The Mazda 2 hasn’t been a brand new child on the block for a good whereas now, however its newest facelift is one more try and breathe some life into the corporate’s entry-level car.
The present, third-generation mannequin dates again to 2014, making it one in every of Mazda’s oldest fashions in its lineup. The Mazda 2 acquired its first facelift in 2019 after which one more final 12 months.
Highlights of this replace embrace a redesigned entrance and rear bumpers, a revised entrance grille with a colored accent on sure variants, tweaked inside finishes, in addition to wi-fi Apple CarPlay throughout all the vary.
We’ve sampled a variety of Mazda 2 variants thus far however on take a look at right here is the just about flagship G15 Evolve hatchback. Does it type because the candy spot of the vary? Learn alongside to seek out out.
How does the Mazda 2 examine?
View an in depth breakdown of the Mazda 2 towards equally sized automobiles.
Mazda
Mazda 2
How a lot does the Mazda 2 price?
Mazda not too long ago upped pricing of the up to date Mazda 2 by $150. They beforehand rose in October final 12 months by $310.
2024 Mazda 2 pricing
- 2024 Mazda 2 G15 Pure guide hatch: $22,870
- 2024 Mazda 2 G15 Pure computerized hatch: $24,870
- 2024 Mazda 2 G15 Pure computerized sedan: $24,870
- 2024 Mazda 2 G15 Pure SP hatch: $25,670
- 2024 Mazda 2 G15 Evolve hatch: $26,370
- 2024 Mazda 2 G15 GT hatch: $28,070
- 2024 Mazda 2 G15 GT hatch: $28,070
Costs exclude on-road prices
To see how the Mazda 2 compares with its rivals, use our comparison tool.
What’s the Mazda 2 like on the within?
Hopping into the Mazda 2 is made simple because the seat is way nearer to hip peak than the sleeker Mazda 3. It’s not fairly as degree to your hip because the higher-riding CX-3 crossover, however you don’t really feel such as you’re stepping down too far.
When you’re in you’re offered with a set of seats which might be completed in black cloth upholstery with pink trim accents. The seat design itself is quite inoffensive although the addition of the pink highlights make it look a bit sporty.
Each the entrance seats are manually adjustable, which is to be anticipated in this sort of car, however they nonetheless provide sufficient adjustability to accomodate shorter to taller individuals. Disappointingly nonetheless, there’s no adjustable lumbar assist.
The motive force’s seat itself is tender and squishy sufficient that you simply really feel snug on longer journeys. There’s additionally sufficient aspect bolstering so you are feeling secured when going round corners.
Forward of the motive force is the place the Mazda 2 begins to point out its age. The leather-wrapped steering wheel has a skinny rim and feels good within the hand, although the buttons on it are the older type.
Urgent up and down on the steering wheel buttons supplies a clicky suggestions, nonetheless urgent them in feels mushy and inaccurate.
The indicator and wiper stalks behind the steering wheel are stubby and thick however nonetheless have a satisfying thwack once you use them.
Behind the steering wheel is a set of gauges that look extremely dated. Within the centre is a big analogue rev counter with a small digital speedometer readout within the backside proper.
There are additionally two small fundamental digital screens flanking this central rev counter. The left-hand display shows the odometer in addition to the chosen gear, whereas the right-hand display may be configured to show bits of knowledge like the common gas financial system.
There’s a notable absence of an engine temperature gauge, which isn’t the tip of the world as there are lights for when the engine is chilly or too sizzling.
Above the instrument cluster is a flip-up head-up show that tasks a small quantity of knowledge onto a plastic polariser. I discovered it actually laborious to discover a good place because it was both too low or too excessive relying on how I sat within the seat.
Shifting throughout is a now extraordinarily dated 8.0-inch MZD Join infotainment system which is technically a touchscreen however solely once you’re stationary or utilizing smartphone mirroring.
The show decision isn’t the clearest and the processing energy seems to be missing. This implies once you begin the automobile up or open a brand new program it takes a substantial period of time for the infotainment system to reply.
When you possibly can’t use the contact inputs on the infotainment system you’re pressured to make use of an older-style management panel which features a rotary dial. Utilizing the latter can a bit painful at first however you quickly get used to the way it works.
All Mazda 2 variants now include wi-fi Apple CarPlay which is useful as you possibly can depart your telephone in your pocket and don’t must fiddle with a USB cable. It’s value noting Android Auto continues to be solely supplied in wired type.
On the flipside nonetheless, no Mazda 2 variant comes with a wi-fi charger which implies your telephone battery will die faster. That is positive on shorter journeys, however on longer ones I tended to plug in my telephone so its battery would keep topped up.
It takes a good whereas for smartphone mirroring to load up on the touchscreen once you first begin up the automobile which is painful if it is advisable put in a navigation vacation spot rapidly.
Talking of navigation, the Mazda 2 G15 Evolve comes as normal with satellite tv for pc navigation which appears actually dated. It’s additionally a ache to make use of as scrolling with the rotary dial to kind in a focal point takes ceaselessly. It’s a lot simpler and faster to make use of Google maps on my telephone with smartphone mirroring.
