Name: Mazda 2 Review
Item: Mazda 2
Author: Gumtree.com

The Mazda 2 packs a lot into its small package. First launched in 2002, it’s now in its third generation, having received a facelift in 2020 that included an impressive new grille and wider, sweeping stance. Two mild-hybrid petrol engines and five trim levels are on offer, including the 100th-anniversary special edition. In a supermini class that’s filled with household names such as the Fiesta and Polo, the Mazda 2 does its best to stand out and manages to be a very likeable alternative.

Check out our Mazda 2 model page to view available cars and learn more.

What we think about the Mazda 2

It may not be the obvious choice when looking for a smaller car, but an attractive design and practical features make the Mazda 2 well worth considering.

Pros

Sharp styling

Comfortable interior

Easy-to-use infotainment system

Cons

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Only two engine choices

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4-star Euro NCAP safety rating

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More expensive than rivals

The 2020 model can be found in five different trim levels: SE-L, SE-L Nav, Sport Nav, GT Sport Nav and a 100th-anniversary edition. There’s a choice of manual or automatic on the Sport Nav trim, and all models come with a mild-hybrid petrol engine.

Driving performance of the Mazda 2

Our Driving Rating8 / 10

You’ll find the Mazda 2 comfortable to drive, especially if you prefer a firmer suspension – this helps it to stay really level when cornering at speed. You may, however, feel the lumps and bumps more than other similar-sized cars if navigating country roads. The SE-L trims have 15-inch wheels that can cope with the undulations better than the larger 16-inch rims of the Sport Nav and GT Sport Nav, so this is something to bear in mind. Both the manual and automatic transmissions handle well and the steering leaves you feeling in control – whether navigating smaller side streets or on the open road.

Safety and reliability of the Mazda 2

Our Safety Rating7 / 10

When tested back in 2015, the Mazda 2 received four stars on the Euro NCAP tests, which is less than the Fiesta. This isn’t too much of a concern though, as it does come with some great safety equipment. There are six airbags and two Isofix points in the back for safe and secure car seat fitting. We’d definitely recommend going with the SE-L Nav or above for its automatic emergency braking (AEB) and Smart City Brake Support that warns you if you get too close to the car in front. If you go for the Sport trim, you’ll also get driver attention-monitoring, lane departure warning and lane-keeping assistance. New Mazda 2s come with a three-year, 60,000-mile warranty, which matches many of its rivals.

Under the bonnet of the Mazda 2

Our Engine Rating7 / 10

The Mazda 2 has a simple line-up with just two engine sizes offered across the range. The SE-L only has the option of the 1.5-litre 75ps variant, with the SE-L Nav offering a choice of this or the larger 90ps. Sport models run with the 90ps and can reach 0-60 in 9.7 seconds, two seconds quicker than the 75ps. In most cases, the smaller engine will suffice, especially if you’re mainly driving on inner-city roads. Neither has a turbocharged engine, so you’ll not win any drag races, even with the higher spec’d option. The mild-hybrid setup helps with fuel economy, and CO2 emissions are lowered as a result. It’s also got a nifty start-stop system that operates smoothly when pulling away in traffic, making it ideal for busy routes.

What you'll find in the Mazda 2

Our Design Rating8 / 10

Refreshed in 2020 with a revamped design, the Mazda 2 is attractive yet aggressive looking, with a new, imposing grille. Sweeping lines make it look longer than it really is (four metres), and this is accentuated by the new wing that runs under the headlights to widen its stance. Integrated fog lights and other subtle design changes have improved the overall look, making it appear a more premium choice than its rivals. Older models come in both three and five-door guises, with the newest model only available as a five-door.

Comfort and interiors in the Mazda 2

Our Comfort Rating6 / 10

The interior is surprisingly classy, with soft-touch materials on the dashboard and a leather steering wheel and gear stick offered as standard. On all but the lowest trim, you’ll get a functional, easy to use, seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system that offers satnav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A rotary controller in the centre console gives you great flexibility and is less distracting when scrolling through available options on the move.

All models come with reversing sensors to help manoeuvre into tight parking spots, and there’s the added plus of a reversing camera in the GT Sport Nav. This is especially useful as visibility isn’t the best out of the back. As a supermini, you’ll not be surprised to hear that space in the rear could be a little tight for adults. Two can squeeze in, but there’s not a great deal of legroom.

What features you'll find in the Mazda 2

Our Features Rating7 / 10

The Mazda 2 has all the modern kit you’d want. It’s well-equipped, even on the entry-level model, with features such as automatic headlights, keyless entry and cruise control. The SE-L Nav trim gives you the best bang for your buck as it has the touchscreen, satnav and climate control added. Go with the Sport trims for larger wheels, privacy glass, LED headlights and smart keyless entry. The top-of-the-line GT Sport Nav adds a heated steering wheel and seats, a head-up display and reversing camera to the package.

What fuel efficiency to expect from the Mazda 2

Our Fuel Consumption Rating7 / 10

You can expect great fuel efficiency with the Mazda’s Skyactiv-G engine, which should let you achieve up to 53.3 mpg. The automatic version of the 90ps spec performs the worst on this front, but still hits a very respectable 47.9 mpg. Start-stop technology will avoid burning unnecessary fumes when stuck in traffic, and its mild-hybrid engine technology also offers pleasingly low CO2 emissions, starting at 94 g/km – ideal for inner-city driving.

Running costs of the Mazda 2

Our Cost Rating7 / 10

The Mazda 2 should be pretty cost-effective to run. Servicing should be undertaken annually or at 12,000 miles, which is typical of most cars. Mazda is not known for expensive replacement parts and tends to have good reliability scores. All models sit in the lower end of the insurance groupings, landing within groups 13-16, so that shouldn’t give you any expensive surprises when shopping around for a premium. Its low emissions will help with keeping road tax low, too.

Our verdict of the Mazda 2

4 / 5 Gumtree rating

There's loads to love in the Mazda 2. Ideal for smaller families and individuals, it's got bags of appeal and is a worthy rival to the household small car names.

Mazda 2 Review