Item: Mazda 2
Rating: 3
Author: What Car? Team

The mild-hybrid 89bhp e-Skyactiv G engine doesn't have a turbocharger and you have to work it harder than rival cars to get the best out of it. It’s not too bad at low revs but quickly wanes once you’re off the line, causing you to hold each gear for longer.

1.5 Skyactiv G

Hatchback

<p dir="ltr">Mazda can be summed up in a single word: bold. Not only do its cars generally look like nothing else on the market, but it’s also invested heavily in innovative engine technology.</p>

<p dir="ltr">So, while many car makers have moved to smaller turbocharged engines, Mazda instead offers larger motors that are still efficient. For example, the entry-level petrol option in the Mazda 3 is a 2.0-litre unit –&nbsp;far larger than what you’ll find in most rivals – but it remains very clean.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Highlights of Mazda’s line-up include the MX-5 sports car, which has won our Convertible of the Year Award multiple times, and the CX-5 large SUV, which was named as our inaugural best car for dog owners.</p>


MAZDA

Entry-level SE-L trim is fairly well equipped, with automatic LED headlights, cruise control, climate control, automatic wipers and a 7.0in touchscreen infotainment system. If you opt for the 89bhp engine, it also includes automatic emergency braking (AEB) and other safety features.

SE-L

1.5 e-Skyactiv G SE-L 5dr

15-e-skyactiv-g-se-l-5dr

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Introduction

Performance & drive

Interior

Passenger & boot space

Accessibility & Motability

Costs & verdict

<h2>Costs, insurance groups, MPG and CO2</h2>

<p dir="ltr">The Mazda 2 in entry-level SE-L trim&nbsp;with the 74bhp engine comes in at roughly the same price as the equivalent <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/fiesta/hatchback/review/n106">Ford Fiesta</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/polo/hatchback/review/n83">Volkswagen Polo</a>. While the price ramps up rapidly from Sport and above, those trims come with a longer list of equipment to help justify it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Thanks to the mild-hybrid system used on the e-Skyactiv G engine, running costs are kept low, with the engine returning an impressive <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/what-are-wltp-and-rde-new-fuel-tests-explained/n1223">official fuel economy</a> at 60mpg. <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/new-official-fuel-consumption-and-co2-tests-explained/n1213">CO2 emissions</a> are as low as 107g/km, depending on the size of wheels you go for. Both figures are better than the Polo can manage, so the Mazda 2 will make sense to&nbsp;private buyers and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/company-car-tax-bands/n1255">company car</a>&nbsp;drivers.</p>

<h2>Equipment, options and extras</h2>

<p dir="ltr">SE-L is well-equipped for an entry-level model. It features automatic LED headlights, cruise control, climate control, automatic wipers and the 7.0in touchscreen infotainment system. Opting for SE-L trim with the 89bhp engine adds various safety features.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Sport models add bigger 16in alloy wheels, wireless Apple CarPlay, various exterior styling tweaks, privacy glass and keyless entry. GT Sport then builds on Sport by adding a rear-view camera, heated seats, head-up display and a heated steering wheel. Top spec GT Sport Tech adds front parking sensors, adaptive LED headlights and various additional safety features.</p>

<p dir="ltr">With all of the kit on the higher trims comes a significant jump in price, though, so we’d recommend avoiding the top levels and sticking with SE-L with the 89hp petrol engine.</p>

<h2 dir="ltr">Reliability</h2>

<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/mazda">Mazda</a> as a brand did well in our 2021 <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/2021-what-car-reliability-survey-brands/n23418">What Car? Reliability Survey</a>, finishing eighth out of 30 manufacturers. That’s above Skoda (12th) and Volkswagen (20th), and way above Ford, which finished down in joint 27th.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr">For added peace of mind, all new Mazdas come with a three-year or 60,000-mile warranty. That’s about the same as most of the 2’s rivals but some way short of the five-year&nbsp;unlimited mileage cover offered on the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/i20/hatchback/review/n53">Hyundai i20</a> or the seven-year/100,000-mile cover on the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/rio/hatchback/review/n17367">Kia Rio</a>.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Of course, you can extend the warranty on your Mazda 2 but that will add to the cost when you buy the car.</p>

