Jamie Page Deaton: Subcompact cars used to be what you buy if you just couldn't afford something better. But the current crop of itty-bitty city cars are packing car features into tight little packages. Cars like the Ford Fiesta and Mini Cooper have brought premium features and performance, not to mention premium prices to the subcompact market.

Now the Mazda 2 doesn't try to compete with more upscale subcompacts like the Mini on interior features or new luxury materials. Instead, it's trying to appeal to city-dwelling singles by offering that typically Mazda flingable feel and value-pricing. Let's see if it hits its mark.

The Mazda 2 makes a really good first impression. I mean look at this thing, it is really cute. Now we have it in this bright red color which I think makes it look like a little bit of a hot to molly, but my favorite color is Mazda Spirited Green Metallic which makes it too look like the world's happiest jellybean.

Now besides looking good, the Mazda 2 has standard safety features like stability and traction control but you have to pay extra for on some of the competition.

The Mazda 2 shares a number of components with the Ford Fiesta, but while you can outfit the Fiesta as a barebones economy car or a high-end subcompact, the Mazda 2 keeps things simple. There's no leather or high-tech features like Bluetooth available in the 2. You can't even get a USB port and the space for five in an interior that's basic compared to higher tunes of the Fiesta, but miles ahead of subcompacts like the Nissan Versa and Toyota Yaris.

One thing that's not basic about the Mazda 2 is its performance. It's really zippy and fun, and even though it has a really small engine, the car itself is so light that it's not hard to get it up to speed and have it feel really fast. If you're trading down to the super-small car class from something larger, like a Honda Civic or a Mazda 3, you might be disappointed in the passenger and cargo space, but both are typical for subcompacts. In essence, if you're looking for a family car, keep looking.

Now you know the Mazda 2 manages to fit good performance and value into a little car, but it's not all sunshine lollipops, jellybeans or even hot to mollies. Some car reviewers complain about the 2's fuel economy and for the same price you can get a getter equipped larger car in the Kia Forte.

But for small car fans who want a car that looks good, feels good, and is priced right, the Mazda 2 is a great choice. Check out our other videos for a more detailed look at the Mazda 2.