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    Mazda 2 2024 review

    Chris Thompson
    Chris Thompson
    Journalist
    18 Sep 2023 • 13 min read

    Daily driver score

    4/5

    Urban score

    4/5

    The entry-point into one of Australia's most popular brands has been around for almost 10 years in its current generation, but the Mazda2 has had a refresh.

    Possibly for the last time in its current lifespan, the small hatchback gets a facelift to remain appealing, Mazda hopes, to first-car-buyers.

    Mazda's up against not only direct rivals, like the Suzuki Swift and Toyota Yaris, but also the shifting market.

    Read more about Mazda 2

    Mazda has sold just over 3500 Mazda2s so far this year, but almost 11,000 CX-3 small SUVs, the latter based on our friend here's platform.

    It's a name with a little over two decades behind it, but can it be a first-car-favourite in an increasingly difficult small car market?

    Price and features – Does it represent good value for the price? What features does it come with?

    Mazda has managed to keep pricing for its entry model relatively low for the segment. In fact, the base Pure in manual form starts from $22,410, before on-roads, and the auto is only $2000 more.

    That means at a time when the Toyota Yaris is starting to look more expensive than its historic ‘cheap and cheerful' image allows, Mazda is pushing the Mazda2 to be slightly more premium while keeping its price competitive.

    Standard features for the range, which start in the Pure variant, include a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, plus auto headlights and windscreen wipers.

    The Pure SP, which starts at $25,210, gains a different styling kit that adds a body-coloured front panel to the grille, plus a carbon-look roof in vinyl. It also gains the ‘shark-fin' roof aerial.

    The Evolve grade starts from $25,910. The Evolve grade starts from $25,910.

    The Evolve, which starts from $25,910, gains LED DRLs, with the mesh grille replacing the SP's block colour panel.

    Its upholstery gets red stitching, plus it's also got a couple more tech additions with Mazda's active head-up driver display, traffic sign recognition and satellite navigation.

    Finally, there's the top-spec GT, from $27,610, which gains unique aero-inspired 16-inch alloy wheels, and a set of black leather-upholstered seats with synthetic suede and red trim.

    A sedan is available in Pure or GT specification at the same prices and with the same features as the hatch, though you can't get a Pure sedan in manual - that's available in the hatch only.

    The Evolve gets a couple more tech additions with Mazda's active head-up driver display, traffic sign recognition and satellite navigation. The Evolve gets a couple more tech additions with Mazda's active head-up driver display, traffic sign recognition and satellite navigation.

    Design – Is there anything interesting about its design?

    Aside from the Pure SP, the Mazda2's styling changes are subtle. Mazda's design team aimed to move the model's looks slightly away from the previous ‘premium' chrome-adorned look to a sportier and more ‘aggressive' style.

    A redesigned front bumper and mesh grille, with the rear's nip and tuck being more subtle, don't need to do much to keep the hatchback looking fresh. Despite being almost a decade old, the Mazda2 looks, to some extent, like it could be a new generation.

    The Pure SP in particular is a highlight, with the blocked grille evoking some ‘electrification' vibes, while the coloured-accent treatment at the front and rear of most variants is a welcome addition for something different.

    Despite being almost a decade old, the Mazda2 looks, to some extent, like it could be a new generation. Despite being almost a decade old, the Mazda2 looks, to some extent, like it could be a new generation.

    The range of differing wheels is also a plus point for the Mazda2 range, with each model having its own distinct characteristics.

    Inside, the Pure SP also gets a stand-out panel across the dash in a lighter colour like mint, while others get different seat trims and colour accents in places like the vent surrounds.

    New colours for the range are 'Aero Grey Metallic' and 'Air Stream Blue Metallic'.

    Inside, the Pure SP gets a stand-out panel across the dash in a lighter colour. Inside, the Pure SP gets a stand-out panel across the dash in a lighter colour.

    Practicality – How practical is its space and tech inside?

    The Mazda2's interior is mostly unchanged through the facelift, with the car's overall dimensions unchanged and not affecting space for its occupants.

    Up front, the two seats are comfortable for adults and arm, shoulder, and head room is ample.

    Storage space for drinks, phones, or small bags and wallets is sufficient, though not quite road-trip-worthy.

    • Up front in the Mazda2 there is ample room for two adults. Up front in the Mazda2 there is ample room for two adults.
    • In the rear seats, adults will find enough space to be comfortable for short trips. In the rear seats, adults will find enough space to be comfortable for short trips.

    In the rear seats, adults will find enough space to be comfortable for short trips but might get a little restless after a while.

    Headroom when sitting upright is tight for anyone around 182cm (six-feet) tall, and a lack of armrest and little storage save for the doors means loose items will be joining occupants on the seat or sitting on the floor.

    The Mazda2 has a claimed 250 litres of luggage space in the boot, which is fine for a small hatchback, but short of rivals like the Toyota Yaris' 270L.

    • The Mazda2 has a claimed 250 litres of luggage space in the boot. The Mazda2 has a claimed 250 litres of luggage space in the boot.
    • The Mazda2 falls short compared to its rivals like the Toyota Yaris which has 270L of boot capacity. The Mazda2 falls short compared to its rivals like the Toyota Yaris which has 270L of boot capacity.

    Explore the 2024 Mazda 2 range

    Under the bonnet – What are the key stats for its engine and transmission?

    Mazda's ‘SkyActiv-G' 1.5 litre four-cylinder petrol engine is the unit used for six-speed manual and automatic models, but outputs vary slightly.

