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HomeVehiclesMazda 2 (2014 – current) | Skilled Score

Mazda 2 (2014 – current) | Skilled Score


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



Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

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

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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 news, reviews and information about the Mazda 2 at The Car Expert

Buy a Mazda 2


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Lease a Mazda 2


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