2019 Ford Fiesta vs Mazda 2

What's the difference?

For the new-generation Ford Fiesta 2019 range, only one version will be offered - the all-new Ford Fiesta ST.

Ford Australia has taken the bold move of pulling out of the light car segment with the exception of this manic little hot hatch.

It has big shoes to fill, following on from what was widely acclaimed as the benchmark when it came to budget pocket rocket performance and outright driver enjoyment.

And, like the previous model, the new 2019 Ford Fiesta ST follows the fun-for-your-money formula to a tee: front-drive, manual, turbocharged... but this time around, things are very different - inside, outside, and under the skin.

Mazda has done a top job of capturing the minds of Australia's car buyers with its strong 'Kodo' design language.

It's a genius move. Everything from an almost $70,000 top-spec CX-9 to this car, the sub-$20k Mazda2 - the cheapest vehicle Mazda sells - share a familiar face, delicate bodywork and classy trim.

Look closely, though, and there are some chinks in this little car's attractive armour. What should be a fleet-special appears to flounder in the face of the Hyundai Accent, a car so old it's about to be de-commissioned.

So, are the fleets on to something? Even at this bargain-basement price, is the Mazda2 Neo a tall order? A bait and switch, if you will, for the apparent crowd favourite - the up-specced Maxx.

Stick with me, and we'll find out.