Mazda 2 Review 2024

The Mazda 2 is an affordable little car that lives in the shadows of rivals like the Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Polo and Toyota Yaris. And while it's starting to show its age in some areas, recent updates and an impressive amount of standard equipment mean it remains one of the most likeable small hatchbacks you can buy today.

Like its bigger siblings, the Mazda 2 surprises in how fun it is to drive. Much like a Ford Fiesta, it feels agile both in and out of town, with sharp steering and a very slick six-speed manual gearbox.

In typical Mazda fashion, the 2 takes a stand against the trend for tiny, turbocharged petrol engines. Instead, it's available exclusively with a 1.5-litre petrol engine available with a variety of power outputs (75PS, 90PS and 115PS).

We've sampled the most powerful engine, which comes with mild-hybrid technology (badged the e-Skyactiv G). It's certainly revvy enough for most drivers - and efficient, too, officially capable of up to 56.5mpg. Aside from a small economy boost, the mild-hybrid setup makes little difference in day-to-day driving - consider the new Yaris-based Mazda 2 Hybrid if that's what you're after.

The Mazda 2's cabin feels modern and stylish, while equipment on our high-spec GT Sport Tech test car is more akin to what you'd expect on bigger, more expensive cars. Standard equipment includes a 360-degree camera, adaptive LED headlights and a blind spot monitoring system. Even the mid-spec Mazda 2 GT Sport gets heated leather seats, a heated steering wheel and a head-up display.

There are some negatives. Some of the interior finishes feel a bit flimsy, while we've had a few reports of rattles developing as the Mazda 2 gets older. If you're buying a used example, it's worth listening out for these on the test drive.

Also, even with the six-speed gearbox, the Mazda 2 isn't the most refined at motorway speeds. You'll notice quite a lot of engine, wind and road noise at 70mph. That used to be acceptable in small cars meant for the city streets, but rivals like the Volkswagen Polo do a much bigger impression of a bigger car.

Don't let these put you off, though. Not only do we think the Mazda 2 remains one of the most stylish small cars on sale, it's also fun to drive and loaded with equipment. 

Looking for a second opinion? Read a Mazda 2 review on heycar

The Mazda 2's an easy and untimidating car to drive, while direct steering mean it's actually quite fun to steer. Not quite in the same league as a Ford Fiesta or SEAT Ibiza, but it's still not an embarrassing attempt for a company that also makes the MX-5 sports car.

On the flip side, its suspension is a little on the harsh side, especially with the bigger 16-inch alloy wheels. If you're after a more comfortable small car, we'd recommend looking for one with the 15-inch alloy wheels as fitted to the Mazda 2 SE-L – or, even better, buy a Skoda Fabia instead.

The Mazda 2's diddy dimensions means it's easy to drive on city streets, although rear visibility isn't the best. Rear parking sensors (standard across the range) help here, while top-spec models come with a very useful 360-degree camera.

The entry-level engine in the Mazda 2 range is a conventional 1.5-litre petrol which produces just 75PS. This will appeal to young drivers with a keen eye on insurance prices, but otherwise we'd recommend looking at one of the punchier units.

Most buyers will be looking at a 90PS version of the same engine. This is available with manual gearbox and mild-hybrid technology, or with an auto transmission and no mild-hybrid tech. There's also a range-topping 115PS motor, available exclusively as a mild-hybrid with a six-speed manual gearbox.

Don't be fooled by the word 'hybrid', this isn't capable of engine-off running around town. It will recuperate energy ordinarily lost under braking, though, while the engine can switch off as you come to a halt in stop-start traffic. You won't really notice a difference most of the time.

As the petrol units are turbocharged (like the Ford Fiesta's Ecoboost, for example), they require revving quite hard to make progress. While this is fun, it's not great for refinement, with quite a lot of noise and vibration making its easy into the cabin. This is added to by quite a considerable amount of road and wind noise, especially at motorway speeds.

Earlier Mazda 2 models were also offered with a 1.5-litre diesel engine badged the Skyactiv-D. Unsurprisingly, considering the mass move away from diesel cars, this is no longer offered. You might notice a handful on the used market but the petrol versions are so efficient, it's probably not worth the hassle.

The Mazda 2 was awarded a suboptimal four stars out of five when it was crash-tested by Euro NCAP in 2015, mainly losing out for its lack of standard safety assist features. The range has been updated since then, however, and there are now a myriad systems available to keep you on the straight and narrow.

These include a lane departure warning system and lane-keep assist as standard on all Mazda 2 models except the entry-level 75PS SE-L, as well as an automatic emergency braking system at town speeds. For the full complement of driver-assistance tech, you'll need a Mazda 2 GT Sport Tech. This comes with a blind spot monitoring system (with rear cross traffic alert, which warns you if there's an approaching vehicle when you're reversing from a space), as well as a rear smart city brake support system. There's also a driver attention alert feature which will politely suggest you stop for a coffee it detects that you're not as focused as you perhaps ought ot be.