Shifting down there are a set of spherical dials for the local weather management system. It’s good to have bodily dials for these, nonetheless the leftmost knob is for the temperature and it’s laborious to inform what it’s set at precisely.
Trying across the cabin there are a few tender touches in excessive touch-point areas, however the majority of the finishes are usually tougher plastics. That is fairly widespread for the section nonetheless.
The Mazda 2 G15 Evolve uniquely receives pink highlights across the cabin, together with on the rings of the air vents.
There’s additionally a shiny piano black dashboard end that received very grubby and dusty after my week of testing. It was additionally scratched from earlier cleansing makes an attempt.
Disappointingly there’s no centre armrest within the Mazda 2 which as an alternative there are two cupholders and a guide handbrake lever.
Shifting to the second row I used to be stunned with how a lot house there’s given the diminutive exterior dimensions. At a leggy 182cm tall I had ample head and toe room, although I did should splay my legs across the seat in entrance.
An grownup or two shall be okay within the second row for brief journeys, although issues begin to get cramped in a short time. Children shall be positive however they don’t have very facilities at their disposal.
The Mazda 2 G15 Evolve doesn’t have any rear air vents, USB ports, or perhaps a fold-down centre armrest. It’s a quite grim place to be, although outward visibility is fairly good.
On the rear there’s a manually opening tailgate which is widespread for such a car. It’s truly actually gentle which implies opening and shutting it’s a breeze.
As soon as the tailgate is open there’s a shocking quantity of house. The boot is a quite squared-off and deep space which can maintain extra baggage that you simply’d first anticipate. Mazda quotes an official boot capability determine of 250L within the hatchback.
You’re in a position to fold the rear seats with a 60/40 cut up which does open up extra boot house, although the loading flooring isn’t flat. Mazda doesn’t quote an official boot capability determine with the rear seats folded down.
Just like the again seats there aren’t many facilities within the boot aside from a small gentle that must be turned on manually each time you open the boot.
Beneath the boot flooring there’s fortunately a space-saver spare wheel which is healthier to have quite than a tyre inflation equipment or nothing in any respect. It particularly is useful in case you plan to take the automobile away from civilisation and close by tyre restore outlets.
What’s below the bonnet?
The facelifted Mazda 2 with the automated transmission has misplaced 1kW of energy and 2Nm of torque. The guide G15 Pure’s outputs are unchanged.
| Mannequin | Mazda 2 G15 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L naturally aspirated 4cyl petrol |
| Energy | 81kW |
| Engine torque | 142Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed auto |
| Pushed wheels | Entrance-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1109kg (kerb) |
| Gas financial system (declare) | 5.0L/100km |
| Gas financial system (noticed) | 5.8L/100km (320km blended driving) |
| Gas tank dimension | 44 litres |
| Gas requirement | 91 RON |
To see how the Mazda 2 compares with its rivals, use our comparison tool.
How does the Mazda 2 drive?
Strolling up the to the Mazda 2 you’re pressured to take the important thing out of your pocket as a result of it doesn’t have proximity entry. You must go for the flagship G15 GT if you would like this function.
When you’re in nonetheless, there’s a push-button begin which infuriates me since you then have to seek out someplace to fit the important thing. I’d a lot quite simply have the ability to maintain it in my pocket on a regular basis.
When the Mazda 2’s engine initially activates you get a harsh idle with excessive revs. That is fairly widespread for Mazda automobiles and you ultimately develop to adore it.
After the engine has warmed up a tad or you choose a gear the revs drop all the way down to a extra respectable determine. Then you definately’re in your means.
The 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine within the Mazda 2 solely has sufficient energy to get round sufficiently however nothing extra. With outputs of 81kW of energy and 142Nm of torque, it’s fully ample and in keeping with the section.
The six-speed computerized transmission is a smooth-shifting unit that tries to take advantage of out the engine’s mediocre outputs. Regardless of this there’s a scarcity of low-down torque which implies from a standstill it’ll rev out first and second gear all the best way to 3000rpm in typical driving.
Don’t expect to win any casual visitors gentle race within the Mazda 2. The firmer you press the accelerator the extra it revs and shouts, however you gained’t be going any faster.
Regardless of this the Mazda 2 feels extraordinarily nimble and dynamic in and across the metropolis. It feels very chuckable within the corners and virtually has an MX-5 feeling about it.
The small hatch is tremendous simple park because of its tight turning circle. As normal there’s a reversing digital camera with poor image high quality, in addition to rear parking sensors.
There are additionally no main blind spots within the Mazda 2 which is sweet and surprisingly unusual as extra automobiles undertake extra steeply raked rooflines that block rearward visibility.
The suspension and trip high quality round city is basically compliant, although over sure harsher bumps the rear can slap a tad. It’s apparent the Mazda 2 was designed with the town entrance of thoughts.
Build up velocity within the Mazda 2 does take some work. When you speed up previous 60km/h issues decelerate and it is advisable be affected person. You’ll finally get to your supposed to cruising velocity however the engine will get a bit noisy within the meantime.
