Top 4 things you need to know about the facelifted Mazda2
Featuring a more sophisticated design, new Skyactiv-Technologies and enhanced i-Activsense safety features, an upgraded version of the Mazda2, went on sale in December last year. Here are five reasons why we love the new Mazda2.
If you've been researching cars in this segment of the market, chances are you've done some homework on the Volkswagen Polo, Ford Fiesta and Honda Jazz, Kia Rio, Nissan Micra and Renault Clio already. If you haven't given the freshly-facelifted Mazda2 any thought yet, there are many reasons why we think it should be the hatchback to take up permanent residence in your garage.
1. It is known for its sporty driving dynamics
And the good news is that every Mazda2 in the lineup is fun to drive. There may only be one engine available, but it's quite a lively one with 82kW, which outperforms many of the cars in this segment. Mazdas are known for being driver's cars and you will relish taking the kids to school and driving to work in this dynamic little hatch. While the auto-gearbox and naturally-aspirated engine combination isn't perfect, it's only the petrol heads that may notice a bit of gear-hunting.
If you're looking for a slightly older Mazda2, it had its previous facelift in 2017.
Related: Kia Rio vs. Mazda2 vs. Opel Corsa: Which is the best value for money?
2. Build quality is top-notch
The Mazda2 is bolted together solidly and will last you a lifetime if you take care of it. Mazdas are also known for their good resale quality so you won't struggle to find a buyer when the time comes to upgrade to a Mazda3 or a CX-5.
"A new front seat design offers ideal occupant posture to minimise fatigue, and to enhance feeling of connection with the car. The leather and cloth combination seat trim, front and rear chrome bumper strip and shark-fin antenna from the Individual derivative offer superior styling and finish quality", states Mazda.
With the latest refresh, Mazda has also addressed the NVH issue (noise, vibration and harshness) for a quieter ride and less intrusion into the Mazda2's cabin by means of wind and road and noise.
Related: Top 3 Mazda2 articles on AutoTrader
3. It has an easy-to-use infotainment system and good ergonomics
I have always admired Mazda for their unobtrusive and user-friendly MZD Connect infotainment systems that are not touch-enabled.This allows the driver to focus on the road ahead instead of fiddling about on the screen. There's a controller dial atop the centre tunnel to access the different infotainment settings and functions so you're not distracted when you lean over the steering wheel to retrieve your favourite song from a certain folder on your USB stick.
“Doing our research, when a driver would reach towards a touch-screen interface in any vehicle, they would unintentionally apply torque to the steering wheel, and the vehicle would drift out of its lane position,” said Matthew Valbuena, Mazda North America’s lead engineer for HMI and infotainment.
Mazda says that "comfort and convenience on board have been improved through the availability of the Bluetooth hands-free system across the range". From the Dynamic model, an auto-dimming rear view mirror, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard features.
4. It's safer than before
All models now feature LED headlamps. ABS and EBD, brake assist, ISOFIX child seat anchorage points, a seat-belt warning (driver & passenger), 3-point seatbelts on all five seats, and an alarm system are standard. Active models have two airbags but in Dynamic models and upward, six airbags are standard, as well as an auto dimming rear-view mirror. Individual models have auto-folding mirrors, a reversing camera, and rear-parking sensors, while the Hazumi is fitted with rear-cross traffic alert to prevent you reversing into oncoming traffic or passers-by. For "smoother vehicle movements and handling", Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) is standard from Dynamic models and upwards.
Pricing for the new Mazda2
Mazda 1.5 Active: R 254 300
Mazda2 1.5 Dynamic: R 268 100
Mazda2 1.5 Dynamic auto: R 294 100
Mazda2 1.5 Individual: R 302 400
Mazda 1.5 Individual auto: R 318 400
Mazda 1.5 Hazumi auto: R 342 200
Build your own Mazda2 and compare specs here.
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