2023 Mazda 2 review: Full range detailed

The Mazda 2 has long been popular with first-car buyers seeking affordable transport that doesn't compromise style, equipment and driveability.

However, the once-vibrant light car market it topped for years can best be described as niche these days, as buyers flock to light SUVs mostly based on the very hatchbacks they abandoned.

But while it might be getting a little old in the tooth, there is still a lot to like about the third-generation Mazda 2, including that it is now a little unique.

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The 2023 update brought a few minor changes, including a mildly revised front end with a larger front grille, a new X-shaped lower bumper, and more prominent Mazda badging with an integrated radar sensor.

There's also a body-coloured, EV-like plate on the front grille for select versions, while the Mazda 2 hatchback will receive an "asymmetrically placed colour accent on the front grille and rear bumper," similar to the latest CX-5.

All hatchback variants and the range-topping GT sedan also receive a simplified rear bumper design.

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JUMP AHEAD

• What body styles are available for the Mazda 2
• Mazda 2 pricing
• What features are standard in every Mazda 2
• What key features do I get if I spend more?
• How safe is the Mazda 2?
• How comfortable and practical is the Mazda 2?
• How much boot space does the Mazda 2 offer?
• I like driving, will I enjoy the Mazda 2?
• Which Mazda 2 engine uses the least fuel?
• What is the Mazda 2's towing capacity?
• How long is the warranty, and what are the Mazda 2's servicing costs?
• Which version of the Mazda 2 does Wheels recommend?
• What are the rivals to the Mazda 2?

What body styles are available for the Mazda 2?

Since the demise of the Hyundai Accent, the Mazda 2 is the only light car on sale in Australia with a choice of hatchback and sedan variants, though the latter is now only available in a couple of spec grades.

The Mazda 2 is classed as a light car, lower priced, with all variants being front-wheel drive.

Mazda Australia is yet to release 2023 Mazda 2 sedan images, so most of the cars pictured in this review will be hatchbacks.

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Mazda 2 pricing

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What features are standard in every Mazda 2?

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What key features do I get if I spend more?

The cheapest Mazda 2 you can get is the G15 Pure hatchback with a six-speed manual gearbox.

It is now the only variant with a manual option, costing $2000 less than a G15 Pure hatch with the six-speed automatic that comes standard on the G15 Pure sedan and all other variants.

The G15 Pure has 15-inch alloy wheels, cloth seats, and manual cruise control.

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Mazda2 Pure

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Mazda 2 Pure interior

G15 Pure SP (hatchback only)

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Mazda2 Pure SP

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Mazda2 Pure SP

G15 Evolve (hatchback only)

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Mazda2 G15 Evolve

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Mazda2 G15 Evolve

G15 GT hatchback

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Mazda2 G15 GT hatchback

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Mazda2 G15 GT

G15 GT sedan

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How safe is the Mazda 2?

The Mazda 2's five-star ANCAP rating from 2015 expired in January 2023. Does that mean it's an unsafe car?

Since it was tested, it gained active safety features that made it one of the better-equipped cars in its class. As we mentioned in our 2020 Mazda 2 review, "it comes with a broadly based safety package that stands out among cars of this size and price".

It scored very well in crash testing, and its well-located A-pillars (on either side of the windscreen) afford good vision for tight corners and roundabouts (helped by the exterior mirrors mounted on the doors rather than in the corners of the windows), increasing primary safety.

The six airbags are in the usual places, offering more side protection in the front than in the rear. There are two airbags directly in front of the driver and front passenger; one outside each front seat to protect front occupants from side impacts at chest level; and curtain airbags extending down each side that protect front and rear occupants from side impacts at head level.

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How comfortable and practical is the Mazda 2?

The Mazda 2's interior design is rather elegant, with high-quality plastics and pleasantly tactile controls.

Pure and Pure SP variants feature three dashboard trim colours - Pure White, Mirror Black or Mint, determined by the exterior hue. The lighter hues bring a nice retro touch.

The front seats are a little narrow but provide good support for journeys of up to two hours and the driving position is comfortable.

Although the little Mazda’s ride can be a little stiff on rougher roads, partly due to the 16-inch alloy wheels fitted to all but the base model, the dampers absorb bumps well with little bounce-back.

Vibration and road noise are far less of an issue than they were with earlier versions.

