Mazda 2 Car Review | The Ultimate Buyers Guide - Price, Features & More | 13 September 2024

When it comes to the brand-new Mazda2, you are getting a compact and stylish Supermini and as you will find out, has really garnered a reputation for its sharp handling, reliable performance, and well-appointed interior.

Whether you are navigating the bustling city streets or embarking on a weekend getaway, the Mazda 2 offers you a great combination of efficiency and driving pleasure that really is hard to beat in its class.

Consequently, in our Mazda 2 car review and buyer's guide, we will explore the key features, model variants, and considerations to help you determine if the Mazda 2 is the best car for your needs.

From engine options to interior comforts, we'll cover everything you need to know before making your decision.

So, let us dive in.

Table of Contents

• History of the Mazda 2
• Why Choose the Mazda 2?
• Perfect Size for City Driving
• Current Mazda2 Model Range
• Exterior
• Interior
• Model Differences
• Safety
• Mazda 2 Engine and Performance
• Pricing and Car Finance
• Mazda 2 Comparable Cars
• Reliability
• Car Insurance
• Mazda 2 Final Thoughts
• Related Car News, New Car Reviews & Car Buying Guides
• Who is FRF Motors?

The Mazda 2, also known as the Demio in Japan, is a subcompact car produced by Mazda since 1996.

Over the years, it has gone through several generations, with each one bringing large improvements in design, technology, and performance as it improves. These consist of the boxy design of the 1996 model, the more streamlined and modern look today, and the introduction of autonomous driving features in the latest models, for instance.

The car is also known for its practicality, efficiency, and fun-to-drive nature, often praised for offering a sporty feel despite its small size.

For instance, Top Gear classed it as: "the Mazda 2 feels surprisingly sporty" for instance.

Why Choose the Mazda 2?

The Mazda 2 really is a compelling choice for those seeking a small, efficient, and stylish car for many reasons, which include, for instance:

Fuel Efficient

The Mazda 2 is known for its excellent fuel economy with real-world WLTP fuel consumption of up to 68.9 MPG in the 1.5 e-SKYACTIV G Petrol Engine 90 PS manual variant, making it an ideal choice for city driving and long commutes.

The 44-litre fuel tank capacity engines, often small, are yet very efficient, as they offer you great mileage without compromising on your overperformance, with your acceleration still being able to go from 0-62 MPH in just 9.1 seconds, for instance, and a maximum torque of 151 Nm / 3,500 RPM for instance.

Stylish Design

Mazda’s Kodo design language gives the Mazda 2 a very sporty and dynamic look, which is rare in the Hot Hatch category.

This is complemented by the car’s sleek lines and modern look, which appeals to those who value a car that looks as good as it drives.

Fun to Drive

Mazda has a reputation for creating cars that are enjoyable to drive, and the Mazda 2 is truly no exception.

With its responsive steering, nimble handling, and well-tuned suspension all of which make it one of the most engaging cars in its class.

High-Quality Interior

As you will find out in our interior section, despite its small size, the Mazda 2 offers you a very premium feel inside.

The materials used in the cabin are of high quality, from its Leather-wrapped gear shift, Leather-wrapped handbrake lever, and even Leather-wrapped steering wheel with pure leatherette options also available, all with a layout that is very intuitive to use, giving it an edge over many competitors as a result.

Safety Features

We will cover this in more depth below, but, as an introduction, the Mazda 2 comes with a range of advanced safety features, including Smart City Brake Support, Lane Departure Warning, and optional Blind Spot Monitoring, to list a few - making it a solid choice for city and young drivers especially.

Perfect Size for City Driving

The Mazda2 is a practical little car that suits your daily needs perfectly.

For instance, it is small enough to easily park in tight city spaces, yet the inside feels open and roomy for both you and your passengers.

The car's engines are also very smooth and easy to drive, making city life a bit less stressful and a bit of a breeze, to be honest.

