S uperminis don't come much better than the Mazda2. The Japanese manufacturer has created one of the most stylish little cars around and one that's looking even better following an extensive mid-life makeover.

It's also good to drive, well-equipped and a car that's more affordable right now thanks to a VAT-free deal being offered on a number of models from the Japanese car maker.

Buy a Mazda2 before the end of February and you will save a staggering £1,708 in the case of the range-starting TS air con version, now offered at £8,596, while the three-door, TS2 car can be driven away for £9,284, a saving of £1,845.

You will be hard pressed to find such an attractive proposition if you are looking for a supermini because the little Mazda is simply amazing.

It's great to drive, nicely finished and highly economical.

Curvy bodywork makes it one of the more stylish superminis around and it's now more refined and comfortable thanks to an improvement in ride quality and cabin changes.

The significant upgrade of the model has brought improved handling and the option of an automatic transmission for the first time.

Nine versions are being sold in this country, with drivers having the pick of three-door and five-door models that are regularly priced from £9,995 to £14,455, including a sporty Tamura example costing £11,520.

Fuel economy is up to 67.3mpg and CO2 emissions are as low as 110g/km in the case of the 1.6 Sport Diesel version or 115g/km when the 1.3-litre petrol engine is under the bonnet.

Many will welcome the addition of two-pedal Mazda2. The Activematic model has a four-speed automatic transmission linked to a 1.5-litre engine and returns 44.8mpg with 145g/km CO2 .

A larger five-point grille and larger Mazda badge have brought the car in line with the rest of the Japanese range.

Other changes include the introduction of new front fog lamp bezels and wheels.

The upgrading has brought a feeling of a higher quality throughout the cabin.

The model has a fresh instrument panel and snazzy new seat patterns. The introduction of piano black trim on the centre console is a nice touch. Chrome rings for the meters also add an upmarket feel.

Road holding and ride comfort have been improved thanks to a stiffer bodyshell and suspension changes.

All three petrol engines across the range have been re-tuned to meet Euro Stage 5 clean air regulations with the five-speed manual transmission's gearing revised to save fuel.

The TS2 I drove had the more powerful version of the model's 1.3-litre petrol engine. It's a peppy power plant that delivers 84PS and gives the car a nice turn of speed. The alternative version produces 75PS.

The CO2 output of both versions have been cut from 125 to 115g/km, meaning that five petrol Mazda2 cars now have a rating under 120g/km and move to the lower tax C band.

Sales of the Mazda2 have soared as money gets tighter because the little car is cheaper to run thanks not only to the engine and gearbox improvements but also because of some weight-saving.

It is also a shorter car and lower as well, so it is really bucking the general trend in its sector.

Mazda shaved 22kg from the body by the use of lightweight, high-strength steels without compromising rigidity.

The firm's so-called 'gram strategy' has also seen weight-savings applied to the suspension, cooling system, bonnet and exhaust. Even the speakers in the front doors weigh less than before.

Equipment levels have always been unusually generous for a B-segment supermini. Upgrading of the model now sees every version having remote central locking, air-conditioning, electric front windows, electric door mirrors, the piano black centre stack, CD radio with auxiliary jack and a Thatcham category 1 alarm.

Moving up the range, TS2 models feature 15-inch alloy wheels, side and curtain airbags, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, two additional audio speakers, 60/40 split rear seats, trip computer with speed alarm and, on the automatic, dynamic stability control.

A new Tamura model adds 16-inch alloy wheels and a sports styling kit with side skirts, rear spoiler and four-lamp headlights.

Sport models also feature 16-inch alloy wheels, plus sports seat trim, front fog lights, automatic lights and wipers, cruise control, climate control, air-conditioning, electric rear windows and dynamic stability control.

Nimble handling makes it a fun car to drive on country roads and while the suspension is quite firm it is not so firm that ride quality suffers.

Wider bodywork means the Mazdas2 is quite roomy for a car of its size.

I was also surprised how much headroom there was in the back. Legroom in the rear is very much dependent on the height of those sitting in the front.

The boot is pretty deep and it helps that the spare tyre located under the floor is a space-saver.

Mazda's decision to move the gear lever on to the dashboard brings extra storage space between the body-hugging front seats.

Clearly, Mazda has produced a more youthful car in its latest supermini and it is not only radically different from the original 121 of the 1980s but also the last-generation Mazda2, which replaced the quirky, yet highly practical Demio in 2003.