<h2 dir="ltr">Safety and security</h2>

<p dir="ltr">Entry-level SE-L Mazda 2s come with basic safety equipment, including hill-start assist and tyre-pressure monitoring, and if you go for the 89bhp engine, you also get&nbsp;automatic emergency braking <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/what-is-aeb-and-how-does-it-work/n3283">(AEB)</a>, lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assistance. Top-spec GT Sport Tech has a driver attention monitoring system, too.</p>

<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/the-safest-cars-on-sale-today/n19724">Euro NCAP</a> gave the Mazda 2 four stars out of a possible five when it was tested in 2015. However, the organisation’s tests have become more demanding since then, and the Fiesta (which achieved five stars when it was tested in 2017) rates as a safer car overall. Thatcham security rated the Mazda three stars out of five for its ability to resist being broken into.</p>

<p><strong>For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter <a href="https://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html">here</a></strong></p>


<h2 dir="ltr">Engine, 0-60mph and gearbox</h2>

<p dir="ltr">The Mazda 2 comes with a choice of two petrol engines – the Skyactiv G and the e-Skyactiv G – and each is available in&nbsp;two different power outputs. Neither has a turbocharger, but the 'e' version has mild-hybrid technology.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr">The least powerful option is the 74bhp Skyactiv G. We've yet to try that, but based on the performance of the 89bhp version, we expect it to be underpowered for most drivers. Even the more powerful of the two needs to be revved hard if you want to get the most out of it. That said, it will get you up to motorway speeds fairly comfortably, and responds quickly enough if you need a burst of acceleration.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr">The 89bhp e-Skyactiv G engine is better at low speeds because the mild-hybrid system gives&nbsp;it a little boost from a standstill. It still needs to be revved quite a bit but&nbsp;it pulls better from low revs than the Skyactiv G models and speed builds more easily. The top-spec GT Sport Tech version comes with 113bhp and has a claimed 0-62mph sprint time of 9.1 seconds. While that should appeal to those after a bit more pace, it is&nbsp;expensive.</p>

<h2>Suspension and ride comfort</h2>

<p dir="ltr">Entry-level SE-L trim gets 15in wheels, which offer the best ride of the two sizes available. They have deeper&nbsp;tyre sidewalls than the larger ones, and smooth the edges off larger bumps in the road. Even so, there’s no getting away from the fact that the 2 is still a little on the firm side, jostling you around when you encounter potholes and broken Tarmac.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr">All other trim levels come with 16in wheels, something that only exacerbates the issue. On the larger wheels, you’ll find that bumps feel even more abrupt and, at motorway speeds, the ride can feel quite busy at times.</p>

<p dir="ltr">If comfort is particularly important to you, we’d advise taking a look at some of the best-riding cars in the class. The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/fiesta/hatchback/review/n106">Ford Fiesta</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/polo/hatchback/review/n83">Volkswagen Polo</a> should be at the top of your list.</p>

<h2>Handling</h2>

<p dir="ltr">The Mazda 2’s steering is nicely weighted, becoming lighter for town driving and slow-speed manoeuvres but then slightly heavier when speeds increase and you take a corner.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr">Unfortunately, the steering wheel never really gives you much information about what the front wheels are doing or how much grip they have. The ultimate grip levels aren’t especially high, either.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr">The firmer ride means that body lean is relatively well controlled, but if you fancy something capable and entertaining on a twisty road, we’d steer you towards the Fiesta or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/ibiza/hatchback/review/n17359">Seat Ibiza</a>.</p>

<h2>Noise and vibration</h2>

<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/category/small">Small cars</a>&nbsp;are not always very adept at isolating wind and road noise, and although <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/mazda">Mazda</a> has fitted the 2 with additional interior sound-deadening material over the years, it still lags behind the Fiesta and Polo when it comes to quietness and relaxation on a long journey.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The engines sends vibrations through the steering wheel and pedals, and often sound coarse when revved, comparing unfavourably with rivals including&nbsp;the Fiesta’s 1.0 petrol.</p>


