2023 Mazda 2 facelift revealed, Australian launch confirmed

The updated 2023 Mazda 2 has debuted in Japan ahead of its local arrival in the middle of the year.

The changes are headlined by 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 and CX-8.

Rounding out the styling changes, all hatchback variants, and the range-topping GT sedan, also receive a simplified rear bumper design.

The Mazda 2's colour palette will expand with the addition of two new metallic finishes – aero grey and airstream blue – to join seven paint options currently available in Australia, with one deletion (likely aluminium metallic).

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2023 Mazda 2: Tech and interior updates

Inside, there's a larger 8.0-inch infotainment screen still running the ageing, pre-update MZD Connect interface in Japan – but the current 7.0-inch screen will remain for Australia.

A previous update for Japan in 2021 also introduced wireless Apple CarPlay, a wireless phone charger, minor engine enhancements, and a variant with a CX-3 Maxx Sport LE-like interior; however, these changes have yet to be applied to our Thai-built version.

But Mazda's local arm has confirmed the entry-level G15 Pure and Pure SP will receive a new coloured dash trim in white, black or mint, depending on the vehicle's exterior finish.

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A black roof film will be added to the sportier-looking Pure SP, which was introduced in 2021, while the G15 Evolve and GT will gain red interior accents.

There's also new black leather/suede upholstery, "aero-focused" 16-inch alloy wheels and dual exhaust outlets for the flagship G15 GT.

In addition, a shark fin antenna will sit atop G15 Evolve and GT variants.

It is the second facelift for the nine-year-old Mazda 2, with a comprehensive update in late 2019 adding a redesigned front, more active safety features, and other new technology – but at a higher cost than the pre-facelift version.

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Expect the latest update to bring further, minor price rises for the Mazda 2, which has lost ground to the more affordable MG 3 and now-discontinued Suzuki Baleno in the price-sensitive light car segment.

Last year, the Mazda 2 was Australia's third best-selling light car, with 5146 registrations. It was outsold considerably by the MG 3 (16,168), followed by the Suzuki Baleno (6124) – but it remains ahead of the Toyota Yaris, which also moved into a higher price bracket with its latest generation in 2020.

When will the 2023 Mazda 2 go on sale in Australia?

The 2023 Mazda 2 hatch and sedan will commence sales in Australia in June, with deliveries set to begin in July. Local pricing and features are expected in the coming months.

Below: The current Mazda 2, in flagship G15 GT hatch guise

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