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What To Look For When Buying A Mazda 2. This guide will go through its features, reliability, reviews and much more.

In the world of compact cars, one name stands out due to its intriguing combination of nimbleness, efficient fuel consumption, and affordability - the new Mazda 2. This dynamic hatchback, also sold as a hybrid, has captured the hearts of city dwellers and automobile enthusiasts around the world.

Awards and Accolades

This car has won a large volume of awards, including:

  • Best Compact Car Award at the Car and Driver Awards
  • Best Fuel Mileage Compact Car Award at the Kelley Blue Book Awards
  • Best Compact Car for Families Award at the News & World Report Awards
  • Best Buy Award at the Edmunds Awards
  • Best Compact Car for the Money Award at the Consumer Reports Awards
  • Car and Driver 10 Best Cars Award
  • Consumer Reports Recommended Award
  • Edmunds Editors' Choice Award
  • IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Award at the IIHS Awards
  • IIHS Top Safety Pick Award at the IIHS Awards
  • J.D. Power Initial Quality Study (IQS) Award at the J.D. Power Awards
  • Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Award
  • Motor1.com Best Compact Car Award
  • MotorTrend Best Compact Car Award
  • What Car? Best Small Car Award at the What Car? Awards

Table of Contents

Mazda 2 red front end

Mazda 2's History

This small car, also known as the Mazda Demio in Japan, has a rich history that dates back to 1996. Mazda originally positioned the Mazda 2 as a subcompact car in its lineup, and it has seen four generations since its inception. With each generation refining the brand’s focus on driver engagement, efficiency, and clever use of space.

Latest Mazda 2

The most recent iteration has been in production since 2014, having undergone a complete redesign under the brand's KODO design philosophy and Skyactiv technology. The KODO: Soul of Motion design philosophy embodies the dynamism of life - creating cars that look as if they are in motion even when stationary.

Skyactiv technology, on the other hand, contributes to the car’s well-rounded performance, emphasising fuel economy and lower emissions without compromising driving pleasure.

Exterior Design

The Mazda 2 showcases a sleek exterior design with flowing lines, indicative of Mazda’s KODO design language. It is a small car that exudes a quality far beyond its price range.

Its dynamic silhouette, bold grille, and striking headlights give it a vibrant and sporty appearance.

Interior Design

Inside, the Mazda 2 impresses with a well-crafted, driver-oriented cabin that offers a touch of luxury rarely seen in the compact car segment. Mazda intuitively arranged the controls, made the seats really comfortable, and used high-standard materials throughout.

Mazda 2 interior

The interior is surprisingly spacious for a compact car, with sufficient room for adult passengers and a reasonably sized cargo area.

Performance

In regards to engines has a 1.5-litre Skyactiv-G engine that perfectly balances performance and fuel efficiency.

It is a responsive and energetic performer that impresses with its agility, especially in urban settings.

Exceptional handling

One of the Mazda 2’s most distinctive features is its exceptional handling. The precise steering and well-controlled body movements make the car feel agile and light on its feet.

It's the sort of car that thrives on twisting country lanes just as well as zips around crowded city streets.

How good is the Mazda 2 at city driving?

When it comes to city driving, it truly shines. Especially with the 115PS Homura Aka model, as it comes with the in-colour Active Driving Display as a standard feature. This feature is a state-of-the-art addition that reflects vital information directly in the driver's line of sight.

Technology

Safety is a key aspect of the Mazda 2's design, with an array of active and passive safety features. These include the Mazda's i-Activsense safety suite, which features systems like:

  • Adaptive front-lighting
  • Adaptive Cruise Control
  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Blind-spot monitoring
  • Lane Departure Warning System
  • Rear cross-traffic alert

To name only a few.

The technology package available is also noteworthy. With its 7-inch touchscreen and rotary controller, the Mazda Connect infotainment system offers an intuitive interface for controlling a wide array of the car's functions, including navigation, audio, and smartphone integration.

Mazda 2 silver and red

Can the Mazda 2 ultilise Mazda Connect?