On the freeway the Mazda 2 actually doesn’t really feel like a small automobile which is basically confidence inspiring. It’s tremendous planted and doesn’t really feel prefer it’s going to get blown away like a few of its rivals can really feel like.
The transmission is raring to drop again to fifth gear once you’re cruising at 100-110km/h to take care of the velocity, although steeper hills will see it drop again to fourth gear. The revs are actually excessive at this level and the engine observe isn’t significantly superb.
There’s additionally just a few little bit of highway and tyre noise booming via the cabin, particularly on coarse-chip bitumen roads that are quite common in Australia. That is primarily as a result of lack of sound insulation within the Mazda 2.
Like all present Mazda automobiles the motive force’s aspect mirror is magnified which actually frustrates me as a result of you possibly can’t correctly see if there’s a automobile in your blind-spot. Fortunately there’s blind-spot monitoring as normal throughout all the Mazda 2 vary.
On the protection entrance, the Mazda 2’s lane departure warning could be a little too delicate in its default setting. Fortunately it solely vibrates the steering wheel and performs a small chime. You’ll be able to dial down its sensitivity nevertheless it’s nonetheless a bit too overactive on winding slender roads.
There’s additionally no adaptive cruise out there within the G15 Evolve variant as examined right here. You must step as much as the flagship G15 GT to obtain this function.
This isn’t the tip of the world nonetheless as utilizing common cruise management I used to be reminded how user-friendly it’s. Certain it is advisable disengage the system once you’re approaching a slower automobile, nevertheless it additionally gained’t slam on the brakes when somebody merges forward of you on the freeway.
Lastly I need to observe the Mazda 2’s LED headlights are improbable. Higher but, they’re normal throughout all the vary. A majority of these headlights are actually vivid and are perfect for driving at evening alongside darkish rural and regional roads the place it is advisable be hyper-vigilant of whether or not animals with rush out onto the highway.
What do you get?
The Mazda 2 is obtainable in 4 trim ranges – on take a look at right here is the just about flagship G15 Evolve Hatch.
Mazda 2 G15 Pure highlights:
- 15-inch alloy wheels
- Energy-folding exterior mirrors
- LED headlights
- Computerized headlights
- Rain-sensing wipers
- 7.0-inch infotainment display
- Wi-fi Apple CarPlay
- Wired Android Auto
- DAB+ digital radio
- Leather-based-wrapped steering wheel
- Leather-based-wrapped shifter and handbrake
- Tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment
- 6-speaker sound system
- Keyless begin
- Air-conditioning
- Energy home windows
- 1 x 12V outlet
- 2 x USB outlet
G15 Pure SP provides:
- 16-inch black-finish alloy wheels
- Carbon fibre-style roof
- Shark fin antenna
- Chrome exhaust extension
- Black exterior mirrors
G15 Evolve provides:
- 16-inch alloy wheels
- Black mesh-style grille
- LED daytime operating lights
- Local weather management air-conditioning
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- Color head-up show
- Satellite tv for pc navigation
- Pink stitching particulars
- Visitors signal recognition
Is the Mazda 2 protected?
The Mazda 2 had a five-star score from ANCAP, however as this was based mostly on testing performed in 2015 it has now expired.
All fashions come normal with the next gear:
- Autonomous emergency braking (ahead, reverse)
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane maintain help
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Rear parking sensors
- Reversing digital camera
G15 Evolve and above get visitors signal recognition, whereas the G15 GT beneficial properties a surround-view digital camera, entrance parking sensors, and adaptive cruise management.
How a lot does the Mazda 2 price to run?
The Mazda 2 is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee.
Servicing is required each 12 months or 15,000km, with the primary 5 companies capped at $334, $526, $396, $526 and $334.
CarExpert’s Tackle the Mazda 2
The Mazda 2 makes good sense for somebody both a primary or final automobile.
It’s compact but surprisingly roomy inside, provides smile-inducing metropolis driving dynamics, and is likely one of the few automobiles in its section to nonetheless provide the choice of a guide transmission.
The latter of those doesn’t apply to the just about flagship G15 Evolve on take a look at right here nonetheless because it’s solely out there with a smooth-shifting six-speed computerized transmission. You’ll be able to solely get the guide transmission within the entry-level G15 Pure hatch.
Mazda has slowly however certainly continued to up the pricing of the two to some extent the place it not appears to be a worth proposition. Fortunately there’s an excellent quantity of normal options and security equipment, however the Mazda 2 G15 Evolve is now over $30,000 drive-away.
With this in thoughts it’s laborious to advocate the just about flagship Mazda 2 G15 Evolve because the candy spot of the vary. Should you’re after getting the largest bang in your buck, go for the entry-level G15 Pure.
If you would like all of the out there security gear however you’re pressured to go for the flagship G15 GT which is $1700 dearer the G15 Evolve.
Click on the photographs for the total gallery
MORE: Buy a Mazda 2
MORE: Everything Mazda 2
