2023 Mazda 2 Review

For the latest model year, Mazda has given its pint-sized Mazda2 hatchback and sedan a makeover, modernising the styling package to make sure it can keep up with its rivals and charm new car buyers.

Just how good is the latest Mazda2, then, and how well does it justify Mazda’s recent price rises? Let’s take a closer look to find out.

Mazda 2 Competition

Starting Price: $22,410

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How Much Does It Cost?

The Mazda 2 range kicks off from $22,410 for the entry-level Mazda2 Pure hatchback manual, while the Pure hatch & sedan automatic are priced at $24,410. 

Stepping up to the Mazda2 Pure SP hatch automatic brings the price up to $25,210, while the Mazda2 Evolve hatch automatic is priced at $25,910. 

The range-topping Mazda2 GT hatchback and sedan are priced at $27,610. 

Keep in mind that these prices are subject to change and do not include on-road costs. 

How Much Can OnlineAuto Save You?

Using OnlineAuto’s car buying service in Australia, you could save by using one of our car experts to help you find the best new car for you.

Mazda 2 (G15 GT) Specifications

For more details and other variants, check Mazda 2 car page.

What Features Does the Mazda2 Have?

Mazda’s entry-level Mazda2 Pure comes riding on a set of 15-inch alloys, and receives automatic LED headlights, keyless start, cloth upholstery with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear lever, a rear-view camera with parking sensors, power-folding side mirrors, air conditioning and a 7.0-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto that is paired with a six-speaker sound system. 

Stepping up to the Mazda2 Pure SP adds a set of black 16-inch alloys, a set of chrome exhaust tips, a shark fin antenna, black side mirrors and a black roof. 

The Mazda2 Evolve is fitted with LED daytime running lamps, a black mesh grille, a head-up display, climate control, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, red contrast interior stitching and a satellite navigation upgrade for the infotainment system. 

Finally, the flagship Mazda2 GT comes fitted with keyless entry, leather and suede upholstery, adaptive cruise control, a surround-view camera and a set of front parking sensors. 

Range Features:

• 15-inch alloys

• Automatic LED headlights 

• Cloth upholstery with leather-wrapped steering wheel, gear lever & handbrake

• Rear-view camera with rear-mounted parking sensors 

• 7.0-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay & wired Android Auto 

• Six-speaker sound system 

• 16-inch alloys (Pure SP)

• Black side mirrors & roof (Pure SP)

• LED daytime running lamps (Evolve)

• Black mesh front grille (Evolve)

• Head-up display (Evolve)

• Leather & suede upholstery (GT)

• Adaptive cruise control (GT)

• Surround-view camera with front-mounted parking sensors (GT)

Is the Mazda2 Comfortable to Drive?

Small hatchbacks and sedans like the Mazda2 don’t have a heap of power at their disposal, but somehow Mazda’s team of engineers have created a fun, agile and user-friendly package that makes it a city-conquering champion. 

Power comes supplied by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that sends 81kW/142Nm to the front wheels via a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, which isn’t impressive on paper, though feels more potent inside such a small and lightweight package. 

Press the throttle pedal and the Mazda2 wastes no time in picking up speed, and while it’s not a sports car by any stretch of the imagination, it’ll keep up with most traffic situations you can throw at it. 

The eager little engine is paired with a very responsive front end that zips side-to-side impressively well, giving the Mazda2 some genuine agility that makes it a perfect little city car. 

“The responsive handling, tight turning circle and compact dimensions give the Mazda2 genuine agility, making it one of the best city car packages on the market.” Glynn - OnlineAuto Car Buying Specialist

Combine that with the featherweight steering rack and the incredibly tight turning circle and you’ve got yourself one of the most comfortable and user-friendly small city cars on the market. 

Better yet, the Mazda2 has been fitted with suspension that holds strong against rougher country B-roads and some higher-speed bumps on the highway. It’s not able to soak them up in the same way a larger platform would, though, it feels stable and confident - which is something that can’t be said for a number of its rivals. 

All up, Mazda has done a fabulous job in designing the Mazda2 for a largely urban-dwelling lifestyle, and it’s confident enough at both zipping around town and heading out on a long road trip. 

Is it Fuel Efficient?

Mazda’s 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine is fitted with stop/start technology that helps to save fuel, with the unit rated at 5.0L/100km on a combined cycle, which rises to 5.4L/100km in manual variants. 

This makes the Mazda2 a particularly fuel-efficient option for those that don’t have the budget for a hybrid. 

Is it Practical and Spacious?

For quite some time now, Mazda has been at the top of the pack when it comes to stylish and sophisticated interiors for every member of its vehicle lineup - even its baby of the range, the Mazda2. 

This is good news for buyers, with Mazda offering even its entry-level Pure trim level with a modern and clean interior design that trumps pretty much anything on offer from its competitors. 

Step inside the cabin and you’ll find there’s a decent amount of headroom, even for tall drivers in the front of the cabin, with the added bonus of decent adjustability in the steering wheel and driving position. 

“With a pint-sized footprint, the Mazda2 isn’t a practicality heavy-hitter, though the cabin’s design and execution is segment-leading.” Craig - OnlineAuto Car Buying Specialist

Storage options in the front of the cabin include a tray housing USB ports behind the gear lever, a pair of cup holders, a substantial glovebox and decent door bins on either side of the cabin - though no centre arm rest with storage inside, unfortunately. 

Move to the back of the cabin and things get a bit cramped for any tall rear passengers, though the Mazda2 actually fares better than a number of its rivals thanks to the bubbly roofline that is surprisingly accommodating. 

The Mazda2 comes fitted with a pair of ISOFIX anchors and three top tether mounts for child seats, the bulkiest of which will require you to move the front seats forward a little to squeeze them in. 

Finally, the Mazda2 in sedan form has extremely generous boot space figures for the segment, with cargo space measuring in at 440L, which shrinks down to 250L in the Mazda2 hatchback; if practicality is key, opt for the sedan. 

Is it Safe?

The Mazda2’s five-star ANCAP safety rating has expired, with the latest model year yet to be tested by ANCAP. 

Mazda is hoping to sweeten the deal with a generous list of safety gear for the base model Mazda2, though, which receives forward and reverse autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, lane-keep assistance and a rear-view camera with parking sensors as standard. 

Stepping up to the Evolve adds traffic sign recognition, with the range-topping GT receiving adaptive cruise control, front-mounted parking sensors and a surround-view camera. 

Our Verdict: Is The Mazda2 Worth it?

In spite of the platform beginning to show some signs of age, the Mazda2 range remains at the very top of its class. 

It’s a pleasure to drive and remains impressively composed when leaving city limits, while the design and execution of the interior make it stylish and impressively practical, even for such a pint-sized package. 

If practicality is key, be sure to opt for the Mazda2 in sedan form which offers a far larger boot and on that note, if you’re looking for some guidance for your next purchase, be sure to reach out to one of our car buying specialists. 

Five Specs You Need to Know

1. Five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty 

2. 12-month/15,000km service intervals 

3. 440L boot space in sedan drops to 250L in hatchback 

4. Fuel economy figures between 5.0 - 5.4L/100km 

5. Expired five-star ANCAP safety rating