The Mazda 2's external dimensions are a little bit smaller than newer alternatives like the Volkswagen Polo and Ford Fiesta, so it's no surprise that it's slightly less spacious inside.

There's a reasonable amount of room for rear-seat passengers, although you'd be better looking at the bigger Mazda 3 (or an SUV like the Mazda CX-30) if you regularly expect to travel with people in the back. The relatively high window line means it feels rather claustrophobic in the rear, while no one's going to thank you for making them use the middle seat.

Things are better in the front, where a pair of adults can fit in reasonable comfort. There's plenty of adjustment in the driver's seat, while there are a few useful stowage areas for your odds and ends.

With 280 litres of luggage space, the Mazda 2's boot is also noticeably smaller than rivals. There's quite a high boot lip, too, so you're in danger of scratching the rear bumper if you attempt to load bulky items.

The Mazda 2 tries to take a slightly upmarket approach, and it certainly feels plusher than the last-generation Ford Fiesta or old Renault Clio, two cars it was up against when it first went on sale in 2015. The problem is, the market has moved on considerably since then – and, if you're buying new, you're also going to be looking at the new Toyota Yaris, Volkswagen Polo and SEAT Ibiza.

Compared to these, the Mazda 2 has quite a few flimsy finishes, while reports from owners suggest that annoying rattles from the cabin and fairly common as the car gets older.

Still, the latest updates for the 2022 model year do a decent job of lifting the cabin. Our GT Sport Tech test car felt particularly classy, with its blue/grey leather seats and heated leather steering wheel.

All Mazda 2 models now come with a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, DAB radio and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. It's one of our favourite media systems to use thanks to its convenient positioning high up on the dashboard, while it's paired with rotary controller between the front seats (meaning you don't have to lean forward and touch the display).

Look for a Sport model or above if you want wireless Apple CarPlay (wireless Android Auto isn't offered in the Mazda 2).

The on-the-road price of a new Mazda 2 starts in the region of £16,500, while the more desirable trim levels are nudging £20,000. That puts it on a par with the likes of the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo, while budget alternatives like the Skoda Fabia are more affordable.

You get a decent amount for your money with the Mazda 2, though, with even the cheapest of models kitted out with things like cruise control, navigation and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.

Of course, as the current-generation Mazda 2 has been on sale since 2015, you can save cash by looking towards the used market. An early example can be picked up for around £8000, while an ex-demo model of the updated car can be yours from as little as £14,000.

The most efficient versions of the Mazda 2 are currently those fitted with the e-Skyactiv G mild-hybrid petrol engine. This isn't a full hybrid, so don't expect silent running around town, but it does have a motor on hand to provide a little electrical assistance and improve fuel economy.

As such, the Mazda 2 e-Skyactiv G officially returns a combined 60.1mpg in 90PS form, while the more powerful 115PS version is good for 56.5mpg. With mild-hybrid tech, the 75PS Skyactiv-G returns up to 58.9mpg, while the 90PS auto has a WLTP fuel economy figure of 52.3mpg.

Previously, the Mazda 2 was available with a 1.5-litre diesel. These sold in tiny numbers and aren't really suited to regular town driving but, if you hunt one out, Mazda says you'll see more than 80mpg. Around 67.3mpg is more realistic according to our Real MPG data, but that's still impressive.

Servicing is required every 12 months or 12,500 miles (whichever is soonest), while the Mazda 2 comes with a three-year warranty. The annual VED (road tax) is £155/year for standard models and £145/year for the mild-hybrid cars. If you buy a Mazda 2 registered before April 2017, the VED will depend on CO2 emissions – usually coming in at less than £30.

Standard equipment on the Mazda 2 SE-L includes 15-inch alloy wheels (in silver), rear parking sensors, LED headlights and a leather steering wheel. There's also a seven-inch navigation system (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), as well as cruise control and brown cloth seats with black inserts.

As well as a punchier engine, the 90PS mild-hybrid SE-L adds an emergency braking system, lane departure warning and lane-keep assist.

The Mazda 2 Sport looks a bit sharper with 16-inch alloy wheels, a gloss black radiator grille, chrome exhaust trim and privacy glass. Smart keyless entry is also standard, as well as wireless Apple CarPlay.

The Mazda 2 GT Sport builds on this with a reversing camera, blue/grey leather, heated leather steering wheel, colour head-up display and heated front seats.

Topping the range, the Mazda 2 GT Sport Tech comes with front and rear parking sensors, adaptive LED headlights and a 360-degree camera. A blind spot monitoring system (with rear cross traffic alert) is standard, as well as a rear smart city brake support system and driver attention alert.