‘Extensive refresh’ extends lifespan of Mazda’s ageing city-car that’s now almost a decade old
An updated 2023 Mazda2 that aims to keep the aged light sedan and hatch fresh will launch in June ahead of first deliveries the following month
It’s almost a decade since the current third-generation Mazda2 was launched in Australia in 2014, which is well beyond the normal lifecycle of a passenger car.
This “extensive refresh” (as Mazda calls it) marks the third major upgrade for the Mazda2 after overhauls in 2020 and 2017, although early details point to cosmetic and equipment changes only.
There is also no word yet on local pricing, which currently starts at $21,390 plus on-road costs for the Pure hatch (manual) and tops out at $26,490 for the auto-only GT sedan and hatch.
The front-end of the 2023 Mazda2 has been revised with a new black or body-coloured grille and redesigned bumper that creates a more streamlined look, according to the car-maker.
Hatchback models also now carry a colour accent (such as yellow or red) on the grille and rear bumper, while flagship GT models pick up multi-spoke alloy wheels and polished dual exhaust outlets.
All grades above the Pure come equipped with a shark’s fin antenna too.
Two new exterior colours have been added to the palette: Aero Grey Metallic and Airstream Blue Metallic.
Inside, the entry-level Pure and Pure SP model grades receive coloured dash trim inserts finished in Pure White, Mirror Black or Mint (determined by the exterior colour), and the Pure SP adds a black film covering for the roof.
Higher-grade Evolve and GT variants will feature a black interior with contrasting red highlights extending to the seat stitching and air-vent surrounds, while the GT adds partial leather seat trim and a red/black dash treatment.
No major mechanical changes are anticipated for the upgraded 2023 Mazda2, which is available in Australia solely with an 82kW/144Nm 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine combined with either a six-speed manual (Pure hatch) or six-speed automatic transmission (all other variants).
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Keyword: 2023 Mazda2 facelift on sale in June