Current Mazda2 Model Range

The current Mazda 2 comes in a number of trim levels, which include the following 6 for instance:

• Mazda 2 75PS Centre Line
• Mazda 2 90PS Centre Line
• Mazda 2 90PS Exclusive Line
• Mazda 2 HOMURA
• Mazda 2 90PS HOMURA AKA
• Mazda 2 115PS HOMURA AKA

Exterior

Mazda's Kodo design philosophy is really in play here - which is also known as "Soul of Motion" - in essence is a design language that aims to capture the dynamic beauty of movement, even when a car is stationary, and you can see this when you look at the Mazda 2.

For instance, the car has a sleek, aerodynamic shape that makes it look like it's moving even when standing still.

Its compact dimensions are then perfect for city driving, yet it manages to convey a sense of sportiness and style while it does so.

Front

The latest Mazda 2 has a stylish and modern look that catches the eye from every angle.

For instance, at the front, the car features a sleek grille and sharp headlights that give it a very sporty appearance, while the bonnet is slightly curved, adding to the car’s overall aerodynamic design.

Side Profile

Moving to the side profile, the Mazda 2 has a clean and smooth look with subtle lines that really do help to create a sense of movement, even when the car is standing still.

This is then supported by the roof, which has a slight slope towards the rear, giving it a more dynamic and compact feel overall.

The car also sits on stylish alloy wheels that complement the overall design, adding a touch of flair.

For instance, here you can choose from:

• 15” Silver Metallic Alloy Wheels - Standard On Centre-Line Grade
• 16” Black Metallic Alloy Wheels - Standard On Homura Grade
• 16” Black Metallic Machined Alloy Wheels - Standard On Homura Aka Grade
• 16” Bright Alloy Wheels - Standard On Exclusive-Line Grade

Differences between models

When it comes to the exterior, the various trims differ in a number of ways, such as for instance, just in its standard equipment, which can consist of:

model

Interior

When you step inside the Mazda 2, you will find a cabin that's surprisingly upscale for a subcompact car.

For instance as you will find out in this section, the interior design is clean and modern, with a focus on simplicity and functionality especially.

Paint Colours

Both the Centre-Line and Exclusive-Line models come with Premium Black cloth seat trim and a manual gearbox or a 6-speed automatic one, which is then complemented by three dashboard accents: Black Gloss, White Gloss, or Mint Gloss.

These accent colours have clearly been thoughtfully selected to harmonise with the car's exterior, creating a cohesive and stylish interior on the whole.

• Aero Grey Black Gloss
• Air Stream Blue Exterior Colour
• Arctic White Black Gloss
• Ceramic Exterior Colour
• Deep Crystal Blue Black Gloss
• Jet Black Black Gloss
• Machine Grey Black Gloss
• Platinum Quartz White Gloss
• Polymetal Grey White Gloss
• Snowflake White White Gloss
• Soul Red Crystal White Gloss

Materials

The materials used are of high quality, with soft-touch plastics and well-assembled components that give the interior a premium feel, to be honest.

Upholstery

Both the Homura and Homura Aka trims give the interior a sportier feel with red accents that match the car's sporty exterior design.

For instance, the Homura trim is available with all exterior colours and comes with a Black Gloss dashboard panel and Black cloth seats with Red accents as well.

Then, moving up to the Homura Aka trim, this can then be paired with most exterior colours (except Jet Black).

It then features a Black soft-touch dashboard with Red accents and leather seats that combine half Black leather with half Black cloth, also with Red accents to give you one very nice and slick interior on the whole.

Seats

The Mazda 2's seating is also very comfortable, with supportive front seats and an adjustable driver’s seat, which really does help to make long drives even more enjoyable.

The rear back seats, while snug, are also more than adequate for shorter trips and can accommodate two adults or three children very easily with up to 881mm of rear legroom.

Storage & Boot Space

The overall space inside the Mazda 2 is also well-utilised, with clever storage solutions such as a centre storage space with two cup holders, large door pockets for both the driver and front passenger, along with a good-sized glovebox, and seatback pockets - located on the rear of front passenger seat - and a decent-sized boot floor for a car of this class - with 280 litres with the rear seats in place, and going up to 950 litres with the rear seats folded down of luggage space as well.

