Buying a Used Mazda2 DJ/DL Series (2014-19)

Mazda had been building light cars since the 1960s but backed away from the genre during the 1970s. It returned in 1986 with the sub-compact 121 – a design it shared with the Ford Festiva.

Australians showed a particular liking for the next version; the DB Series 121 with its rounded ‘bubble’ styling, some of which remained in the hands of the original owners when the Mazda2 made its local debut in 2002.

The DY Series was another collaboration with Ford, which used the Mazda’s platform for its 5th Generation Ford Fiesta.

Australia’s first Mazda2s came as 1.5-litre hatchbacks in three trim levels and all with only 82kW of power. Output during 2007 declined by 6kW when redesigned DE (hatch) and DH (sedan) versions were unveiled at the Geneva and Shanghai International Motor Shows.

These cars would be built for a world market at plants throughout Asia, South America and the Middle East. Global sales from 2007-2010 exceeded 20,000 units per month. In Australia, the Mazda2 sat third in the Light Car sales race behind Hyundai’s Getz and the Toyota Yaris.

The brand new DJ Hatch and DL sedan were displayed in mid-2014 and entered production in July. Mexico was added to the list of manufacturing sites and would supply cars to North and South America.

The new version of the Mazda2 was significantly bigger, sitting on an 80mm longer 2570mm wheelbase, and measuring 160mm longer overall. Most of the extra space was devoted to rear legroom and luggage space. These cars were also lighter than the version they replaced, producing 4-6kW more power and a 20 per cent reduction in fuel consumption from the new 1.5-litre SKYACTIV-G engine.

Australia’s range remained at three models and stayed that way until a GT version was added during 2017.

2019 saw a further styling change, with headlight improvements and further road noise suppression. New trim-level designations Pure and Evolve replaced Neo and Maxx.

From late 2014, the importer offered the Mazda2 in a trio of trim levels; Neo, Maxx and Genki at prices ranging from $14,990 to $19,990.

Lowest on the ladder was the five-speed manual Neo. It sat on steel rims with 185/65 tyres and weighed just 1027kg. Neo variants were powered by a 79kW version of the 1.5-litre SKYACTIV engine and came standard with five-speed manual transmission. Six-speed automatic versions cost $2000 extra and were just 18 kilograms heavier than the manual.

Considering the weight of these cars, their towing capacity was excellent, and allowed up to 900kg of braked trailer to be hooked on behind.

Inside the Mazda2 Neo were cloth-trimmed seats, good quality carpet and robust plastics. Air conditioning was included, so too power windows and cruise control. Ventilation control involved pushing a couple of buttons and twirling three rotary dials, so the system was remarkably easy to use.

The audio system with its four speakers did a decent job, with iPod and MP3 connectivity standard, plus Bluetooth.

Initial sales of the Mazda2 in this generation were all DJ hatchbacks, but in August 2015 came the sedan. Despite the extra sheet metal, the basic Neo still cost $14,990, with the better equipped Maxx priced from $17,690.

Overall, the Mazda2 sedan was 260mm longer and 25mm lower than the hatch, with the major design difference being a much bigger boot. Reviewers were critical of two deficiencies: lack of a rear window wiper or reversing camera, although a camera was available for around $770 extra.

Topping the initial DJ range was the Genki, a word which translates from the Japanese as ‘full of life.’ Using the same 81kW engine as cheaper versions and with mandatory automatic transmission, the Genki wasn’t going to be any faster than cheaper ones and any additional excitement would need to come from within.

Priced from $20,890 as a sedan or hatch, the Genki included improved seats, 16-inch alloy wheels, an uprated dash display, auto-sensors for the lights and windscreen wipers.

Changes for 2017 were accompanied by minor price rises and a new range-topping GT. These came as a hatch or sedan, with manual or automatic transmission. In manual form, the Mazda2 GT cost $21,680 and included equipment noted as lacking in the Genki.

The wheels were again 16-inch, supplemented by electric folding mirrors, LED headlights, rear park sensors and – finally – a reversing camera as standard. Inside, the trim was black leather in sedans, white in the hatch, with the big pop-up screen that some reviewers hated but was very easy to use

All local versions of the DJ and DL Series 2 qualified for a Five Star ANCAP Occupant Protection rating, with an overall score of 36.35 out of 37.

Although the structure forward of the windscreen was badly deformed following impact testing, the passenger compartment remained undamaged, all doors opened and the ‘occupants’ were fully protected by front, side chest and side head airbags.

Given a dry weight of 1045kg, the Mazda2 nevertheless rides like a car that is considerably more substantial. Early ones, in common with the bigger Mazda3, did transmit more road noise than they should though, and it took Mazda some time to fix the problem.

Improvements were made during 2016 when the design was updated and a higher compression engine introduced. These had an auto-stop facility to reduce fuel consumption and used a different exhaust to the one on earlier cars – the earlier exhaust system blamed in part for some of the noise.

Tyres can contribute to road noise as well, but you don’t want a quieter car when it’s at the expense of grip, especially in wet conditions.

Mazda2 steering response is among the best you will experience in a Light Car but do try for a Maxx variant or one of the other higher spec versions with a leather-bound wheel.

Room behind the wheel and alongside the driver is excellent, with well-shaped seats and sufficient adjustment, including a telescopic steering column.

Cloth is the trim material most commonly seen in local versions, with an upgrade available if you can track down a Mazda2 GT with combination leather and fabric.

Most buyers today prefer automatic cars, but unless you are only licensed to drive an auto, do give the six-speed manual a go.

The shift action is direct and quick, with a light positive clutch. Combining an engine that loves to rev, good steering and decent brakes, the Mazda2 is matched by few cars offering the same fun in the price or size range.

The Mazda2 isn’t a cheap car though, with strong demand for well-maintained examples driving up prices, despite the abundance of stock available in the used market.

Where the Mazda2 will repay an owner’s outlay over time is in its reliability and fuel economy. Owners report few instances of these cars needing repairs outside of regular scheduled servicing and you can, prior to purchase, ask a dealership to list upcoming work based on the distance a car has covered, and provide approximate costs.

Official fuel consumption figures for a Mazda2 with automatic transmission are 6.1L/100km in Urban running and 4.2L/100km on the Highway. Real-world road tests don’t match those numbers but have turned in Urban figures of around 7L/100km for a Combined average slightly below 6L/100km.

The Mazda2 runs happily on the cheaper grades of fuel - 91RON or E10 – and with a 44-litre tank capacity, owners will likely manage a couple of weeks’ travel between refills. The service interval is 10,000 kilometres and the Mazda2 seems pretty easy on tyres.

Don’t get a flat though, because there is no spare wheel, just a sealant kit which won’t do anything if a tyre sustains major damage. It’s worth visiting the wreckers and sourcing a wheel you can keep in the garage at home, and pack on board for trips to the country.

If you buy a sedan then absolutely it is. Although missing the versatility of a hatchback, the sedan adds an extra 80 percent boot space – hatch 250 litres, sedan 440 litres – when all seats are occupied. That’s more room for prams and carry-cots.

Headroom and legroom in the back will be tight for adults or tall teens, but fine for everyone else. Cooling air needs to find its way between the front seats, because there are no outlets for the rear seats.

RedBook Inspect mobile inspectors can take the guesswork out of buying a car with a comprehensive vehicle inspection.

Used vehicle grading for Mazda2 (2014-19)
Design & Function: 16/20
Safety: 15/20
Practicality: 14/20
Value for Money: 13/20
Wow Factor: 12/20
Score: 70/100

Also consider:
Volkswagen Polo
Toyota Yaris
Kia Rio

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