside as well, a dark grey of the upholstery harmonising with the carbon fibre-look instrument panel . Access to the third row of seats has been made easier by removing the need to take off the head-rests before folding the second row seats forward. Chassis improvements also distinguish the new MPV from its predecessor: suspension modifications, more powerful brakes and an even stiffer body cater for the more powerful engines and at the same time ensure greater primary safety. Stars: 8/10

Mazda MX-5

Not a lot new to say about the roadster that brought the genre back from the dead, but it might seem odd that the world’s most popular roadster hasn’t had a fuel warning light, but it has now in a set of enhancements for the 2003 model year. ISOFIX front passenger child seat anchoring has also been added for those younger children who are still in their Zoom-Zoom years. All Mazda MX-5s now have electric heated mirrors and an electric aerial and the option of the more visually attractive cloth soft top combined with 15" alloy wheels in lieu of the vinyl roof. It is still a pert and pretty two-seater, though not by any means cheap. The MX-5 is a sweet handler and a comfortable drive with or without the top down, and as an image-builder for the young single executive on the way to greater things, it’s hard to beat. The luggage accommodation is quite minimal, but an overnight bag can be accommodated. No golf clubs, though. Only available here now with a 1.6-litre engine, which leaves it vulnerable to a couple of other roadsters out there on the prowl. Stars: 8/10

Mazda Tribute

This SUV is styled for America and is a joint development with Ford, which will eventually market their version as the replacement for the old Maverick. But they’re still waiting for a diesel engine to be available before bringing it in. We’ve enjoyed the Tribute in different guises, 2- and 3-litre petrol are what are available so far. It is a ride high and handsome car, and works the road well, while performing adequately off-road. A 2WD version is available for those who know they’ll not want to do that. It’s not likely to become a farmer’s workhorse, though, and there’s a lot of competition out there which probably accounts for its relatively small sales compared to, say the Nissan X-Trail, the Honda C-RV and the Land Rover Freelander, not to mention the running-away-with-it Hyundai Santa Fe. Stars: 7/10

Xedos 9

The 9 will shortly disappear, its place here to be taken by the recently-revealed higher-powered version of the new Mazda6. Nevertheless, the car does represent the highest levels of luxury in the segment to where it aspires, and only fails to make the grade in terms of its name. Xedos as a brand was not successful, though the two cars it produced - 6 and 9 - have been excellent in their niche. The 2.6-litre V6 is smooth, the autobox that manages it equally so, and the leather comfortable. I would often prefer the large cars from a mass-market maker to those from image brands, and this one certainly wouldn’t be skipped if I was shopping in the class. It also has a brilliant bumper with a ‘memory’ that pops it back into shape after a car park ding. Stars: 8/10