    Manual cars produce 82kW and 144Nm, while autos deliver a slightly lower 81kW and 142Nm, both driving the front wheels only.

    It's pretty much the same engine you used to find in an entry-grade MX-5, just with less power.

    Under the bonnet of the Mazda2 is a 1.5 litre four-cylinder petrol engine. Under the bonnet of the Mazda2 is a 1.5 litre four-cylinder petrol engine.

    Efficiency – What is its fuel consumption? What is its driving range?

    Improved fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions come thanks to the automatic's slight drop in power and torque.

    Mazda claims a 5.0L/100 km rating for the automatic Mazda2, which is down by 0.3L/100km over the previous version, but the manual's unchanged engine tune burns through the petrol at 5.4L/100km.

    Filling the 44-litre tank with at least 91RON or even E10 is fine, and with its auto variant's efficiency rating means the Mazda2 technically has a theoretical range of 880km.

    Comparatively the Mazda2 scores well here, the more expensive Toyota Yaris comes with a 4.8L/100km consumption claim with its CVT auto. A Suzuki Swift, with a smaller 1.2-litre engine, also has a 4.8L/100km rating.

    Mazda claims a 5.0L/100 km rating for the automatic Mazda2. Mazda claims a 5.0L/100 km rating for the automatic Mazda2.

    Driving – What's it like to drive?

    Our drive loop for the Mazda2's launch included a mix of urban, highway, and rural driving, with varying road quality and conditions.

    Fortunately for the little hatchback, it handled everything well or at least at a passing mark, with only a couple of small shortcomings that are common in the segment.

    The Mazda2 is a joy to drive in most circumstances, with a lively but confidence-inspiring chassis and controls that give a connected feel to the road.

    Fortunately for the little hatchback, it handled everything well or at least at a passing mark. Fortunately for the little hatchback, it handled everything well or at least at a passing mark.

    At low speeds, the Mazda2's relatively low power isn't noticeable, with the gearbox getting things moving at a reasonable pace and the engine is responsive enough with the traditional gearbox helping it along.

    It's worth noting that for ultimate control over the drivetrain, Mazda still offers a six-speed manual transmission in the entry-grade Pure, and it's a gem.

    Smooth, sporty shifts and well thought out gear ratios mean the manual is easy to handle even in traffic, and the clutch has a forgiving bite point. The 'i-Stop' stop/start system works with the three-pedal car, too, as does cruise control.

    At low speeds, the Mazda2's relatively low power isn't noticeable. At low speeds, the Mazda2's relatively low power isn't noticeable.

    In terms of handling and comfort, the Mazda2 is a little shaken by large bumps, though some of the rough surfaces on our test loop were particularly brutal.

    Similarly, when pushed hard to conquer steep hills the 1.5-litre engine becomes a little harsh.

    On twisty sections the Mazda2 (especially in manual form) provides ample fun while remaining predictable in its steering and chassis feedback, rather than feeling loose.

    In terms of handling and comfort, the Mazda2 is a little shaken by large bumps. In terms of handling and comfort, the Mazda2 is a little shaken by large bumps.

    Safety – What safety equipment is fitted? What is its safety rating?

    The updated Mazda2 is equipped with the brand's suite of 'i-Activsense' safety tech, which includes 'Smart City Brake Support' for operating forward and reverse, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

    The Evolve and GT model grades are fitted with traffic sign recognition.

    The GT model grade comes fitted with front parking sensors and a set of surround-view parking cameras.

    Mazda isn't going to put the Mazda2 up for a new crash test rating by ANCAP, though its original rating from 2015 was a maximum five stars. Mazda isn't going to put the Mazda2 up for a new crash test rating by ANCAP, though its original rating from 2015 was a maximum five stars.

    The Mazda2 also features six SRS airbags to cover the driver and front passenger, side airbags, and curtain airbags front and rear. It also has ISOFIX anchor points and top tethers for child seats in the rear.

    Mazda isn't going to put the Mazda2 up for a new crash test rating by ANCAP, with the brand telling us the new safety additions bring the car's safety up to date, though its original rating from 2015 was a maximum five stars.

    Mazda tells us the new safety additions bring the car's safety up to date. Mazda tells us the new safety additions bring the car's safety up to date.

    Ownership – What warranty is offered? What are its service intervals? What are its running costs?

    Mazda offers a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty across the range, under which the Mazda2 will be covered. That's on par for the market, although some rivals, like the MG3, come with a seven-year term.

    Scheduled servicing costs for the first seven workshop visits range from $334 to $587, and are undertaken every 12 months or 15,000km (whichever comes first).

    The Mazda2 is covered by a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty. The Mazda2 is covered by a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty.

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    Verdict

    While Mazda's insistence that the Mazda2 is a 'first-car' could be very limited by the incomes of most teenagers or early-20s city-dwellers, the starting price being close enough to $20,000 for a dynamically enjoyable and convenient small car isn't to be scoffed at.

    The new styling of the Mazda2 is well executed, and as an alternative to small SUVs (which continue to become more popular) it's a sensible option, especially considering its efficiency and ease of use.

    The lower specifications in the range are probably the best in terms of value, as even the features on the higher grades aren't groundbreaking, and the Pure SP definitely exudes the most style cred.

    $22,410

    Based on new car retail price

    Daily driver score

    4/5

    Urban score

    4/5
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