By Chad Lückhoff
Getting the best bang for your buck – Buying a used Mazda2 Hatch (2007 - 2014)
Getting the best bang for your buck – Buying a used Mazda2 Hatch (2007 - 2014)
We compare the third generation Mazda2 trim levels to see which one offers the best value for money after all these years.
The Mazda2 has turned out to be a rather successful little car for Mazda locally, enjoying a reasonable amount of success over the years. Now in its fourth generation, we look at the various trim levels you can expect to find in the previous, third generation.
Known as the Demio in the Japanese market, we first saw the third generation (DE) Mazda2 on our shores, landing in 2007 and running all the way up to 2014, when the fourth generation (DJ) replaced it. With the current, DJ-model still on floors, with no immediate replacement due, the DE-model is doing the rounds on the used car market.
If you're looking for a Mazda2 , a compact, well-rounded hatchback, here's what you will be looking at.
Spec levels:
Original
1.3-litre, 4-cylinder petrol
62kW and 121Nm
5.4l/100km
Original-spec models will come with the following features:
14-inch steel wheels with covers
Colour-coded bumpers
Black door handles
Body-coloured electric wing mirrors
Rear fog lamps
Electronic odometer
Low fuel warning
Manual heater control
Front door courtesy lamps
Door ajar and headlamp warning buzzer
Radio CD front loader with MP3 capability
AUX jack
4 speakers
Halogen headlamps
Electric windows (front)
Rear window demister
1-piece folding rear seat
Cloth seat trim
Front dual airbags
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)
Transponder immobiliser
ISOFIX mounting points
Remote central locking with keyless entry
Active
1.3-litre, 4-cylinder petrol
62kW and 121Nm
5.4l/100km
The Active models build on the Original models by including the same features but adding on the following:
Manual Air-conditioning
Dynamic
1.3-litre, 4-cylinder petrol
62kW and 121Nm
5.4l/100km
or
1.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol
76kW and 136Nm
5.9l/100km
Dynamic models take the standard spec of the Active models and bolster it further by adding the following features:
15-inch alloy wheels
Body-coloured door handles
Body-coloured rear spoiler
Front fog lamps
Sport appearance package
Driver information system
Exterior thermometer
Silver urethane steering wheel and gearknob
Steering mounted audio controls
Electric windows (front and rear)
60:40 split rear folding seat
Individual
The flagship of the Mazda2 DE model is the Individual spec model. Only available with the 1.5-litre engine and a 5-speed manual, the Individual included all of the trimmings of the Dynamic models but added:
16-inch alloys wheels
Electronic heater control
Automatic Air-conditioning
Leather covered steering wheel and gearknob
Radio/6-disc CD player with MP3 capability
6 speaker audio system
Auto headlamps
Rain sensor wipers
Curtain airbags, front and rear
Side airbags
Smart Start keyless entry
Our pick:
We would spring for the Individual model primarily due to the additional safety afforded the occupants. The additional airbags may be the difference between serious injury and walking away unscathed, and to us, that's worth the small additional premium.
It doesn't hurt that there's additional spec in the form of the climate control, electric windows at the rear and the addition of some leather trimmings, adding to a more luxury feel.