The Mazda2 design team, in our opinion, has done a great job of giving you a simple, uncluttered layout with a focus on functionality.

The dashboard, for instance, features soft-touch materials in muted tones, like charcoal grey or deep navy, all of which help to promote the classic British understated style really.

Differences in Interior Features between the models

Model Differences

The six main models differ in a number of ways, such as for instance:

75PS Centre Line Key Features

This entry model comes packed with features, with some of its standout ones being based on:

• Exterior
  • 15” Silver Metallic Alloy Wheels
  • Body Coloured Electrically-Adjustable, Heated, Auto Power-Folding Door Mirrors
  • Front Grille With Jet Black/Colour Coordinated Lower Panel With Yellow Accent And Gloss Black Signature Wing
  • Front Rain-Sensing Wipers
  • LED Headlights With Auto Levelling
  • Coming Home / Leaving Home Lights
  • Dusk Sensing Headlights
  • Halogen Daytime Running Lights
  • Rear Body Coloured Bumper With Black Lower Mouldings Featuring Yellow Accent
  • Rear Parking Sensors
• Interior
  • 60:40 Fold Flat Rear Seats
  • Leather-Wrapped Gear Shift
  • Leather-Wrapped Handbrake Lever
  • Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
  • Premium Black Cloth Seat Trim
• Infotainment
  • AM / FM / DAB Radio, With 6 Speakers And AUX Input
  • Integrated Bluetooth®
  • Mazda Connect Multimedia System With 8” Colour Centre Display And Multimedia Commander
  • Mazda Navigation System With European Mapping And 3-Years Free Map Updates
  • USB Inputs
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay® & Wired Android AutoTM
• Comfort And Convenience
  • Auto-Dimming Rear View Mirror
  • Climate-Control Air-Conditioning
  • Cruise Control With Adjustable Speed Limiter
  • Electric Windows
• Safety And Security
  • Hill Launch Assist
  • Remote Central Locking With Deadlocking

90PS Centre Line Key Features

Then, in addition to the 75PS Centre Line, the 90PS Centre Line adds the following:

• Comfort And Convenience
  • Mazda M Hybrid (MHEV)
• Safety And Security
  • Advanced Smart City Brake Support - Front
  • Lane-Keep Assist System With Lane Departure Warning System

90PS Exclusive Line Key Features

Then, in addition to the 90PS Centre Line, the 90PS Exclusive Line adds the following:

• Exterior
  • 16” Bright Alloy Wheels
  • Chrome Exhaust Trim
  • Rear Privacy Glass
  • Signature LED Daytime Running Lights
  • Body Coloured Shark Fin Antenna
• Interior
  • Steering Wheel Mounted Paddle Shift (Automatic Transmission Models Only)
• Comfort And Convenience
  • Drive Selection Switch (Automatic Transmission Models Only)
  • Mazda M Hybrid (MHEV) (Manual Transmission Models Only)
  • Reversing Camera
• Safety And Security
  • Smart Keyless Entry

HOMURA Key Features

Then, in addition to the 90PS Centre Line, the HOMURA adds the following:

• Exterior
  • 16” 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
  • Rear Body Coloured Bumper With Black Lower Mouldings Featuring Red Accent
  • Black Shark Fin Antenna
• Interior
  • Black Cloth Trim With Red Accents
• Comfort And Convenience
  • Mazda M Hybrid
  • Reversing Camera

90PS HOMURA AKA Key Features

Then, in addition to the HOMURA, the HOMURA AKA adds the following:

• Exterior
  • 16” Black Metallic Machined Alloys Wheels
  • Chrome Exhaust Trim
  • Rear Privacy Glass
  • Signature LED Daytime Running Lights
  • Black Roof Film
• Interior
  • Half Black Leather, Half Black Cloth Seat Trim With Red Accents
  • Heated Front Seats With 3-Stage Setting
  • Heated Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel
  • Steering Wheel Mounted Paddle Shift (Automatic Transmission Models Only)
• Comfort And Convenience
  • Drive Selection Switch (Automatic Transmission Models Only)
  • Mazda M Hybrid (MHEV) (Manual Transmission Models Only)
• Safety And Security
  • Smart Keyless Entry

