Mazda 2 hatchback review - Carbuyer

"The new Mazda2 is more spacious than the old model and has an excellent diesel engine. The petrol models lack the verve we hoped for, but the Mazda is both comfortable and fun to drive."

[jarobkid]

Saw one today, and it's one of the best looking superminis ever! I could not stop staring

[joaosoares]

The lack of a turbocharger is *exactly* why I bought the 2 over the Polo and the Fiesta. I have it in the 115hp level, though. 0-60 in 8.5 seconds, perfect throttle response and one less thing to break down in the long run. Couldn't be happier!

[TRASHoftheTITANS]

I recently picked up my 2016 1.5 Skyactiv-G 90 Sport. First impressions are as follows:

-It looks stunning. They're good looking cars in general, but imo the 16 inch alloys really lift it.
-The interior is a lovely place to be. Sport adds touches like nicer dials and a stitched leather dash. I think the front seats are also upgraded, as they have stiff side bolsters that really hug you in, not unlike the Recaros in a Fiesta ST, though mercifully they're quite a bit more comfortable and feel very supportive. I get the impression that a long journey would be pretty pain-free.
- The infotainment is excellent. Very simple to navigate, and the control dial on the centre console works smoothly. The DAB radio is one of the least frustrating I've used, and it hasn't cut out on me once. The speakers aren't the greatest (I reckon the thin door cards might have a part to play in that), but are perfectly acceptable.
- It's great fun to drive. The throttle response is sharp, the brakes are strong but progressive, and the gearshift is exactly as pleasing as the reviews claim. As I've found on some other Japanese cars, the clutch is very light and quite springy, which took me a bit of getting used to, but that didn't take long. In terms of handling, it feels extremely planted, and the lack of body roll is quite remarkable. The steering is precise and weights up nicely at speed, though there is a little bit of free play. But nonetheless, it won't disappoint a keen driver.
-The engine is a gem imo. It feels more than quick enough, and certainly doesn't need "thrashed" unless you're really hooning it. To make brisk progress, you just need to keep it in the power band; once the VVT kicks in at around 3.5k rpm, it pulls admirably. Bearing in mind it has a 7k rpm redline, I wouldn't exactly call that thrashing, more using the engine to its full potential (and NB, I averaged 52.8mpg on an hour's mixed run driving this way!) My previous car was a diesel, so I understand the appeal of a turbocharged engine's effortless low-down torque. But I didn't love having to change gear mid-overtake when it ran out of puff at 4k rpm, for example. The Mazda's power may require more effort to take advantage of, but I think it's much more flexible and rewarding in many situations.

Negative points? Nothing yet that isn't nitpicking. The auto-wipers are crap, but find me a car that has good ones. I also can't work out how to activate the stop-start system, but I would turn it off regardless. From my short time with it, I think I've made a great decision. A very underrated little car that's already making me smile, and I'm sure will serve me very well for years to come.

[coganada]

Just bought a Mazda2 2016 today as my first car!

[jimmyw]

Had the previous generation and I regret selling it. Probably the best car I have ever owned for fun, reliability and economy. I would have one again in a heartbeat!

[snnyburnett]

Thought you were some Call of Duty mic spammer at the beginning.

[Kzira]

I saw this in a car show and fell in love with it. It's so stylish and I like the interior. Will mostly use it for city driving. Can't wait for it to come to Canada :)

[xu]

Regarding the comment about it not having a turbo, learn how to use a gearbox. Overtaking at 40 mph put it in 3rd or 2nd.

[AsherPiesman]

Great review, was waiting for Carbuyers verdict on the new Mazda 2, especially since I drive the old one.

I think it would be first on my list if I was to buy a supermini

[HollywoodAttraction]

Not sure if it was a Mazda 2 review or ford fiesta ad ?!?

[nikitaind]

Come on, a naturally aspirated engine is much more fun. Even if you need to shift down more to overtake...

[UKAirscape]

Horribly distorted audio and some wobbly camerawork. On the upside, far less of the traditional CarBuyer massively overexposed footage. You win some, you lose some...

[misfit]

Looks nice and sounds more engaging than the Polo

[whateverbro]

It's wierd to see Matt Watson anywhere other than Carwow

[theodorelk]

thanx mazda, what a nice car it is. we car enthustics are still lucky thats there are still car manufacturers like, mazda, ford or alfa romeo, otherwise world would be really boring in the gray car empire of VW's and toyota's.

[Peppermint]

I'm 6ft tall. I went to sit in a 2015 Mazda 3 and had no feet space at the pedals. Then tried an CX5 and same problem. Then sat in a Mazda 2 and had perfect space for my legs not to mention I could sit behind the driver seat without being cramped. Funny how exterior dimensions mean nothing about interior leg room

[rustyfrombluey]

Mat: The opening is smaller. There’s a large boot lip to lift stuff over. Entry-level models don’t get split-folding rear seats. And you don’t get a flat load bay when you fold the seats down.
Yooka: You don’t fucking say?

[morishogo]

My average is 53mpg. and I’m not too careful how I drive. And where I drive there are many many uphills. So probably if you live where it's all straight consumption will be much better, even this is really good.

[aikonoklas]

Finally found a review by mat. Have been eyeing to buy one but need a little more convincing.. thanks

[LeoNidasPlayForFun]

Something's wrong with the microphone, or my ears are getting old?