Mazda 2 review - Interior, design and technology
Eye-catching exterior and a stylish interior ensure the Mazda 2 has plenty of showroom appeal
Mazda has applied its Kodo design language to the 2, and as a result it looks very much like a scaled-down version of the Mazda 3 hatchback. There’s the familiar trapezoidal grille that features the brand’s chrome-finished ‘wing design’ insert first seen on the Mazda 6 saloon, while elsewhere you’ll spot the bold creases and curves along the car’s flanks, the swooping roofline and the steeply rising waist. It looks a bit heavy-handed and bulbous at the rear, but overall the 2 is a smart and distinctive small car.
All models get body-coloured door mirror housings and a subtle tailgate spoiler, while SE-L models can be identified by 15-inch alloys and front fog lights. Sport cars get larger 16-inch wheels, LED daytime running lights, a gloss black grille and rear privacy glass. The 2017 update included new seat fabrics, a new steering wheel and revised door mirrors.
The eye-catching design continues inside, where Mazda has attempted to push the 2 upmarket. For instance, the neatly styled dashboard gets a trio of eyeball air vents (the fourth is cleverly hidden in the facia below the infotainment touchscreen) that feature controls with an Audi-style, metal-effect knurled finish. Another highlight is the large speedometer flanked by digital readouts for the rev counter and trip computer.
Yet while the cabin looks smart and is robustly constructed, it can’t match the Volkswagen Polo for premium appeal. There are few soft-touch materials, while the plastics covering the top of the dash and door trims look and feel a little low rent. Also, the rear doors shut with a tinny clang.
On the plus side, soft leather covers the steering wheel and gearlever, while the switchgear feels sturdy in its operation.
Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment
All Mazda 2 models include a high-definition seven-inch touchscreen and command wheel controller with a clear and intuitive menu system that’s very straightforward to use. Integrated sat-nav is available on all trim-levels, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
Which Is Best
Cheapest
- Name1.5 Skyactiv G 75 SE-L 5dr
- Gearbox typeManual
- Price£16,360
Most Economical
- Name1.5 e-Skyactiv G SE-L 5dr
- Gearbox typeManual
- Price£17,260
Fastest
- Name1.5 e-Skyactiv G 115 GT Sport Tech 5dr
- Gearbox typeManual
- Price£20,710