Fuel 

Gearbox

0-62 MPH

We've yet to drive the 74bhp variant (only available with entry-level SE-L trim) but it's likely to be too underpowered for most drivers. We'd recommend going for the 88bhp option. 

http://example.com

1.5 Skyactiv-G 75

15-skyactiv-g-75

OUR PICK

1.5 Skyactiv-G 95

15-skyactiv-g

Top-spec GT Sport Tech trim comes with 113bhp and a claimed 0-62mph sprint of 9.1 seconds, which should alleviate any power issues felt with the lower powered engines. We’re not sure the performance gains outweigh the price increase, though, so we’d stick with the 1.5 e-Skyactiv G 90.

1.5 e-Skyactiv G 115

15-e-skyactiv-g-115

<p dir="ltr">The <strong>Mazda 2</strong> is described in the&nbsp;Japanese manufacturer's marketing as the perfect small city car. That’s quite a bold claim –&nbsp;even before you consider the rivals it's up against.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr">Nevertheless, in the past, the 2 was a very good example of how there’s more to offering value for money than simply flaunting a small price tag. At first glance, the 'Mazda2' (as it's officially styled)&nbsp;might seem expensive compared with its competitors, but that's only half the story.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The model range is pretty straightforward. <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/mazda">Mazda</a> gives you a choice of two 1.5-litre petrol engines with various power outputs, and four trim levels, all with plenty of standard equipment. Entry-level SE-L trim gives you two engine choices, so you don’t have to settle for the lowest power output if you want to keep costs low.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Taking that value-for-money ethos even further, one of the engines (the e-Skyactiv G) has mild-hybrid technology, which uses energy recovered from the brakes to improve acceleration and efficiency. That should lower your running costs, making the Mazda 2 even more appealing.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr">Is all that enough to make this “the perfect small city car”, especially when its rivals in the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/category/small">small car category</a> include&nbsp;the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/fiesta/hatchback/review/n106">Ford Fiesta</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/i20/hatchback/review/n53">Hyundai i20</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/fabia/hatchback/review/n47">Skoda Fabia</a>?&nbsp;Read on over the next few pages of this review to get our in depth impressions of the Mazda 2.</p>

<p dir="ltr">We'll cover everything you need to know, from performance and handling to interior quality and boot space. We'll also tell you which engine and trim combination is the best place to put your money.</p>

<p>When you're ready to buy a new car of any make and model, we could help you save thousands off the&nbsp;list price if you search the free <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals">What Car? New Car Buying service</a>. It has&nbsp;many of the best current <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/mazda/2/hatchback/deals">Mazda 2 deals</a>.</p>


<h2>Driving position and dashboard</h2>

<p dir="ltr">The Mazda 2 gives you a good range of adjustment to the seat and steering wheel, including height adjustment on all versions, so even tall drivers should be able to find a good posture. The seat cushions are quite hard, though, and are not the most comfortable on longer journeys.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr">The pedals line up well&nbsp;with the driver’s seat, for a comfortable driving position. Electric seat controls are not available on any of the trims, but that’s in line with most rivals. &nbsp;</p>

<h2 dir="ltr">Visibility, parking sensors and cameras</h2>

<p dir="ltr">The windscreen pillars are relatively slim and the side windows are large, so your vision forwards and to the side is pretty clear. Rear visibility is less generous, as the 2’s sloping roofline and rear styling conspire to leave you with a smaller-than-average rear screen.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/mazda">Mazda</a> gives you rear parking sensors on all trim levels, while top-spec GT Sport Tech adds a rear-view camera. That trim level also has a head-up display that places your speed, current speed limit and sat-nav instructions right in front of you, lessening the need to take your eyes off the road.</p>

