Mazda 2 - TopCarNews

Mazda 2 (2015 – present) | Expert Rating [hide]

Summary

The Mazda 2 (styled by the company as the Mazda2) is a small, supermini-class five-door hatchback. The current model is the third generation to carry the ‘2’ name, following on from previous small Mazdas known as 121 or Demio.

The current-generation was launched in late 2014, and received a major update in late 2019. There have been various limited-edition specifications over the years, and the 1.5-litre diesel model has been dropped along the way.

The Mazda 2 has received positive reviews from the UK motoring media over the last five years, although more recent reviews do rate it lower than older reviews as newer rivals have arrived on the scene. It currently holds an Expert Rating of 65% (as of December 2021), which puts it in the midfield of a large pack of superminis.

The 2 has been praised for its comfort and fuel economy, particularly the latest SkyActiv petrol engines. However, it has been criticised for being cramped – especially in the back seats – and for feeling rather dated compared to newer rivals.

There will be a completely different model called the Mazda 2 Hybrid arriving in 2022 – this is completely unrelated to the existing Mazda 2, and is nothing but a rebadged Toyota Yaris to help Mazda meet its EU and UK emissions requirements. The current model will still be sold alongside the Toyota version, which will inevitably be confusing for customers.

Key specifications

Body style: Five-door hatchEngines: petrol
Price: From £15,940 on-road

Launched: Autumn 2014Last updated: Autumn 2020
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert

“Is the Mazda 2 better than Ford’s Fiesta? The answer is no, but it’s very much a contender that supermini rivals, including Ford, need to take notice of.”
Read review

Auto Express

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“Good looks, practicality and engaging driving characteristics mean the latest Mazda 2 is a serious contender in the supermini class.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 6 / 10“The latest updates can’t help the Mazda 2 keep pace with the latest arrivals in the supermini market.”
Read review

Auto Trader

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7.2 / 10“The Mazda 2 is one of the best superminis available. It looks great, is more fun to drive than many rivals, and its frugal engines and high level of standard kit make it an appealing ownership prospect.”
Read review

Autocar

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol manual GT Sport TechScore: 7 / 10“Given it first arrived in 2014, this generation of the Mazda 2 is one of the elder statesmen of the supermini class – and yet it still continues to impress with its unassuming nature. The 115hp engine doesn’t carry a huge premium over the less powerful unit but delivers greater all-round ability.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“Mazda’s Skyactiv tech revolution transforms its cheapest model into a supermini capable of eclipsing many of its more established European rivals.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 1.5 Skyactiv-G Sport NavScore: 7 / 10“You wouldn’t exactly call the 2’s restyling a radical reinvention, but that’s no bad thing to this tester’s eyes: it’s remains a pleasingly clean and clear design.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol manual Sport BlackScore: 8 / 10“The Mazda 2 is a simple, pleasurable car that’s capable of rewarding and entertaining an involved driver. That said, unless you’re particularly fond on limited-run models and glossy black trim, it’s worth questioning the £1100 extra for the Sport Black.”
Read review

Business Car

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre diesel manual SE-LScore: 8 / 10“A great little package worth considering.”
Read review

Car

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol manual GT SportScore: 8 / 10“The Mazda 2 is defined by what it doesn’t have, rather than what it does have. Less weight, less cost and no forced induction make it an unusually engaging supermini to drive. It may not be the obvious choice, if you want a nippy, analogue-feel, good-value supermini, this could well be it.”
Read review

Car Keys

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol manual 90hpScore: 8 / 10“While the Mazda 2 might still be showing its age next to brand new competitors, the tweaks to this supermini have made a big difference. It might not be the best all-rounder, but there’s plenty still to like, and you certainly won’t be disappointed with it next to much newer alternatives.”
Read review

Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“The Mazda 2 is a supermini with neat styling, tidy handling and low running costs.”
Read review

Daily Mirror

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol manual Sport Nav“The Mazda 2 looks stylish and grown-up from the outside and particularly good nose on and from the back. And it’s good inside, too.” (Richard Hammond)
Read review

Fleetworld

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol manual SE-L Nav“While it’s an evolution not a revolution last time, the Mazda2 builds on its predecessor’s best qualities with improved quality and a more grown up driving experience. It’s an incredibly attractive alternative to the biggest-selling superminis.”
Read review

Motors.co.uk

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“If you’re travelling alone or with just the one passenger, then the Mazda 2 is a refined and comfortable companion with plenty of adjustment for the driver’s seat and steering wheel and well padded, supportive seats.”
Read review

Parkers

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7.8 / 10“Likeable Mazda 2 is a strong alternative to usual suspects.”
Read review

The Sunday Times

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol manualScore: 10 / 10“A supermini that’s super, if not particularly mini.”
Read review

The Telegraph

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol manual Sport NavScore: 6 / 10“It’s feeling a little long in the tooth now, but the Mazda 2 offers a sense of lightness, dexterity and control that can’t be matched by some of its newer rivals. Trouble is, you have to live with a cramped interior, a whining gearbox and a noisy engine that isn’t all that helpful where you really need it. At least it’s cheap to buy and run.”
Read review

Top Gear

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“Handsome, good to drive and easy to use, like all Mazdas. But the engines are lacklustre and the cabin too dour.”
Read review

What Car?

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 6 / 10“The Mazda 2 has a reasonably plush interior and very economical engines, when it comes to real-world fuel economy. All but the basic trim level offers a reasonable standard of equipment, too. Yet these days it has been overtaken by much newer models.”
Read review

Which?

Model reviewed: Range overview“The Mazda 2 is a decent small hatchback, offering a pleasing interior and good equipment levels with a premium ambience. It’s decent to drive but doesn’t feel class-leading in any area. It’s not very roomy for rear passengers and you may tire of the stiff ride.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall rating: 4 stars
Date tested: April 2015

86%

ADULT OCCUPANT

78%

CHILD OCCUPANT

84%

VULNERABLE ROAD USERS

64%

SAFETY ASSIST

Read full Euro NCAP review

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

Model tested: 1.5-litre petrol manual
Date tested: September 2021

5.9 / 10

CLEAN AIR INDEX

6.9 / 10

ENERGY EFFICIENCY INDEX

5.6 / 10

GREENHOUSE GAS INDEX

Read full Green NCAP review

The rating above only applies to the 1.5-litre petrol manual variant of the Mazda 2. It does not apply to any other engine/gearbox combination.

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the [Make and Model name] has received

2015

Car Dealer Power Awards – Car of the Year
Green Apple Awards – Best Supermini
Scottish Car of the Year Awards – Best Supermini
Northern Ireland Car of the Year Awards – Best Supermini

Similar cars

If you’re looking at the Mazda 2, you might also be interested in these alternatives

Buy or lease a Mazda 2

Regardless of whether you’re looking for a new or used Mazda 2, The Car Expert’s partners have thousands of cars to choose from

Buy a car online from your sofa.
We’ll deliver it.

We only have the best used cars for sale from selected dealers.

Search less, live more. We make finding the right car simple.

The UK’s automotive search engine. All the cars in one place.

Personal contract hire deals from Carparison Leasing.

Personal contract hire deals from Moneyshake.

We Finance Any Car provides an alternative to dealer finance.

Motorly provides an alternative to dealer finance.

Keyword: Mazda 2