Mazda 2 (2014 – current) | Skilled Score

“Is the Mazda 2 better than Ford’s Fiesta? The answer is no, but it’s very much a contender that supermini rivals, including Ford, need to take notice of.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Good looks, practicality and engaging driving characteristics mean the latest Mazda 2 is a serious contender in the supermini class.”
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Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 6 / 10
“The latest updates can’t help the Mazda 2 keep pace with the latest arrivals in the supermini market.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.2 / 10
“The Mazda 2 is one of the best superminis available. It looks great, is more fun to drive than many rivals, and its frugal engines and high level of standard kit make it an appealing ownership prospect.”
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Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol manual GT Sport Tech
Score: 7 / 10
“Given it first arrived in 2014, this generation of the Mazda 2 is one of the elder statesmen of the supermini class – and yet it still continues to impress with its unassuming nature. The 115hp engine doesn’t carry a huge premium over the less powerful unit but delivers greater all-round ability.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Mazda’s Skyactiv tech revolution transforms its cheapest model into a supermini capable of eclipsing many of its more established European rivals.”
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Model reviewed: 1.5 Skyactiv-G Sport Nav
Score: 7 / 10
“You wouldn’t exactly call the 2’s restyling a radical reinvention, but that’s no bad thing to this tester’s eyes: it’s remains a pleasingly clean and clear design.”
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Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol manual Sport Black
Score: 8 / 10
“The Mazda 2 is a simple, pleasurable car that’s capable of rewarding and entertaining an involved driver. That said, unless you’re particularly fond on limited-run models and glossy black trim, it’s worth questioning the £1100 extra for the Sport Black.”
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Model reviewed: 1.5-litre diesel manual SE-L
Score: 8 / 10
“A great little package worth considering.”
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Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol manual GT Sport
Score: 8 / 10
“The Mazda 2 is defined by what it doesn’t have, rather than what it does have. Less weight, less cost and no forced induction make it an unusually engaging supermini to drive. It may not be the obvious choice, if you want a nippy, analogue-feel, good-value supermini, this could well be it.”
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Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol manual 90hp
Score: 8 / 10
“While the Mazda 2 might still be showing its age next to brand new competitors, the tweaks to this supermini have made a big difference. It might not be the best all-rounder, but there’s plenty still to like, and you certainly won’t be disappointed with it next to much newer alternatives.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Mazda 2 is a supermini with neat styling, tidy handling and low running costs.”
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Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol manual Sport Nav
“The Mazda 2 looks stylish and grown-up from the outside and particularly good nose on and from the back. And it’s good inside, too.” (Richard Hammond)
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Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol manual SE-L Nav
“While it’s an evolution not a revolution last time, the Mazda2 builds on its predecessor’s best qualities with improved quality and a more grown up driving experience. It’s an incredibly attractive alternative to the biggest-selling superminis.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“If you’re travelling alone or with just the one passenger, then the Mazda 2 is a refined and comfortable companion with plenty of adjustment for the driver’s seat and steering wheel and well padded, supportive seats.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.8 / 10
“Likeable Mazda 2 is a strong alternative to usual suspects.”
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Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol manual
Score: 10 / 10
“A supermini that’s super, if not particularly mini.”
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Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol manual Sport Nav
Score: 6 / 10
“It’s feeling a little long in the tooth now, but the Mazda 2 offers a sense of lightness, dexterity and control that can’t be matched by some of its newer rivals. Trouble is, you have to live with a cramped interior, a whining gearbox and a noisy engine that isn’t all that helpful where you really need it. At least it’s cheap to buy and run.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“Handsome, good to drive and easy to use, like all Mazdas. But the engines are lacklustre and the cabin too dour.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“The Mazda 2 has a reasonably plush interior and very economical engines, when it comes to real-world fuel economy. All but the basic trim level offers a reasonable standard of equipment, too. Yet these days it has been overtaken by much newer models.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
“The Mazda 2 is a decent small hatchback, offering a pleasing interior and good equipment levels with a premium ambience. It’s decent to drive but doesn’t feel class-leading in any area. It’s not very roomy for rear passengers and you may tire of the stiff ride.”
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