<h2>Sat nav and infotainment</h2>

<p dir="ltr">All versions of the Mazda 2 come with a 7in colour touchscreen infotainment system, DAB radio and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone mirroring as standard. The touchscreen is responsive enough, but can be a bit fiddly at times. Luckily, you also get a conveniently positioned rotary controller between the front seats.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr">That controller makes operating the infotainment system a doddle on the move and is far less distracting than the pure touchscreen systems that you’ll find in some rival <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/category/small">small cars</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr">Opting for Sport trim or above upgrades the infotainment system, so you get wireless Apple CarPlay, making it even easier to connect your iPhone. Android Auto isn’t available with wireless connectivity, but that’s the case with rivals, too.</p>

<h2>Quality</h2>

<p dir="ltr">The interior is a pleasant place to be on the whole, with soft-touch materials that feel quite classy on top of the dashboard. Adding to that feel, all versions of the 2 come with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearknob, both of which are nice to hold.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr">Accompanying those trim pieces are a fair amount of lower-rent scratchy plastics that lower the tone, especially in the cheaper trims. Those hard plastics aren’t as well hidden as they are in the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/fiesta/hatchback/review/n106">Ford Fiesta</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr">GT Sport Tech offers a choice of different interior finishes, including black or stone leather inlays to provide a more enticing and upmarket feel.</p>


<h2 dir="ltr">Access&nbsp;</h2>

<p dir="ltr">If you need a high driver’s seat, you'll like the Mazda 2. In its lowest setting, you're 616mm from the ground, while if you raise the seat all the way up that increases to 656mm. The minimum and maximum heights are both well above the norm for this kind of car. For example, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/fiesta/hatchback/review/n106">Ford Fiesta</a> has a minimum seat height of 561mm and a maximum of 609mm.</p>

<p dir="ltr">On the other hand, if a wide opening door is important to you, the 64-degree angle is about average for a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-small-cars-2021/n16997">small car</a>. For a more generous door opening, take a look at the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/honda/jazz/hatchback/review/n17343">Honda Jazz</a> (70 degrees) or the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/vauxhall/corsa/hatchback/review/n33">Vauxhall Corsa</a> (71 degrees).</p>

<p dir="ltr">What could be a more serious concern for ease of access is the height of the door sill, which is some 442mm from the ground. That's an unusually high step up&nbsp;for a small car. The step up from the car floor to the door sill is&nbsp;155mm, and again, that's rather higher than the class average.</p>

<p dir="ltr">If those sill heights are off-putting, take a look at the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/nissan/micra/hatchback/review/n17365">Nissan Micra</a>. Its door sill is 362mm from the ground and a mere 86mm from the floor.</p>

<h2 dir="ltr">Storage</h2>

<p dir="ltr">While the Mazda 2's 280-litre boot is considerably smaller than you get in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/polo/hatchback/review/n83">Volkswagen Polo</a>&nbsp;(355 litres), it's still big enough for a weekly shop. It's also large enough to take a folded wheelchair with the rear seats in use.</p>

<p dir="ltr">There isn't space for a fully assembled chair, though, even with the rear seats folded down. If that's something that would sway your choice of car, be sure to take a look at the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/208/hatchback/review/n30">Peugeot 208</a> and Polo, both of which have room for an unfolded wheelchair when the back seats are down.</p>

<h2 dir="ltr">Ease of use and options</h2>

<p dir="ltr">Manual gearboxes are standard across the range, but an automatic is available as an option on the mid-level, 89bhp petrol engine. There are no diesels in the Mazda 2 range – a shame if you cover a lot of miles.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The 2 is generally an easy car to drive, although a better view over your shoulder would help when reversing. Fortunately, rear parking sensors are standard, with a rear-view camera also included on the GT Sport model. The range-topping GT Sport Tech adds front parking sensors as well.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Whether you choose the entry-level SE-L, mid-spec Sport, or the high-end GT Sport or GT Sport Tech, the Mazda 2 is well equipped as standard, so we wouldn't rush to spend the extra on one of the pricier models.</p>


