2023 Mazda 2: Prices, specs and release date
- Facelifted Mazda 2 hatchback gets revised looks and new trim levels
- Lineup now consists of Centre-Line, Homura, Exclusive-Line and Homura Aka
- Two new paint colours, with new grille and bumpers
- On sale from late Spring
The Mazda 2 is a direct rival for cars like the Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Polo and Vauxhall Corsa, and its strengths include a fun driving experience, plenty of features and equipment for the money, and a good quality interior. There’s no update to the infotainment system in this facelifted model, which is a shame as the current model lags behind some of its rivals in that regard. This generation was first released back in 2015, making it one of the older cars of its type still on sale.
The facelift does not affect the forthcoming Mazda 2 Hybrid, which despite its name is actually a different model – essentially a rebadged version of the Toyota Yaris.
2023 Mazda 2 prices and release date
The new Mazda 2 range will go on sale in late Spring 2023, priced from £17,750. In comparison, the soon-to-be-discontinued Ford Fiesta costs from £19,350, while the VW Polo starts at £20,070.
2023 Mazda 2 styling, interior and technology
The exterior changes to the new Mazda 2 comprise a revised front end and some new paint colours. There’s a new smaller front grille that ends underneath the number plate, rather than below it as on the outgoing model. That gives more visual space to the bumper, which has been redesigned for a sportier look. Asymmetric coloured tabs on both the front and rear bumpers add a bit more visual interest, which are different colours on different trims.
The trims, by the way, have been comprehensively overhauled with all new options for customers. The entry-level model is now Centre-Line, and rising up the price-and-features ladder takes in Homura, Exclusive-Line and Homura Aka.
Mazda says that the Centre-Line and Exclusive-Line models focus “on a fun and casual nature”, while the Homura models have a sportier vibe. They do this through different front bumper designs. The Centre-Line and Exclusive-Line models share the same look with a prominent lower grille with a coloured panel inside a gloss black surround. Depending on the paint choice, the panel is either body-coloured or finished in contrasting Jet Black. The coloured tabs mentioned above are yellow, and 15-inch alloy wheels sit on the Centre-Line cars while Exclusive-Line models get 16-inch versions.
Homura and Homura Aka models have a black honeycomb grille with a red accent tab, and black mirrors. Both models have 16-inch alloy wheels, with the Homura Aka boasting slightly fancier black-and-silver machined versions.
Two new paint colours have been introduced for 2023: Aero Grey and Air Stream Blue. These join the existing lineup of Soul Red Crystal, Snowflake White, Platinum Quartz, Polymetal Grey, Machine Grey, Deep Crystal Blue, Ceramic Metallic and Jet Black.
Inside, little has changed aside from the finishing in the different trims. Centre-Line and Exclusive-Line models have a new decorative panel on the dash. Depending on the exterior colour, it’s either mint-coloured, white, or gloss black. The Homura model has black cloth seats with red accents and a gloss black dash panel with red air vents. On the Homura Aka, half-leather seats complement a soft-touch black dash panel with red stitching, for a classier feel. The steering wheel is heated, and also trimmed with leather and red stitching.
All models get an infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, navigation and Bluetooth. Cruise control is standard, as is climate control air conditioning. The dynamic tech is unchanged too, with all models featuring G-Vectoring Control Plus, which uses the brakes and engine torque to assist handling during emergencies or in slippery conditions.
2023 Mazda 2 engines, performance and fuel economy
The engine line-up of the 2023 Mazda 2 also remains unchanged, following the addition of a revised 1.5-litre petrol engine in 2022. That unit remains, with various power outputs available.
The Centre-Line model comes with either 75PS or 90PS, and Homura models come only with 90PS. Exclusive-Line also comes with the 90S engine, but with a choice of the six-speed manual transmission found in other models or a six-speed automatic. Homura Aka gets the same choice of manual or automatic 90PS power, but you can also opt for a 115PS version of the engine, with a manual gearbox. All manual models have an ‘M Hybrid’ mild-hybrid system to help improve fuel economy. You can spot these models by an e-Skyactiv G badge on the exterior.
Expect fuel economy of between 47.7 amd 68.9mpg in the manual cars, depending on power output, and up to 60.1mpg in the 90PS automatic model.
New Cars Coming Soon
Before you step into a showroom, read our in-depth guide to all the new cars coming in the next 12 months and beyond – some are well worth the wait.
Is the new Mazda 2 fun to drive?
As it’s mechanically unchanged from earlier versions, the latest Mazda 2 promises to deliver a fairly engaging driving experience, with a balance of fun handling and a comfortable ride. We don’t think it’s as fun behind the wheel as a Ford Fiesta, but it’s better than a lot of the competition.
How fast is the new Mazda 2?
There’s no high-performance version of the Mazda 2 (unlike, say, the Ford Fiesta ST), and straightline performance is relatively pedestrian. The fastest model is the 115PS model, which will reach 62mph from standstill in 9.8 seconds.
What size is the new Mazda 2?
The Mazda 2 is a compact hatchback, comparable in size to a Volkswagen Polo and a Ford Fiesta. It’s a shade over four metres long at 4070mm, and measures 1695mm in width. That’s almost identical to the 4040mm length of the Fiesta and the 4074mm length of the Polo.
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