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Rear space and comfort

The bench rear seat offers good shoulder space and legroom for two and a comfortable cushion.

On the negative side, a rising window line and large front headrests limit vision, which might be a factor for children, and the monochrome ambience makes things a little gloomy.

The seat can carry three passengers, with lap-sash belts for all. Squeezing three adults across the back of a Mazda 2 – or any light car – is a recipe for discomfort. However, it’s handy to be able to do so for short trips.

Handholds are provided above the windows and a map pocket behind the front passenger seat, but nothing by way of air vents or USB sockets.

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How much boot space does the Mazda 2 offer?

The Mazda 2 hatchback has one of the smallest boot capacities among its rivals. The boot aperture is also smaller than those of some alternatives and Mazda quotes cargo capacity at just 250 litres with the 60:40 folding seatbacks upright.

The Mazda 2 Sedan has significantly more boot space at 440 litres.

Hatch and sedan boots have a space-saver spare wheel under the boot floor.

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Mazda 2 hatchback

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I like driving, will I enjoy the Mazda 2?

You don’t have to know anything about vehicle dynamics to appreciate when a car feels good. And the Mazda 2 is surprisingly good.

Both hatchback and sedan versions drive like bigger cars thanks to their chassis being a revised version of that found beneath the previous generation of the larger Mazda3.

The Mazda 2 inspires confidence and is fun to thread along a favourite country road. Responsiveness and feedback from the steering increase as you turn the wheel further into a corner.

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Since the 2017 update, all Mazda 2s have benefited from mildly modified suspension aimed at helping the car ride and corner more steadily.

They also gained Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control, which manipulates the engine imperceptibly when you turn the steering wheel, transferring weight to the front tyres in a way that is said to improve feel and response from the steering.

Although the 1.5-litre engine isn't as perky as some of the turbos found in other light cars and crossovers, it's energetic and sounds a little sporty.

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It responds well to accelerator pedal inputs, particularly in the lower gears, and the automatic transmission's Sport mode provides some oomph even if the high revs sometimes take a while to settle once you get to your desired speed.

One way around this on automatic Mazda 2s is to use the manual mode, which provides a nod to driving enthusiasts with a forward downshift/backward upshift movement and quick responses.

The Mazda 2’s automatic transmission chooses the right gear decisively and the manual gearbox is one of the best at this price level, being smooth and satisfying to operate – and feels as engaging as the manual shift in a sporty Mazda MX-5.

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Which Mazda 2 engine uses the least fuel?

The Mazda 2 is only available with a SkyActiv 1.5-litre petrol four-cylinder petrol engine and produces 82kW and 144Nm

Based on official test figures, it consumes as little as 5.0 litres/100km with the six-speed automatic or 5.4 litres/100km with the six-speed manual gearbox.

Only the entry-level G15 Pure hatchback can be had with a manual, which is an engaging unit while being forgiving to anyone whose shifting skills are a little rusty.

Under Mazda’s current naming convention, the G15 in each variant name refers to it having a petrol (G for gasoline) engine of 1.5-litre capacity.

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What is the Mazda 2's towing capacity?

The Mazda 2 can tow a braked trailer and load totalling up to 900kg and unbraked loads up to 500kg.

The maximum tow ball download weight is 50kg.

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How long is the warranty, and what are the Mazda 2's servicing costs?

As per the wider Mazda range, the 2 is covered by a five-year/unlimited-kilometre factory warranty.

It has a complimentary roadside assistance program over the same period and Mazda offers five years of capped-price servicing.

Maintenance is now required every 12 months or 15,000 kilometres, whichever occurs first – up from the previous 10,000km limit.

Service costs for all hatchback and sedan variants, including the G15 Pure manual, are the same.

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Which version of the Mazda 2 does Wheels recommend?

Choosing a sweet spot in the Mazda 2 range is difficult because there isn't a huge price difference between variants as you go up the range.

The G15 Evolve hatch is probably the best choice on paper regarding pricing and features, but we reckon the best value can be found in the entry-level G15 Pure hatchback.

It is quite a well-equipped car for under $25,000 and is the only version available with a choice of manual or automatic transmission; we particularly like the manual.

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What are the rivals to the Mazda 2?

The list of light car rivals keeps getting shorter.

• Kia Rio
• MG MG3
• Suzuki Swift
• Toyota Yaris
• Volkswagen Polo

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