<p>Mazda's small hatchback impresses with its economy, but falls short on fun and comfort</p>


<h2 dir="ltr">Front space</h2>

<p dir="ltr">Despite its small dimensions, the Mazda 2 offers plenty of space for two adults in the front. There’s enough leg and elbow room, and even six-footers won’t find their heads against the roof-lining.</p>

<p>In terms of interior storage, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/mazda">Mazda</a> gives you a couple of cup-holders that are big enough for a large takeaway cup, as well as a cubbyhole ahead of the gearlever for throwing small items into. The cubby isn't&nbsp;wide enough to take a smartphone, though – you’ll have to put that in one of the door bins.</p>

<h2>Rear space</h2>

<p dir="ltr">Adults will find rear leg room a little tight, and those who are taller than average may find their knees resting against the front seat backs. Head room isn’t especially generous, either.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr">The rear seat is more comfortable for two adults than three – shoulder room is tight and the middle passenger has a raised transmission tunnel to contend with.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The sweeping rear windows restrict the view out, making it feel slightly dark and claustrophobic. There are plenty of cars that offer more rear space, including the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/fiesta/hatchback/review/n106">Ford Fiesta</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/ibiza/hatchback/review/n17359">Seat Ibiza</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/polo/hatchback/review/n83">Volkswagen&nbsp;Polo</a>.</p>

<h2>Seat folding and flexibility</h2>

<p dir="ltr">The driver and front passenger seats both have manual backrest and fore-and-aft adjustment, and all trims offer a height-adjustable passenger seat.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr">The rear seats don’t offer any sliding or reclining ability, but that’s not unusual in the small car class. They can be split and folded in a 60/40 configuration, though.</p>

<h2 dir="ltr">Boot space</h2>

<p dir="ltr">The 2’s boot isn’t the car's&nbsp;greatest asset. It's smaller than those of the Fiesta and Polo, and especially the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/fabia/hatchback/review/n47">Skoda Fabia</a>. It doesn’t have the largest of apertures, either: its curved corners make loading bigger items awkward and there’s an inconveniently high lip over which you must lift things in and out.</p>

<p>If you fold&nbsp;down the rear seats, the extended space created is still smaller than rivals can muster. The boot floor isn’t height-adjustable, and a large step forms when the seats are folded. This makes it tricky to slide in heavy items.</p>


se-l

Building on entry-level SE-L trim, Sport models get bigger 16in alloy wheels, signature LED headlights and daytime running lights, drive mode selection, wireless Apple CarPlay, exterior styling tweaks, privacy glass and keyless entry.

Sport

sport

GT Sport trim level adds a reversing camera, a heated leather steering wheel, heated front seats, a head-up display and a choice of blue, grey or black leather inserts. Due to the price jump, we find it hard to recommend the top trim levels over SE-L with the more powerful engine.

GT Sport

gt-sport

100th Anniversary Edition

100th-anniversary-edition

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. Rivals that include the Seat Ibiza offer more space, better handling, a more comfortable ride, and greater refinement.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Spacious enough for four adults to sit comfortably</li> <li>Logically laid-out interior that doesn’t</li> <li>feel too cheap</li> <li>Mature driving manners </li> <li>Decent-sized boot</li> <li>Competitive buying and running costs</li></ul>

<p>Small cars, or superminis as they’re also known, used to be bought by single people or couples with no children – but the likes of the Ford Fiesta, Seat Ibiza and Volkswagen&nbsp;Polo have grown to the point where they can be considered all-round family transport, albeit with the odd compromise.</p>

<p>The Fiesta remains a star of the class, thanks to its strong Ecoboost petrol engines and suspension settings that are beautifully judged for British roads. However, the latest Volkswagen offers even more practicality, decent performance and a classy interior that has the edge on the Ford’s for quality.</p>

<p>Any of these models will be a competent commuter car – especially if fitted with one of the increasingly popular small turbocharged petrol engines – but just remember that while you’ll be able to carry two adults and two children, it might still be a struggle to get all of their luggage into the boot.</p>

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