Mazda2 2023 Review

Local pricing for the four-variant 2023 Mazda2 range kicks off with the Mazda2 Pure priced from $22,410 plus on-road costs.

This is followed by the Pure SP from $25,210, the Evolve from $25,910 and the range-topping GT from $27,610 (all plus ORCs).

A sedan body style is a no-cost option available on the entry-level Pure and top-spec GT only.

Similarly, a six-speed manual transmission is available but only on the entry-level Pure, with a six-speed automatic transmission adding a $2K premium on the Pure hatch.

Major rivals for the Mazda2 include the Kia Rio (from $19,690), Suzuki Swift (from $22,490), Toyota Yaris (from $24,800) and Volkswagen Polo (from $25,990), while the biggest-selling car in the segment is the budget MG3 (from $19,990 drive-away).

The price increases come in conjunction with minor changes to equipment across the 2023 Mazda2 range, which largely comprise exterior design tweaks, interior trim updates and minor advances in technology.

The Mazda2 Evolve hatch we drove at the national launch is expected to be the volume seller of the updated range and its exterior highlights include LED daytime running lights, body-coloured door handles, chrome exhaust tips, power wing mirrors, 16-inch alloy wheels, shark fin antenna and the option of a semi-covered colour-match grille or a more traditional dark mesh finish.

Two new exterior paint colours – Aero Grey Metallic and Airstream Blue – and three interior accents – Pure White, Mirror Black and Mint – add further personalisation options to the 2’s aesthetic.

The Soul Red Crystal metallic exterior finish on our tester is a $595 option.

Keyless entry and push-button start, cloth trim seats with red contrast stitching and a leather-wrapped gear shift, handbrake and steering wheel set a nice new tone for the Mazda2.

A head-up display, single-zone climate control, auto-dimming rear-view mirror and satellite navigation also appear at Evolve trim level.

Rear parking sensors, a reversing camera and traffic sign recognition are standard too.

The Mazda2 is backed by a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and service intervals are every 12 months or 15,000km.

Capped-price servicing costs will see you spend $2116 over the first five years of ownership, or 75,000km travelled.

The carryover safety suite in the 2023 Mazda2 is of a high standard, irrespective of trim level.

Standard equipment includes blind spot monitoring, child-proof rear door locks, stability control, reverse and forward autonomous emergency braking (the latter with pedestrian detection), lane departure warning and lane keep assist, rear cross traffic alert, seat belt warnings for all occupants, rear-view camera with rear parking sensors and dual front, side and curtain airbags.

The Mazda2 no longer carries an ANCAP safety rating (it was five-star). That’s because the previous assessment, which was carried out in 2015, is deemed outdated as the testing criteria is now much more stringent.

At the local launch in Melbourne, Mazda representatives confirmed there are no plans to crash test the 2023 Mazda2, which may only have a couple more years on the market before being replaced.

The 2023 Mazda2 has the technology basics well covered and they’re also simple to use.

The 7.0-inch colour touch-screen display is where most of it happens, including controls for the six-speaker audio system with AM/FM and digital radio, Bluetooth hands-free capability and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.

The new touch-screen functionality can only be used when the vehicle is in Park, with Mazda’s multi-function rotary command dial and steering wheel buttons the default for on-the-go menu navigation. It’s a simple system that’s quick to master and works well.

The driver’s instrumentation panel is home to an analogue tachometer, digital speedo, trip and efficiency data, fuel levels and outside temperature.

The petrol-only front-drive 2023 Mazda2 is powered exclusively by a carryover 1.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine (82kW/144Nm manual or 81kW/142Nm auto) with output and performance numbers unchanged.

It’s paired to a six-speed automatic transmission in the Evolve model tested here. (The entry-level Pure hatch is also available with a six-speed manual transmission.)

Minor fuel savings have been achieved in the automatic 2023 Mazda2, which now has a claimed 5.0L/100km combined average consumption.

This marks a 0.3L/100km improvement over the outgoing model as well as lower CO2 emissions of 117g/km (-6g).

After a short drive at the Melbourne launch event, the claimed figure feels achievable in real-world driving conditions. We’ll put that claim to the test when we have the Mazda2 for an extended road test.

The 2023 Mazda2 is spritely and refined. It’s a combination well suited to city-based duties that call for a responsive drivetrain and fuss-free handling.

The 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine is perfectly suited to the Mazda2’s pinched proportions and 1109kg kerb weight.

Our tester is matched to a six-speed automatic transmission which proved itself smooth and decisive, adding to the overall ease of use of the Mazda2. The automatic also benefits from its 142Nm peaking at 3500rpm, a tad earlier than in the manual model’s 4000rpm.

Riding on 16-inch alloys, our Mazda2 Evolve delivers a supple ride that dismissed most road bumps and imperfections encountered on our test loop.

Overall refinement is also good, with minimal noise intrusion.

It corners nicely and brakes well via ventilated discs up front and drum brakes on the rear.

Outward vision is great in all directions which adds to the sense of confidence behind the wheel.

Light and crisp electric-assist steering makes it easy to place the nimble little Mazda, which we also put to test at launch in a variety of motorkhana-inspired timed driving tests showcasing the Mazda2’s agility and ease of handling.

These included a reverse slalom, parallel and perpendicular parking, and short acceleration and braking test, whetting the competitive appetite of the media in attendance. [Note: this writer took home the gold.]

New seats, new seat trim and updated materials keep the 2023 Mazda2 in the game as far as its interior appeal is concerned.

It’s not the most tech-savvy or innovative in its design, but it also does nothing wrong. It’s a classic and familiar aesthetic, done well.

A tilt- and reach-adjustable steering wheel helps drivers big and small to get comfortable behind the wheel and the seats are supportive and very comfortable.

Storage solutions are satisfactory for a vehicle of this size, with small oddment storage, two cup holders, in-door bottle holders and a lidded arm rest. Two USB charge outlets are well-positioned in this mix.

The cabin fit and finish feels of a good quality and the use of a variety of finishes adds some visual appeal. The red trim in our Evolve variant looks great.

Unsurprisingly, the second row of the Mazda2 is a little snug, with limited headroom and legroom. Despite this, there’s enough width to see two adults seated fairly comfortably, while three kids could make do.

The lack of rear-seat amenity is representative of the price and light-car segment – no air vents, charge points or cup holders.

The 250-litre boot of the hatch means you’ll be packing light for weekends away and making use of the 60/40-split folding rear seats for larger loads.

You’ll find a temporary spare wheel beneath the boot floor.

For what it’s worth, the Mazda2 also has a 900kg braked towing capability.

Despite the price rises, the 2023 Mazda2 remains a good-value buy in the light-car segment.

The Mazda2 offers good equipment levels and enough safety tech that is likely to appeal to buyers young and old – first-car owners or downsizers.

Affordability and frugal running costs are also a win for the little Mazda.

Combined, the Mazda2’s fresh looks, ease of use, fit, finish and driving enjoyment see it maintain a class-leading package, for now.

2023 Mazda2 Evolve at a glance:
Price: $25,910 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol
Output: 81kW/142Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 5.0L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 117g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Not rated (previously five-star ANCAP 2015)

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