2023 Mazda 2 review: Australian launch

According to Mazda Australia, a substantial 45 per cent of Mazda 2 buyers later purchase another Mazda vehicle, highlighting its significance to the brand's lineup.

Though the current generation is already 9 years into its lifecycle, the 2023 Mazda 2 has received a facelift, incorporating subtle yet essential updates to maintain its contemporary appeal.

So to test out a car on so many young buyers' shopping lists, Mazda put us to one of the most embarrassing tests possible for an automotive writer– a driving licence test.

But before we jump into that, let's take a look at what the updated Mazda 2 brings.

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JUMP AHEAD

• What's changed?
• Powertrain
• Safety
• Pricing
• Re-taking your driver's licence
• VERDICT
• Specifications

What's changed?

The 2023 refresh showcases a redesigned front fascia, featuring an updated grille and revamped front bumper.

The line-up remains the same with the four variants of hatch (Pure, Pure SP, Evolve, GT) and two model grades for the sedan (Pure and GT). All are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, except the Pure hatchback which also offers a six-speed manual.

For hatchback models and the premium GT sedan, a new rear bumper is introduced. The hatch further features a colour accent on its front grille and rear bumper, available in yellow or red, depending on the variant.

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Two new paint shades, Aero Grey Metallic and Airstream Blue Metallic, have been added. The latter of which we really like.

The Pure and Pure SP models showcase three dashboard trim colours - Pure White, Mirror Black, or Mint, determined by the exterior hue. The Pure SP also adds a new carbon-fibre-look roof panel.

Across all variants, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have been integrated.

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Powertrain

Underneath, the Mazda 2 retains its 1.5-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine, generating 81kW and 142Nm. The Pure manual variant outputs an extra kilowatt.

Mazda claims the 2023 update improves fuel efficiency and lowers CO2 emissions – it sips on 5.0L/100km on a combined cycle compared to the outgoing car's 5.3L/100km figure.

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Safety

The Mazda 2 is officially unrated by ANCAP, following the expiration of its 2014 five-star score in January.

Marketing Director Alastair Doak told WhichCar that Mazda has no immediate plans for a retest but emphasised the vehicle is "fundamentally [still] a safe car".

Opting for the ANCAP safety test, which is a significant investment, would likely have impacted its retail price. Hence, Mazda might have prioritised affordability for a car that doesn't attract the fleet volume it used to.

The entire range comes standard with the following i-Activsense' safety tech:

• Autonomous emergency braking
• Blind-spot monitors
• Lane-keep assist
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Rear parking sensors
• Reversing camera
• Six SRS airbags

The G15 Evolve gains traffic sign recognition while the G15 GT adds a 360-degree camera, radar adaptive cruise control and front parking sensors.

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Pricing

With compact automatic vehicles inching closer to the $30k threshold drive-away, the Mazda 2 follows suit, with price hikes up to $1200.

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Accounting for about 10% of Mazda 2 sales, the sedan is available in two grades.

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Re-taking your driver's licence

In tune with the vehicle's target demographic, Mazda set up a series of driving tests at the historic Caribbean Market shed in south-east Melbourne.

After a brief safety overview and some popcorn, we paired up with instructors to cover the basics.

The first test involved a standard driving loop, while responding to quiz questions from the Mazda representative beside me.

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Despite acing the quiz, I was informed of a minor mishap – driving on the wrong side of the road momentarily. It was a humbling moment.

Next up was a timed parking challenge where had to complete two parallel and perpendicular parks, marked by cones. The challenge? There were eggs on each cone. I'm proud to note that I didn't crack any eggs during this exercise.

Between a go-to-woah speed test and a figure-8 drift track, my competitive side emerged – so much so that I skipped lunch for a tyre-changing time trial.

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In an era dominated by SUVs, it's refreshing to remember that lively hatchbacks – especially those with manual gearboxes – still have a place.

With Australians being so SUV-obsessed it's hard to remember that zippy and fun light hatchbacks (with a manual gearbox!) still exist.

Driving around the course made me a little jealous of those upcoming new drivers, who are about to venture into the world looking for an economical and fun little car.

They might choose Mazda's smallest and most affordable offering and enjoy their early driving years zipping from university car parks to drive-throughs.

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VERDICT

In a segment with dwindling options, the Mazda 2 continues to shine, mostly thanks to its sharp styling and fun dynamics.

However, at almost a decade old and with no replacement planned, it's clear that retirement is on the horizon for Mazda's smallest model. It's fought a good fight, and this latest update does bring some worthwhile improvements, but many Aussies are now opting for a light SUV for an extra couple of grand, or turning to cheaper Chinese rivals.

Value is also starting to count against the Mazda 2. While it still stacks up favourably against key rivals like the Toyota Yaris and VW Polo (a flagship Yaris hybrid is $33K before on-roads!), there’s no denying the small-car segment doesn’t offer the bargains it once did.

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2023 Mazda 2 specifications

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