Mazda 2 review

“You get what you paid for” is an idiom that doesn’t always hold water, but the Mazda 2 proves that there’s more to offering value-for-money than simply flaunting a small price tag. 

It may look a little expensive next to small car rivals such as the Ford Fiesta, Hyundai i20 and Skoda Fabia, but look beyond the brochure price and you’ll find that the 2 has a generous inventory of standard kit, while its engines tend to prove frugal in the real world thanks to Mazda’s use of mild-hybrid engine technology.

The Mazda 2 range is pretty straightforward, with just two engines and four trim levels to choose from, but you can’t just mix-and-match; entry-level SE-L trim is only offered with the lower-powered engine and a manual gearbox. Is this model all you need, though, or is it worth ascending the price list a little higher?   

Read on over the next few pages to get our in depth impressions of the Mazda 2, along with our recommendations for which engine and trim combination is the best place to put your money.

And don’t forget that you can get great deals on a Mazda 2 or any other small car by clicking here and visiting our New Car Buying page.