115PS HOMURA AKA Key Features

Then, in addition to the 90PS 115PS HOMURA AKA, the 115PS 115PS HOMURA AKA adds the following equipment levels:

• Exterior
  • Front & Rear Parking Sensors
• Comfort And Convenience
  • 360° View Monitor (Front, Rear And Side Cameras)
  • Colour Active Driving Display (Head-Up Display)
• Safety And Security
  • Adaptive LED Headlights
  • Blind Spot Monitoring With Rear Cross Traffic Alert
  • Driver Attention Alert
  • Rear Smart City Brake Support

Technology

When it comes to technology, the Mazda 2 comes packed full of it, we noticed, with some of its standout features here being:

Mazda Connect

With the latest in-car infotainment system, Mazda Connect lets you connect easily with your Mazda, as the information is shown on a clear and beautiful 8-inch screen, perfectly placed at eye level.

You can also access vehicle information and settings, enjoy entertainment like DAB Radio, connect your smartphone via Bluetooth to make and receive calls, check your phonebook, and use the European-wide Navigation system - which includes three years of free map updates as well.

Multimedia Commander

Simple to use and designed for drivers to help you keep your eyes on the road ahead whilst also controlling your media experience simultaneously.

The Multimedia Commander, for instance, offers you easy access to the Mazda Connect system, which is easy to use while driving, allowing you to keep your focus on the road.

Apple Carplay® & Android Auto™

These two integrated systems give you a smarter and safer way to use your smartphone with your car.

For instance, with Apple CarPlay®, you can easily access Apple Music, Maps, and Messages and make calls with Siri using the car’s Multimedia Commander or voice commands.

While Android Auto™ also lets you access your favourite music, messaging apps, Google Maps, and Google Play Music.

Google Assistant voice control also helps you send and receive messages, make calls, get directions, and plan your day while keeping your eyes on the road as well.

Colour Active Driving Display

Key information is then displayed conveniently, with the Colour Active Driving Display - standard on the 115ps Homura Aka. This then projects important information directly in the driver's line of sight on your windscreen, for instance.

This can then include your vehicle's speed, cruise control settings, and satellite navigation directions with the Mazda Navigation System, to name a few.

Safety

The Mazda 2 also comes packed full of safety features, including both active and passive safety systems, along with the latest driver assistance features.

These include, for instance:

Mazda 2 Engine and Performance

When it comes to its engines, the Mazda 2 offers you a choice of engines designed to suit different driving needs.

For instance, you can choose from engines with 75ps, 90ps, or 115ps power, giving you the right balance of performance and efficiency.

Fuel efficiency

When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Mazda 2 is economical, especially the 1.5-litre petrol engine, helping you save on fuel costs while still enjoying a responsive drive.

The CO2 emissions are also kept low, making it a more environmentally friendly option.

Driving Experience

The driving experience in the Mazda 2 we found was also very enjoyable, with smooth acceleration and a comfortable ride quality overall.

So, whether you are driving in the city or on the motorway, the car responds well to your inputs, making it a true pleasure to drive.

Handling

In our road tests, we found that the handling was another strong point of the Mazda 2 that we have noticed especially. With thank to its build quality, and its agile handling and easy ability to manoeuvre, it is great for both tight city streets and winding country roads alike.

This is in part due to its good driving position and front-wheel drive but also due to the fact that the Mazda 2 features MacPherson struts at the front and a rear torsion beam, which is common for superminis. However, Mazda has enhanced the setup by increasing the castor angle at the front wheels to improve steering response.

Additionally, they have raised the mounting point of the rear twist beam to better absorb impacts, resulting in a much smoother and more controlled ride overall.

