The UK is the first European market to get the facelifted 2020 Mazda2, which brings refreshed styling, a mild-hybrid system and improved handling and refinement.

Already in UK dealerships, the Japanese supermini is available in five trim levels: SE-L, SE-L Nav, Sport Nav and GT Sport Nav. Priced from £15,795 ($21,050), the base Mazda2 SE-L offers decent standard equipment including LED headlights, climate control, cruise control, rear parking sensors and 15-inch alloy wheels.

The engine is a 1.5-litre Skyactiv-G naturally aspirated petrol unit rated at 75 PS (74 HP) and offered exclusively with a six-speed manual. Customers opting for the SE-L Nav, Sport Nav and GT Sport Nav trim levels also get the 7-inch Mazda Connect navigation with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Front Smart City Brake Support and Lane-keep Assist.

Related: Facelifted 2020 Mazda2’s UK Pricing And Trim Levels In Detail

They also get the more powerful version of the Skyactiv-G 1.5 engine as standard. It delivers 90 PS (89 hp) and it can be had with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission.

In combination with the manual gearbox, both engine variants offer the Mazda M Hybrid 24-volt mild-hybrid system. Using a belt-integrated start generator (B-ISG) and brake regeneration, the tech is said to boost engine torque and improve fuel efficiency. Manual versions of the 2020 Mazda2 emit 94-95 g/km of CO2, depending on trim level.

Mazda made subtle updates to the supermini’s driving characteristics as well, including the use of a urethane top mount in the rear dampers and revisions to the power steering to improve response and feel.

Furthermore, the G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus) system has been added. GVC-Plus improves cornering characteristics by using the brakes to apply direct yaw movement control, in addition to the previous system’s engine control.