The light car segment, the most affordable end of the car market, has been dominated in recent years by the price driven Chinese-built MG3, although many buyers overlook the fact that it only has a three-star safety rating.

The competition Suzuki’s Baleno and Swift, Kia’s Rio, Toyota’s Yaris and Mazda’s 2 all have five stars but are much dearer. Of these, I really like the five-door Mazda 2 hatch, it’s an oldie but a goodie having been given updates along the way.  You’ll pay more but you also get a lot more.

I’ve just driven the sporty G15 Pure GT hatch – the dearest in the range at $26,290 with 1.5-litre 82kW naturally-aspirated four-cylinder and six-speed sports automatic. A cut above the light car class with a stack of active and passive safety features, a quality feel inside and out and when asked in sports mode providing a very zippy performance.

Equipped with climate control air, active cruise control, parking sensors, a rear-view camera with a 360-degree monitor, leather and synthetic suede trim, keyless entry and black 16-inch alloys, just to mention a few of its features.

The drive experience rewarding with fantastic steering and a very well-tuned sports skewed suspension. I really found little to fault with this Mazda 2 – Warranty five-years, unlimited km.

I’m David Berthon.

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