This makes the car feel stable and controlled, giving you confidence behind the wheel every time as a result.

Engine Power, Road Tax and Insurance Groups

Regarding what fuel type you are wanting - be it the petrol engines, diesel engines, Mazda 2 1.5 SKYACTIV-G / e-SKYACTIV G or the mild hybrid cars - when it comes to the exact engine power available, BIK tax, and insurance groups you are looking at:

Pricing and Car Finance

As prices can change over time, please see our dedicated pricing page for how much they currently cost.

However, for Mazda2 finance options, you can get these new car deals in a range of options from contract hire to PCP, car leasing deals, and PCH, all of which will give you good monthly payments to meet your exact budget.

Mazda 2 Comparable Cars

When it comes to what cars the Mazda2 is comparable to, you have lots of options to choose from, including, for instance:

• Ford Fiesta
• Volkswagen Polo
• Vauxhall Corsa
• Renault Clio
• Peugeot 208
• Honda Jazz
• Toyota Yaris
• Hyundai i20
• Kia Rio
• Seat Ibiza
• Skoda Fabia
• Nissan Micra
• Citroën C3
• Suzuki Swift
• Fiat 500
• Mini Hatch
• Dacia Sandero
• Mitsubishi Mirage
• MG3
• Ford Ka+
• Toyota Yaris Hybrid
• VW Polo

Reliability

The Mazda2 would not have been in production for such a long time - dating back to 1996 - without being seen to be a highly reliable car.

This is also backed up by its winning hundreds of industry awards over its time period, with a sample of these being:

• Best City Car Award at the Auto Express Awards
• Best Compact Car Award at the World Car Awards
• Best Design Award at the Red Dot Design Awards
• Best Economy Car Award at the Fleet World Honours
• Best in Class Award at the Euro NCAP Awards
• Best Lightweight Car Award at the What Car? Awards
• Best Small Car Award at the Auto Express Awards
• Best Small Hatchback Award at the UK Car of the Year Awards
• Best Supermini Award at the Auto Express Awards
• Best Urban Car Award at the World Car Awards
• Car of the Year Award at the Japan Car of the Year Awards
• Car of the Year Award at the What Car? Awards
• Driver Power Satisfaction Award at the Auto Express Awards
• Green Car Award at the Next Green Car Awards
• Highly Commended Award at the Parkers New Car Awards
• Most Reliable Car Award at the Auto Express Awards
• Supermini of the Year Award at the Top Gear Awards
• Supermini of the Year Award at the What Car? Awards
• Urban Car Award at the World Car Awards
• World Car Design of the Year Award at the World Car Awards

Car Insurance

For car insurance, the Mazda 2 is very cost-effective, sitting in the insurance brackets from 14E to 21A out of 50.

Mazda 2 Final Thoughts

As you can see, the Mazda 2 is an excellent choice and good value for money, with low running costs, for anyone looking for a reliable, fuel-efficient, and fun-to-drive subcompact hatchback car.

With its stylish design, well-appointed interior, and competitive pricing, it offers you excellent value for money, regardless of whether you are looking for a brand-new one or an Approved used Mazda car.

So, whether you are buying a new or used car, the Mazda 2 is a wise investment that will serve you well for years to come. If you value driving enjoyment and quality, the Mazda 2 is definitely worth a closer look.

So why not book out one of our test cars and take it out for a test drive, and pop down to one of our local Mazda Dealerships near you today?

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Who is FRF Motors?

Here at FRF Motors we are a car dealership group based in the UK, offering you a wide range of new and used vehicles, particularly specialising in Mazda, Peugeot, Vauxhall, and DS Automobiles car brands.

Consequently, we provide various automotive services, including vehicle financing, MOT, servicing, and repairs and a regulated as a credit broker by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) as well.

All in all, our dealership is known for its customer-focused approach, aiming to deliver excellent customer service and value to all our customers, so if you need any car advice on which model is best for you, just give us a call.

So contact us today to let us help you with your next brand-new car deal; we are here to help.