Yes, it can. Mazda Connect offers an effortless connection between you and your Mazda. It accomplishes this by strategically placing an aesthetically pleasing, crystal clear 8-inch central display at eye level for easy viewing.
This system allows you to easily access critical vehicle data, settings, and various entertainment choices, such as DAB Radio.
It will even let you pair your smartphone via Bluetooth to make and receive calls, utilise your phonebook, and lots more.

Moreover, it comes equipped with a comprehensive European navigation system and three years of complimentary map updates - ensuring you always keep your way.
Overall, Mazda Connect ensures a seamless and intuitive interface, further enhancing your driving experience in the Mazda 2.

Does the Mazda 2 come with the Multimedia Commander?

The Multimedia Commander serves as an intuitive interface for accessing the Mazda Connect infotainment system.

Its tactile design engages the senses, offering a user-friendly experience even while on the go. Most importantly, the central display is designed to facilitate quick, intuitive commands, so you can maintain focus on the road ahead.

This intelligent feature underscores Mazda's commitment to safety without compromising convenience or entertainment.

Does the Mazda 2 come with an Active Driving Display?

Yes, it does, and it is standard in the 115PS Homura Aka.

The colour Active Driving Display is a technologically advanced feature that projects crucial information directly within the driver's field of view. This Active Display includes details such as vehicle speed, cruise control settings and even provides directions from the Mazda Navigation System. This innovative display ensures that all necessary driving data is readily available at a glance, enhancing both safety and convenience for the driver.

What engine does the Mazda 2 have?

Regarding engines, the new Mazda 2 can come equipped with a 1.5-litre Skyactiv-G engine optimised for a balance of performance and fuel efficiency.

A full list of engine options includes:

Engine Power
Skyactiv-G 1.5 Litre 75 PS
Skyactiv-G 1.5 Litre 90 PS
Skyactiv-G 1.5 Litre 115 PS

When the efficient Skyactiv-G engines are paired with Mazda's M Hybrid technology - referred to as e-Skyactiv G - this innovative evolution of hybrid car technology employs four main components to harness energy typically wasted during braking.

The technology stores this energy and utilises it to assist the engine and power the vehicle's electrical systems.

While the exact MPG can vary based on driving conditions and the model / year, generally, this range offers impressive fuel economy, often achieving around 36 MPG combined - city and motorway.

Consequently, this enables you to travel further on a single tank of fuel, simultaneously contributing to reductions in CO2 emissions and other particulates.

WHAT SAFETY FEATURES DOES THE MAZDA 2 INCLUDE?

This line-up can come with Mazda's i-Activsense safety suite, including features such as adaptive front-lighting, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking.

Further to this, depending on the model you decide to buy, these can also include:

  • 360° View Monitor
  • Adaptive LED Headlights
  • Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert
  • Colour Active Driving Display (Head-Up display)
  • Driver Attention Alert
  • Front & rear parking sensors
  • Hill Launch Assist
  • Reversing camera

DOES THE MAZDA 2 HAVE APPLE CARPLAY™ OR ANDROID AUTO®, & What DO These Enable you to do?

Yes, newer models offer seamless smartphone integration for navigation, audio, and other applications through Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto®

Apple CarPlay™ facilitates a safer, more intelligent driving experience, integrating your iPhone with your Mazda's built-in display. With this system, you can get directions, make calls, send and receive messages, and listen to music, all while maintaining focus on the road.

Regarding Android Auto® this also simplifies your in-car connectivity by projecting your smartphone apps onto your car's screen. Enjoy hands-free calling, messaging, and navigation using Google Maps. You can, for instance, stream music or podcasts through your preferred platform and use Google Assistant for voice-activated help, all without compromising road safety.

WHAT IS THE MAZDA 2'S SEATING CAPACITY?

This car can comfortably seat up to five people, with up to 33 inches of legroom in the passenger seat.

IS THE MAZDA 2 AVAILABLE IN AN AUTOMATIC GEARBOX?

Yes, the Mazda 2 is available in manual and automatic gearboxes - depending on your preference.

This automatic gearbox provides a seamless driving experience, incorporating SkyActiv technology for efficient performance. It's intuitive shifting then enhances your fuel economy while offering you smooth transitions between gears changes. Consequently, it allows for effortless city driving and steady, controlled speeds during long-distance travel.

