Can this facelift on the Mazda 2 keep it fresh enough to consider it against its main rivals?
Exterior – Front
So, the front of the Mazda has been through 3 different designs overall and to be honest this is the best design out of all of them and because of this the Mazda 2 hasn’t aged a bit. At the front we get the same set of LED Headlights as the first facelift. they look modern with the blacked-out elements inside them. we get a new grill design with a premium looking grill surround in wither black, chrome or matt grey. The centre of the grill is body colour on the lower spec models but if you go for the sportier models, you then get this mesh pattern design which I like. Lower down we get a new style central air vent which looks chunky and sporty.
Exterior – Side
Moving round to the back and there are no changes apart for some colour options and wheel options, but you can opt for the black roof and mirror cap options which is a nice feature.
Exterior – Rear
Moving round to the back and we don’t get many changes at all. We get a little colour element on the rear bumper to show what model your car is, and we get a few more body colour parts to make it more premium but apart from that it is the same design as the original 2014 design. Even the taillights are the same and for me this is making the exterior feel a bit old. Which is a shame really. And that’s it on the outside. You do get a new key fob design though. Let’s have a look at what engine options you can have with the new Mazda 2 Facelift.
Car and engine specs and price
So, the Mazda 2 can only be had with a 1.5 litre engine. It does come in 3 different version though. The range kicks off with a 1.5 litre engine with 72 bhp which isn’t that powerful, and it can be seen with a 0-62 time of 11.3 seconds. Strangely though you can have it with a 6-speed manual. Next up is the 86 bhp version which is a better engine with a 0-62 time of 9.8 seconds which is the same as the more powerful Stellantis engines. This will be better for the insurance group as well as efficiency and this can be seen with a combined figure of 60 MPG, unheard of in a Petrol engine. This can be had with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic. Finally, you can have a 110 bhp engine. This can do 0-62 in 9.1 seconds which isn’t that bad, and this can be had with a 6-speed manual. Personally, I think the 86 bhp version will be the best option out of the bunch. The price of the new Mazda 2 Facelift starts at £18,615. Let’s have a look at the interior.
Interior – Design
So, moving inside the new Mazda 2 and there are some changes. To start with we get a new infotainment screen which is slightly bigger and has much better graphics than before. it is running the older system which is a shame as I would have liked to of seen the newer infotainment system but you do get touchscreen and dial inputs as well as apple car play and android auto. We also get new dashboard materials and slightly different seats to improve comfort. The equipment level has also improved by giving you automatic headlights and wipers as well as electric folding mirrors all as standard. We also get different inserts for the air vents too. Apart from that though that is all of the changes, but I am ok with that as the materials are very premium and I like the Porsche style instrument cluster and the sporty feeling steering wheel that is better than the newer version in my opinion. Let’s have a look at the rear seats.
Practicality
So, getting into the back of the new Mazda 2 and practicality isn’t as good as the Hyundai i20 but it is better than the Corsa and 208. It does feel premium in the back with alcantara on the door cards, but we don’t get any storage pockets in the doors which is a shame. Legroom and headroom is decent but if you are a 6 foot person sitting behind a 6 foot person it may be a bit tight for a long journey which is a shame. Let’s have a look at the boot.
Boot Size
So, opening the boot to the Mazda 2 and you are welcomed to 280 litres of space with the seats up. This is no where near as good as the Hyundai i20, but it is better than the Corsa. With the seats down it isn’t that impressive either at 950 litres.
Summary
So, the Mazda 2. Where does it sit between the Vauxhall Corsa, Peugeot 208 and the Hyundai i20. Well, it is a bit of hard one to know where to place it. In some areas it is better than the 208 but in some areas like practicality the Peugeot does push ahead, also this car has better engine options. Overall though I am going to have to place it third with the Corsa coming fourth and the Peugeot second with the i20 leading the pack. This is because practicality isn’t its strong point anymore and the design in some areas is getting a bit outdated but with its engine range and decent spec list as well of the modern design parts that have changed, it does make it a good car to think about.
Exterior 4/5
Interior 4/5
Practicality 3/5
Total 11/15
Model | Mazda 2 Homura Aka |
Engine | 1.5 Litre, 86bhp, 0-62 = 9.8 Seconds, Front Wheel Drive |
Transmission | Manual 6 Speed |
Price | £21,365 |
On Sale | Now |
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