Mazda2 Evolve hatch 2024 Review

Gone are the days of a full-size hatch starting at less than $20,000. Hence, apart from the price leading $19,990 MG3 (before ORCs), $25k seems to be the sweet spot in the light-car class.

Within the four-grade range, the 2024 Mazda2 Evolve hatch is a mid-to-high spec offering and is priced at $26,370 before on-road costs (ORCs).

Cheaper Mazda2s are available with the $22,870 Pure (manual – automatic is $2000 extra) and the $25,670 Pure SP , while the $28,070 GT rounds out proceedings.

In terms of mid-spec segment rivals, the Mazda2 Evolve lines up against the $25,990 Suzuki Swift GL Plus and the $24,800 Toyota Yaris Ascent Sport – although the latter is the entry-level variant.

A booted, four-door sedan is also offered in the Mazda2 line-up.

The main reason hatches no longer cost about $20k is because they now come packed with vastly more features, items buyers now expect even in the smallest offerings. The 2024 Mazda2 Evolve is a case in point.

The Evolve is high on the Mazda2 food chain, so it comes with a decent spread of niceties including sat-nav, head-up display, climate-control, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, LED headlights and 16-inch alloy wheels. Furthermore, wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, six-speaker audio, keyless entry, push-button start and four power windows are standard inclusions.

What you don’t get, in any version, is a rear centre armrest or rear air vents. However, there is a 60/40-split folding backrest for extra practicality when choosing between passenger and luggage space.

The Mazda2 Evolve’s warranty covers five years/unlimited kilometres and there’s a solid five-year Premium roadside-assist program that was introduced across the Mazda range in 2019.

Regular servicing is carried out at 12-month or 10,000km intervals for up to seven years or 100,000km, with total ‘estimated’ costs over that period coming to $3037.

The 2024 Mazda2 Evolve hatch doesn’t skimp on safety kit.

It gains six airbags, low-speed autonomous emergency braking (AEB) in forward and reverse, pedestrian avoidance, lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, rear and side cameras and road-sign recognition.

While you’re hardly left wanting for more in the Evolve grade, especially compared to rivals, you must step up to the GT variant to gain adaptive cruise control.

It’s also worth noting that the smallest Mazda no longer receives an ANCAP safety rating given its original five-star score from 2015 has expired.

If you’re averse to a plethora of touch-screens, the 2024 Mazda2 Evolve will please.

That’s not to say it isn’t up to date in terms of technology, with the 8.0-inch infotainment screen offering smartphone connectivity and touch inputs – just not while you’re on the move. Instead, you’ll need to access the centrally located rotary dial to navigate various menus.

Other universal gear like Bluetooth, digital radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto feature, but in a cabin with only one USB port, it’s slightly frustrating that both CarPlay and Android Auto are wired only.

There hasn’t been a lot of change in this department since the Mazda2’s launch, and the DJ series continues with minor tweaks.

Unsurprisingly, then, the 2024 Mazda2 Evolve hatch is powered by the familiar 1.5-litre naturally aspirated Skyactiv-G engine. Minimal changes have resulted in claimed benefits to fuel economy and CO2 emissions, but power and torque outputs remain unchanged at 82kW and 144Nm respectively.

Fuel consumption and emissions figures for the 2024 Mazda2 Evolve hatch have indeed reduced. The overall economy improves to 5.0L/100km from 5.3, while tailpipe emissions are cut by 6g/km to 117.

Throughout our week behind the wheel in varied driving conditions the Mazda2 Evolve recorded 6.0L/100km. Despite not meeting the manufacturer claim, it’s a promising result.

Mazda doesn’t offer a more efficient hybrid powertrain, but this might change in the future via potential collaborations with Toyota and Subaru.

Mazda’s Zoom Zoom mentality isn’t lost on the 2024 Mazda2 Evolve hatch.

There’s surprising on-road alacrity, with the pint-size four-cylinder engine utilising all its 82kW. And it works well, to a point, pairing with the in-house six-speed automatic amicably.

With 1.5 litres and 144Nm, there’s enough pulling power for commutes around the ’burbs and the CBD, but on the open road with inclines, downshifts are incessant. Selecting Sport mode for the auto only exacerbates the eager-shifting gearbox’s characteristics, so keen drivers will tend to make regular use of the standard paddle shifters.

Appreciably, for a stumpy hatch, the ride quality is absorbent enough. Harshness is only revealed when covering severally rutted surfaces, which would be worse if it weren’t for the chubby profile of the 185/60 R16 tyres.

The steering is quick enough at 2.8 turns lock to lock, resulting in a nifty 9.8-mtere turning circle, while the weighting is appropriately light for what is essentially a city runabout.

The Japanese marque has garnered a reputation for quality interiors and, despite its age, the 2024 Mazda2 Evolve hatch lives up the hype.

Minimal changes were made in the 2023 update, but it remains an appealing place to be. The cabin utilises generally intuitive controls, tasteful detailing and there is a quality feel.

The front seats might be manually adjusted and bereft of any heating or cooling, but the contrastingly stitched Alcantara fabric trim helps the ambience no end.

Storage amenities are a little on the sparse side. There are door bins at the front only, a single pocket behind the front passenger’s seat and no central cubby/armrest – just a slot aft of the automatic shifter on the central console that contains twin cupholders.

Legroom in the back is cramped with four adults on board and there’s not a lot of shoulder or headroom, either – all of which is pretty much a given in the tiny-tot segment.

The Evolve hatch’s 250-litre boot (with a space-saver spare) is among the smallest of its class, exonerated only by the 60/40-split folding rear seats. This, along with the deep and wide opening, makes the hatch potentially more useful than the four-door sedan.

The 2024 Mazda2 Evolve hatch is a known product that leaves little in the way of potential ownership surprises.

The latest refresh brings meaningful tech and style updates to the esteemed light-car offering.

At its core, Hiroshima’s smallest model passes muster, with the Evolve grade being a happy medium between price and equipment. Overall, the Mazda2 remains a solid choice within the ever-thinning light-car tussle.

2024 Mazda2 Evolve hatch at a glance:
Price: $26,370 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol
Output: 82kW/144Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 5.0L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 117g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Not tested

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