Summary
The Mazda 2 (styled by the company as the Mazda2) is a small, supermini-class five-door hatchback. The current model is the third generation to carry the ‘2’ name, following on from previous small Mazdas known as 121 or Demio.
The current-generation was launched in late 2014, and received a major update in late 2019. There have been various limited-edition specifications over the years, and the 1.5-litre diesel model has been dropped along the way.
The car was given a facelift in 2023, which renamed the trims on offer, introduced some minor cosmetic changes and a higher standard specification. The lead-in ‘Centre-Line’ and ‘Exclusive-Line’ trims now come with a body-coloured grille insert, while the top-spec ‘Homura’ and ‘Homura Aka’ grades sport a black honeycomb grille.
The Mazda 2 has received positive reviews from the UK motoring media over the last five years, although more recent reviews do rate it lower than older reviews as newer rivals have arrived on the scene. As of June 2023, the supermini currently holds an Expert Rating of 65%, which puts it in the midfield of a large pack of small cars.
The 2 has been praised for its comfort and fuel economy, particularly the latest SkyActiv petrol engines. However, it has been criticised for being cramped – especially in the back seats – and for feeling rather dated compared to newer rivals.
There is now a completely different model called the Mazda 2 Hybrid in the Mazda family – this is completely unrelated to the existing Mazda 2, and is nothing but a rebadged Toyota Yaris to help Mazda meet its EU and UK emissions requirements. The current model will continue to be sold alongside the Toyota version, which will inevitably be confusing for customers.
Mazda 2 highlights
- Frugal engines
- Stylish exterior looks
- Well-equipped as standard
- User-friendly infotainment
Mazda 2 lowlights
- Not all that fun to drive
- Small boot
- Cramped rear seats
- Rivals offer more interior quality
Key specifications
Body style: Five-door hatch
Engines: petrol
Price: From £17,205 on-road
Launched: Autumn 2014
Last updated: Summer 2023
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
“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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Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Adult protection: 86%
Child protection: 78%
Vulnerable road users: 84%
Safety assist: 64%
Notes on safety rating
The Mazda 2 was awarded a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP back when this model was launched in 2015. However, this rating expired in January 2022 as it no longer met the requirements for a five-star car. This is normal practice, as Euro NCAP reviews its ratings on most cars annually with most ratings expiring after about six or seven years.
However, if you are comparing a used Mazda 2 to vehicles of similar age, whose ratings will have probably also expired, its safety rating score is still useful.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
Model tested: 1.5-litre petrol manual
Clean Air Index: 5.9 / 10
Energy Efficiency Index: 6.9 / 10
Greenhouse Gas Index: 5.6 / 10
The rating above only applies to the 1.5-litre petrol manual variant of the Mazda 2. It does not apply to any other engine/gearbox combination.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
No reliability rating
As of June 2023, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Mazda 2 to generate a reliability rating.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the Mazda 2, we’ll publish the score here.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Mazda 2 has received
2015
- Car Dealer Power Awards – Car of the Year
- Green Apple Awards – Best Supermini
- Scottish Car of the Year Awards – Best Supermini
- Northern Ireland Car of the Year Awards – Best Supermini
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Mazda 2, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Audi A1 | Citroën C3 | Dacia Sandero | Ford Fiesta | Honda Jazz | Hyundai i20 | Kia Rio | MG 3 | Mini hatch | Nissan Micra | Peugeot 208 | Renault Clio | SEAT Ibiza | Skoda Fabia | Suzuki Swift | Toyota Yaris | Vauxhall Corsa | Volkswagen Polo
More information
More news, reviews and information about the Mazda 2 at The Car Expert
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