Mazda 2 review 2023 | Auto Express

Good looks, practicality and engaging driving characteristics mean the latest Mazda 2 is a serious contender in the supermini class. While other brands seek efficiency through small capacity engines and turbocharging, Mazda sticks to larger, naturally-aspirated engines that give punchy performance and decent economy.

The Mazda 2’s spacious, well-designed interior has a quality feel for the most part, and the car is good value and safe too. With low running costs and strong demand for used versions meaning residual values should stay pretty healthy, the Mazda 2 is a supermini that can appeal to the head as well as the heart.

About the Mazda 2

The Mazda 2 is the company’s smallest car, but there are plenty of small Mazdas in the company’s history. One of its first cars was the Carol, a tiny saloon with a 360cc petrol engine. Since then, Mazda has offered the 121 and the Demio, the latter is what the Mazda 2 is called back in Japan. 

If you want something different from your supermini, then the Mazda 2 could be right up your street. The current car is the Mk4, which was introduced in 2014. And while it’s gunning for sales in the hard-fought supermini class, it has plenty of appeal for buyers looking for a sporty small car with fun handling and decent economy.

The sharp shape is compact and appealing, while the large grille, distinctive eagle-eye headlights and LED running lights on higher spec cars add to its looks. Mazda refreshed the range in 2021 with tweaks to the engine range and a new trim level lineup, while the 2 only comes as a five-door supermini these days.

There are three petrol versions to choose from with the Mazda 2. They’re based on the same 1.5 Skyactiv-G powerplant and come with either 74bhp, 89bhp or 113bhp; the 89bhp manual and 113bhp variants featuring mild-hybrid tech. The entry 74bhp unit is paired with a five-speed manual ‘box only, while the 89bhp version has the option of the manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. The 113bhp Mazda 2 is only offered with a six-speed manual gearbox.