HOW MUCH BOOT SPACE DOES THE MAZDA 2 OFFER?

The Mazda 2 offers a reasonable amount of cargo space for a compact car, with around 13 cubic feet in the hatchback version.

WHAT IS THE MAZDA 2'S KODO DESIGN PHILOSOPHY?

The KODO design philosophy, meaning Soul of Motion, seeks to embody the dynamism of life, creating vehicles that seem in motion even when stationary. It results in the Mazda 2's distinctive, flowing lines and dynamic exterior.

This design philosophy draws its inspiration from the power and elegance of nature by aiming to integrate aesthetics with functionality while emphasising sleek lines and a bold stance.

This philosophy is why the Mazda 2 gets its refined appearance and harmonising form while remaining functional to drive.

How reliable is the Mazda 2?

As a brand, Mazda has an excellent reputation for reliability, and the Mazda 2 is no exception. The reliability of a Mazda 2 depends on the model year, maintenance that has occurred, wear and tear, and how well it has been looked after.

However, looking at a new one, the Mazda 2 has won many awards and accolades, which factor in reliability as part of the judging process.

What are the competitors of the Mazda 2?

Key competitors of the Mazda 2 include the Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, and Hyundai Accent. However, the Mazda 2 is known for its sportier handling and high-quality interior compared to other cars in its class.

How many models of the Mazda 2 are there?

The new Mazda 2 comes in 1 of 6 main trims. These consist of:

  • 75PS Centre-Line
  • 90PS Centre-Line
  • 90PS Exclusive-Line
  • Homura
  • Homura AKA
  • 115PS Homura AKA

How do the different Mazda 2 models differ from each other?

The different Mazda 2 models differ in several ways. These include:

Mazda 2 75PS Centre-Line Key Features

The Mazda 2 75PS Centre-Line, is a compact marvel that combines fuel efficiency with responsive handling and offers impressive interior refinement.

Its key features include:

  • 15 Inch Silver Metallic alloy wheels
  • 60:40 fold flat rear seats
  • AM / FM / DAB radio, with 6 speakers and AUX input
  • Auto-dimming rearview mirror
  • Body coloured electrically-adjustable, heated, auto power-folding door mirrors
  • Climate-control air-conditioning
  • Coming home / leaving home lights
  • Cruise Control with adjustable speed limiter
  • Dusk sensing headlights
  • Electric windows
  • Front grille with Jet Black/Colour coordinated lower panel with Yellow accent and gloss black Signature Wing
  • Front rain-sensing wipers
  • Halogen daytime running lights
  • Hill Launch Assist
  • Integrated Bluetooth®
  • Leather-wrapped gear shift
  • Leather-wrapped handbrake lever
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel
  • LED Headlights with auto levelling
  • Mazda Connect multimedia system with 8 Inch Colour centre display and Multimedia Commander
  • Mazda Navigation System with European mapping and 3-year free map updates
  • Premium Black cloth seat trim
  • Rear body coloured bumper with black lower mouldings featuring Yellow accent
  • Rear parking sensors
  • Remote central locking with deadlocking
  • USB inputs
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay™® & wired Android Auto®™

Mazda 2 90PS Centre-Line Key Features

The Mazda 2 90PS Centre-Line blends spirited performance with top-tier fuel economy, enveloped in a stylish, comfortable interior.

In addition to the Mazda 2 75PS Centre-line, the 90PS Centre-Line's key features include:

  • Advanced Smart City Brake Support - Front
  • Lane-keep Assist System with Lane Departure Warning System
  • Mazda M Hybrid (MHEV)

Mazda 2 90PS Exclusive-Line Key Features

The Mazda 2 90PS Exclusive-Line fuses responsive power with luxury detailing, providing an exclusive, feature-rich compact car experience.

