Accessibility & Motability
Usability for people with disability or their carers
Access
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 Ford Fiesta has a minimum seat height of 561mm and a maximum of 609mm.
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 Peugeot 208 and Polo, both of which have room for an unfolded wheelchair when the back seats are down.
Ease of use and options
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.
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.
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.
