Mazda 2 2024: Australian pricing and specifications confirmed

Dylan Campbell

Contributor

Mazda’s much-loved small car is back and better than ever. We explore the different grades, prices and what you get for your dough

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.

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)

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: