I want a Mazda2, what are my options?
If you need a basic no-fuss car, an entry-level Mazda2 like the SE or TS would be a good choice. While not the most high-spec, the nippy engine is great for getting you from A to B.
Upgrade to a mid-level trim such as the Sport for a more enjoyable driving experience – air-conditioning, cruise control, and alloy wheels feature as standard. Newer models can come with a sat-nav and touchscreen infotainment system if your budget will stretch a little further.
The top-level trims boast an impressive spec of equipment, but expect to pay more here. The Sports Nav+, for example, comes with cruise and climate control, parking sensors, sat-nav, Bluetooth, and touchscreen infotainment systems as standard.
| Standard safety features on all models | Standard equipment on all models |
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*Standard on models manufactured from 2011 onward
Older Mazda’s are more varied in model and engine size: those manufactured before 2014 are available as either three or five-door, with engine sizes of 1.3L, 1.5L, or 1.6L. From 2015 onward, all models manufactured are five-door with 1.5L engines. Turbo-charged engines are available, which can reach 60 mph in roughly 9.4 seconds.
The Mazda2 is generally reasonable on insurance cost, including for younger drivers. Newer models with larger engines can cost more overall on insurance, tax, and fuel – the average fuel usage (50.8-62 mpg) is fairly high for a supermini.
What can I get for my money?
Newer or more advanced trims have much higher specifications. The entry-level models are pretty basic, but you can pay to upgrade equipment.
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- As standard, models manufactured from 2015 come with air-conditioning, alloy wheels, hill-hold assist, and USB/auxiliary input. Older models with a more advanced trim may feature these, but the entry-level specifications most likely won’t. For example, the TS trim doesn’t include air-conditioning as standard and has restricted upgrade options.
- High specification features include cruise control, climate control, parking sensors, start/stop functionality, sat-nav, heated seats and mirrors, Bluetooth, and a touchscreen infotainment system. These come as standard on some models, and are available as upgrades on others. While tempting, these features will bump the price up.
A critique of the Mazda2 is lack of interior space and comfort, especially when compared to rivals like the Skoda Fabia. The boot capacity is a fairly standard 280L, and stands in line with the majority of its competition. The rear seats can be folded on some models to give a bigger boot, however this isn’t possible for entry-level models.
The verdict?
If you’re looking to keep running costs and repayments down without compromising on quality and experience, the Mazda2 probably isn’t the ideal car for you – rivals like the Vauxhall Corsa or Skoda Fabia might be better options. However, if you’re willing to stretch your budget for a higher spec model, a well-equipped mid-high level trim could be worth the extra.