In addition to the 90PS Centre-line, the 90PS Exclusive-line's key features include:

  • 16 Inch Bright alloy wheels
  • Body coloured Shark Fin antenna
  • Chrome exhaust trim
  • Drive selection switch (automatic gearbox models only)
  • Mazda M Hybrid (MHEV) (manual gearbox models only)
  • Rear privacy glass
  • Reversing camera
  • Signature LED daytime running lights
  • Smart keyless entry
  • Steering wheel-mounted paddle shift (automatic gearbox models only)

Mazda 2 Homura Key Features

The Mazda 2 Homura delivers a sporty aesthetic, advanced technology, and dynamic performance, offering a standout driving experience.

Its key features include:

In addition to the 90PS Centre-line, the Homura's key features include:

  • 16 Inch Black Metallic alloys wheels
  • Black electrically-adjustable, heated, auto power-folding door mirrors
  • Black Honeycomb grille with Red accent and gloss black finish Signature Wing
  • Black Shark Fin antenna
  • Rear body coloured bumper with black lower mouldings featuring Red accent

Mazda 2 Homura AKA Key Features

The Mazda 2 Homura AKA embodies a potent blend of sporty style, advanced technology, and responsive performance, raising the compact car bar.

In addition to the Mazda 2 Homura, the Homura AKA's key features include:

  • 16 Inch Black Metallic Machined alloys wheels
  • Black roof film
  • Chrome exhaust trim
  • Drive selection switch (automatic gearbox models only)
  • Half Black leather, Half Black cloth seat trim with red accents
  • Heated front seats with a 3-stage setting
  • Heated leather-wrapped steering wheel
  • Mazda M Hybrid (MHEV) (manual gearbox models only)
  • Rear privacy glass
  • Signature LED daytime running lights
  • Smart keyless entry
  • Steering wheel-mounted paddle shift (automatic gearbox models only)

Mazda 2 115PS Homura AKA Key Features

The Mazda 2 115PS Homura AKA offers a captivating mix of sporty elegance, high-tech features, and dynamic, powerful performance.

In addition to the Mazda 2 90PS Homura AKA, the 115PS Homura AKA's key features include:

  • 360° View Monitor (front, rear and side cameras)
  • Adaptive LED Headlights
  • Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert
  • Colour Active Driving Display (Head-Up display)
  • Driver Attention Alert
  • Front & rear parking sensors
  • Rear Smart City Brake Support

What paint colours can a Mazda 2 come in?

The new Mazda 2's can come in 1 of 11 colours. These consist of:

  • Aero Grey
  • Air Stream Blue
  • Artic White
  • Ceramic
  • Deep Crystal Blue
  • Jet Black
  • Machine Grey
  • Platinum Quartz
  • Ploymetal Grey
  • Snowflake White
  • Soul Red Crystal

Mazda 2 silver side on

Mazda 2 Dimensions & Key Metrics

The Mazda 2's key dimensions include:

Dimension Value
Overall length 4,085 mm
Overall width 1,695 mm (2,028 mm)
Overall height 1,524 mm
Wheelbase 2,570 mm
Ground clearance 152 mm
Front track 1,495 mm
Rear track 1,485 mm
Front headroom 984 mm
Front leg room 1,063 mm
Front shoulder room 1,352 mm
Rear headroom 945 mm
Rear leg room 881 mm
Rear shoulder room 1,273 mm
Cargo volume 5-seat mode to belt line including underfloor storage: 255 l
2-seat mode including underfloor storage: 887 l
Brake Type Front: Ventilated Disc
Rear: Drum
Brake Dimensions Front: 258 mm
Rear: 200 mm

Mazda 2 Final Thoughts

The Mazda 2's appeal lies in its ability to offer a dynamic driving experience and high-quality interior within a compact and affordable package. It delivers on Mazda’s promise of creating vehicles that celebrate driving, proving that compact does not mean compromise.

However, this car proves that small cars can be fun, sophisticated, and sensible all at once. Whether you're a first-time buyer, a city dweller needing a compact car, or simply someone who appreciates the joy of driving, the Mazda 2 deserves a place on your shortlist.

You've now walked through our comprehensive journey exploring the wonders of the Mazda 2.

Ready to experience this remarkable compact car for yourself?
Then book a no-obligation test drive today and discover why the Mazda 2 is the right choice for you. Schedule your test drive today, or alternatively contact our friendly customer service team, to see how we can help you.

Hurry - your Mazda 2 adventure awaits!

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