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The Mazda 2 offers an alternative take on the small car, with a focus on driving enjoyment and premium levels of standard technology. It follows a template set by other models in the Mazda range, standing apart from rivals such as the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa.
There is no escaping how competitive the supermini market is, with the Volkswagen Polo, SEAT Ibiza, Hyundai i20 and Skoda Fabia also among Mazda's competitors. The premium interior of the 2 means it could even be an option for those considering an Audi A1 or Mini Hatch. Confusingly, Mazda also offers a separate hybrid supermini, also badged as the 2, but based upon the Toyota Yaris.
In the fast-paced world of superminis, the Mazda 2 looks positively geriatric in terms of how long it has been on sale. Still, with its handsome styling and near-premium image, it’s a good option to consider.
Where the 2 shows its age is the space offered for rear-seat passengers. Compared to newer rivals, things can feel a little cramped in the back, although child seats can still fit the standard Isofix attachments. Boot capacity is also smaller than some rivals, but this reflects the Mazda’s compact dimensions.
Occupying a smaller footprint makes the Mazda 2 easy to place on the road, while its low weight makes it genuinely engaging to drive. It has accurate steering, plenty of grip and good resistance to body-roll. The ride quality on cars with larger wheels can feel a little firm, but never to the point of being uncomfortable.
Mazda’s engine philosophy has been based around using larger-displacement units with increased efficiency. This makes sense on paper, but the 1.5-litre engine needs to be worked hard for its performance, which affects real-world fuel economy. At least the manual gearbox is a delight to use. A separate hybrid-powered model was launched in 2022.
Plenty of technology is fitted to all versions of the 2, giving a genuine big-car feel. The Mazda’s interior is also a high quality one, with plenty of plush materials used throughout. It feels more premium than most other superminis.
We rate the Mazda 2 because it proves that small family cars don’t need to be boring to drive. Even the lower-powered models are fun on the open road. Only the Ford Fiesta can top the Mazda for driver engagement, but it lacks the same interior quality.
If you want a supermini to raise a smile on your daily commute, or just a premium experience without a German badge, the Mazda 2 is a great choice.
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Picking the best Mazda 2 is straightforward since the engine range is now so narrow. The 75PS model is too slow and inflexible to recommend, so we'd choose the 90PS car, paired with the excellent six-speed manual. There's also a 115PS version of the same engine.
You'll still need to wind this engine up to coax it up hills or keep up with motorway traffic, but it has identical economy figures to the lesser version thanks to its mild-hybrid technology and will deal with long trips better.
A 1.3-litre petrol engine was offered at launch in 2015, but was dropped in 2017 to leave the 1.5 as the only option.
Although top-spec models come with big car features like leather seats and keyless entry, they don’t offer the best value and the larger wheels exacerbate the Mazda's jiggly ride. Pick the Mazda 2 SE-L for the right balance of equipment and affordability plus it comes with our favourite engine, but still won't break the bank.
The Mazda has been offered with three engine variations on the same 1.5-litre petrol four-cylinder unit. Certain versions come with mild-hybrid technology and a manual gearbox is standard. An automatic transmission is available on selected trim levels. There was also a 1.3 petrol and a hybrid based on the Toyota Yaris.
Mazda 2 1.3: This smaller capacity petrol engine was only offered in the White and Black special edition models. It came with 75PS to provide 0-62mph in a rather sluggish 14.9 seconds.
Mazda 2 1.5 Skyactiv G 75: Offered solely in SE-L trim, the basic Mazda 2 engine produces 75hp from 1.5 litres and four cylinders. Although not a huge power output, the Mazda’s modest weight helps it deliver a 0-62mph time of 11.3 seconds. Average fuel economy is up to 58.9mpg.
Mazda 2 1.5 e-Skyactiv G 90: Available in all models except the GT Sport Tech, the 90hp 1.5-litre engine will be more than adequate for most drivers. The manual version has mild-hybrid technology, and can accelerate from 0-62mph in less than 10 seconds. Average fuel economy for the manual is 60.1mpg, with the automatic gearbox slashing this to 52.3mpg.
Mazda 2 1.5 e-Skyactiv G 115: The most powerful 115hp engine is only found in the GT Sport Tech. It turns the Mazda 2 into a quite a sporty hatchback, with 0-62mph taking just over nine seconds. The smooth-shifting six-speed manual gearbox is standard, and average fuel economy remains a respectable 56.5mpg.
Mazda 2 1.5 Hybrid: The same powertrain as used in the Toyota Yaris, so you get a 1.5-litre petrol engine with hybrid assistance. It offers 116PS for 0-62mph in 9.7 seconds and up to 74.3mpg combined economy.
The Mazda 2 is available in different trim levels, with increasingly generous levels of standard equipment. There were no optional extras beyond paint and trim colours.
Mazda 2 75 SE-L: The entry-level Mazda 2 is the only model with the 75hp engine. It is still comprehensively equipped, with upmarket features such as LED headlights, climate control air-con and satellite navigation all included. The interior feels plush, with a leather-trimmed steering wheel and handbrake.
Mazda 2 90 SE-L: Choosing SE-L trim with the more powerful 90hp engine adds mild-hybrid technology to the 1.5-litre petrol engine. It also means extra safety equipment, including lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist.
Mazda 2 Sport: With larger 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and a shark fin radio antenna, the Sport model looks the part. Other standard features include keyless entry and wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity, with the interior finished in dark blue cloth.
Mazda 2 GT Sport: Moving up the range sees even more high-end technology added to the diminutive supermini. GT Sport trim includes leather upholstery with heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and a rear-view camera. A colour head-up display is a particularly impressive feature in a small car.
Mazda 2 GT Sport Tech: For maximum technology, the GT Sport Tech includes a suite of further safety equipment. A 360-degree surround-view camera and parking sensors front and rear mean there are no excuses for not being able to park it.
The Mazda 2’s exterior dimensions are:
Length: 4070mm
Width: 1695mm
Height: 1524mm
Ground clearance: 143mm
The Mazda 2’s boot space is:
280 litres
950 litres with rear seats folded
Launched in 2015, earlier Mazda 2 models with the 1.3- and 1.5 litre engines will pay road tax of between £20 and £35 depending on the model. For all other Mazda 2 registered from 1 April 2017 onwards, your annual road tax bill will be £180.
The Mazda 2 might be a small car, but for insurance companies the relatively large 1.5-litre petrol engine means a higher rating than its rivals. Even the entry-level 75hp SE-L model is categorised in insurance group 14 (out of 50), with the 90hp version jumping up to group 18. The range-topping GT Sport Tech is in group 22.
Read our full Mazda 2 review