Mazda2 G15 Pure Hatch 2020 Review

The Mazda2 G15 Pure is a well-equipped five-door city hatch. The Pure is at the entry level of the Mazda2’s three model grades – covering the G15 Pure, G15 Evolve and G15 GT – and the only specification that supports a manual transmission.

Automatic is optional, while all other 2020 Mazda2 variants are auto-only.

The Mazda2’s main rivals have historically spanned the broad light car segment, but the move upmarket with the 2020 model now sees the Mazda2 as a premium contender lining up against Euro superminis such as the Volkswagen Polo and Skoda Fabia.

The new Toyota Yaris has also made a similar move to now start from more than $22,000 at the entry level, which is a marker that also brings traditional small cars – positioned in the next segment up – into play.

We’re testing the six-speed manual hatchback version of the Mazda2 here, which we think best exploits its small engine characteristics.

As well as having to pay more for an auto, the Pure dispenses with a few niceties available on the more expensive Mazda2 variants.

Radar cruise, front parking sensors, 360-degree camera, leather trim, LED running lights with auto on/off function, traffic sign assist, rain-sensing wipers and 16-inch alloys are all items you’ll have to do without.

The Mazda2 G15 Pure retails for $20,990 plus on-road costs. That’s definitely getting up there for an entry-level light car, but it can back that price up with an impressive list of features and performance.

Powering the Mazda2 G15 Pure’s svelte 1050kg frame is a 1.5-litre normally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine putting out a modest 82kW of power and 144Nm of torque.

What’s of note (and not surprisingly for a small-capacity engine) is that maximum torque figure is achieved at a rather high 4000rpm and the power figure at 6000rpm – making for a tight operating window for maximum pulling power. This sounds bad on paper but it’s actually quite zippy in the real world.

Opting for the six-speed automatic transmission will set you back an extra $2000, but there are not many other options to consider.

Standard safety equipment on the base-grade Mazda2 includes Smart City Brake (autonomous emergency braking) for both forward and reversing situations, rear cross traffic alert, lane keep assist, a reversing camera, and much more.

Infotainment is taken care of via a 7.0-inch colour screen, controlled by touch when stationary or by a rotary dial on the centre console at all times.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity is included, and perhaps the only thing missing of any note is satellite navigation which is available as an option.

If we’re honest, though, who uses the car’s satnav when you have smartphone mirroring anyway?

You should consider the Mazda2 G15 Pure if you’ve got small car tastes on a light car budget.

Indeed, if you can’t quite stretch your pennies to that small car category, fear not: the Mazda2 G15 Pure has you covered – for the most part.

In the light versus small car comparison, I can really only see the Mazda2’s 250-litre boot space as the defining factor – but even then it’s debatable.

The larger Toyota Corolla Hybrid hatch, for example, only has just over a 200-litre volume; and although small, the Mazda2’s cargo area is deep and has a practical shape.

Over the course of a week, we carried a few bulky items and were still be able to shut the hatch without having to drop the 60/40-split folding rear seats.

There’s just enough passenger space but, as expected, good luck trying to seat three adults across the back. Three kids would be just fine.

In the cabin, you may be excused for thinking that you’re in a much more expensive or even prestige vehicle, with Mazda’s clean, minimalistic lines and unmistakeable quality feel.

The Mazda2’s seating position is also spot-on, with some obvious thought going towards driver ergonomics. The gear-lever is positioned on the higher side and minimises the reach, for example.

Who will the 2020 Mazda2 G15 Pure appeal to?

The Mazda2 G15 Pure is a book-end car – appealing to the young, single driver starting out and the older driver looking to downsize.

It will be attractive for parents looking to help out with the kids’ first car and having the peace of mind of five-star safety.

The small boot probably shifts the focus away from young families; however, a pram does fit in the boot (just) and the rear seat is equipped with ISOFIX anchor points.

It’s fair to say that the Mazda2’s dimensions are perfectly suited to the city, but the manual gearbox may eventually wear you down. There’s always the auto but that starts to show up the low-output engine’s shortcomings.

If you can see yourself zipping through town, shifting cogs and nipping in and out of tight spots, then the Mada2 Pure should definitely be on your radar.

So, what do we think of the 2020 Mazda2 G15 Pure?

In a nutshell, I really rate the Mazda2 G15 Pure.

The level of finish, safety and connectivity tech is impressive. For example, it has one of the best lane assist programs I’ve experienced; I felt it was working with me, not against me, like most others.

When I drive a little hatch like this, I still can’t help but be amazed why anyone would opt instead for a small SUV or crossover.

The 2 gives nothing away in terms of technology and safety but performs so much better.

It’s low, light and engaging.

Granted, you must work the little engine hard and choose the correct gear to extract the best performance, but that’s part of its appeal!

It even performed admirably around our test track – the Mazda G-Vectoring Control Plus handling and stability support system works a treat – putting much more powerful cars to shame both in lap-time and feel. [Ed: Luke instructs at Norwell near the Gold Coast and we can’t beat the racer out of him!]

The Mazda2’s engine output of 82kW doesn’t sound like a lot but this hatch scampers like it has 120.

This is an everyday city car with performance beyond its station that seems to balance the right mix of power, handling, tech and feel.

How good is a little manual runabout when you love the art of driving?

In the case of the Mazda2 G15 Pure, I can tell you – very good!

How much does the 2020 Mazda2 G15 Pure cost?
Price: $20,990 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol
Output: 82kW/144Nm
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Fuel: 5.3L/100km combined
CO2: 123g/km
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2015)