The new Mazda 2 has arrived in Australia, freshly facelifted and with a mildly updated interior.
Some things are unchanged in the latest update, such as the engine outputs and 7.0-inch central infotainment screen, while the exterior styling changes are subtle. Prices have increased between $800 and $1200.
Mazda’s current generation 2 debuted in 2014. Along with the Toyota Yaris, Kia Rio and MG3, it is one of the only small hatchbacks left on the market as buyers switch en-masse to SUVs. The Mazda 2 is closely related to the CX-3 small SUV.
The Mazda 2 has been freshly facelifted
It’s unclear how long the Mazda 2 will continue on sale in its current form with its future somewhat in doubt but in the eyes of many, it remains an easy-to-drive and affordable little hatchback or sedan which is well suited to newer drivers.
All 2023 Mazda 2s use an 81kW/142Nm 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol, mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox and turning the front wheels.
The only alternative is optioning the six-speed manual in the entry-level Pure grade, which delivers more involvement and 82kW/144Nm.
You can still get a manual Mazda 2, but only on the entry-level Pure grade
Sold alongside the hatch, a sedan version with a much larger boot is available in Pure and GT trims.
Let’s take a look at the different grades – and what you get for your money.
Grade walk for the Mazda 2
The Mazda 2 comes generously equipped for an affordable small car.
A 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine continues to power the Mazda 2
Key 2023 Mazda 2 features include:
- 15-inch alloy wheels
- LED headlamps with auto function
- Cloth seats
- Cruise control
- Leather-wrapped gear shifter and steering wheel
- Auto wipers
- 7.0-inch touchscreen
- Wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- DAB+
- Keyless push button start
- Front grille panel
Standard features include a leather steering wheel and a 7.0-inch touchscreen
G15 Pure SP adds:
- Black 16-inch alloy wheels
- Gloss black exterior mirrors
- Black carbon fibre style roof (vinyl)
- Shark fin antenna
G15 Evolve adds:
- Unique 16-inch alloys
- LED daytime running lights
- Body coloured mirrors
- Chrome exhaust extension
- Black cloth seats with red trim
- Climate control air conditioning
- Sat nav
- Mesh style grille (panel from Pures is deleted)
A look inside the Mazda 2 for 2023
G15 GT adds:
- Black leather/Maztex and synthetic suede trim
- Advanced keyless entry
- 360-degree monitor
- Radar cruise control
The only cost options are paint. Six colours are free (including Air Stream Blue), while three others (including signature Soul Red Crystal) adds $595.
How safe is the Mazda 2 2023?
The Mazda 2 is a compact car perfect for young drivers
The Mazda 2 scored five stars in ANCAP crash testing in 2015, although the testing criteria has become far stricter since then.
Mazda Australia will not supply a car to ANCAP for a new test and even if it did, it wouldn’t be able to score five stars as it lacks a central airbag and advanced autonomous emergency braking.
Such things would no doubt be introduced in an all-new generation Mazda 2 (as happened with the new generation Toyota Yaris), but the re-engineering in this ageing model would be too costly.
Leather steering wheel is standard kit on the 2
While a lack of ANCAP safety rating isn’t a good look, we can’t dismiss that 2015 test when this 2 crashed reasonably well. Positively, the high level of driver assist technology seen on 2023 cars – even on the entry level – is notable.
That includes the useful stuff drivers want in the real world. Front and rear auto emergency braking, blind spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert are found on all variants.
Standard safety inclusions are:
- Six airbags
- Blind spot monitor
- Emergency stop signal
- Lane departure warning
- Lane keep assist
- Rear parking sensors
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Reverse camera
- AEB with pedestrian detection
- City brake support reverse
Six airbags, blind spot monitoring and lane keep assist are all standard
G15 Evolve grade adds:
- Traffic sign recognition
- Active driving display (head up display)
G15 GT grade adds:
- 360-degree view monitor
- Radar cruise control
- Front parking sensors
Note that radar cruise control is only available on the range-topper.
Pricing starts from $22,410 before on-road costs
Mazda 2 2023: prices in Australia
All prices listed are before on-road costs.
- Hatch G15 Pure manual: $22,410 (+$900)
- Hatch G15 Pure auto: $24,410 (+$900)
- Hatch G15 Pure SP auto: $25,210 (+$1200)
- Hatch G15 Evolve auto: $25,910 (+$800)
- Hatch G15 GT auto: $27,610 (+$1000)
- Sedan G15 Pure auto: $24,410 (+$900)
- Sedan G15 GT auto: $27,610 (+$1000)