Mazda 2 2022: new G15 Pure SP hatch to join line-up by year’s end

Mazda has expanded its ‘black pack’ SP exterior treatment to a new Mazda 2 variant – the Pure SP hatch – and introduced subtle running changes for 2022.

Wedged between the G15 Pure and G15 Evolve in the 2022 Mazda 2 line-up is a new G15 Pure SP variant, designed to add some sporting visual flavour to Mazda’s ageing but likeable light hatch.

Pricing for the Pure SP is yet to be announced, however it is likely to sit somewhere around the $24,000 mark.

Arriving in Australia “toward the end of 2021”, the G15 Pure SP debuts what Mazda describes as a “sporty” variant for the now seven-year-old Mazda 2.

With identical engine outputs to the models above and below it, the biggest change to the Pure SP is a series of exterior and interior ‘black pack’ additions.

Black paint now adorns the 16-inch alloy wheels, exterior mirrors, grille and exhaust tip. The interior sees the same dark-and-sinister treatment with black cloth upholstery and red accents scattered throughout.

Mazda 2 SP 2022 hatch — The Mazda 2 Pure SP gets a sportier look with black accents inside and out.

In addition to these unique-to-SP features, the 2022 Mazda 2 now scores rear seatbelt reminders and will be also available in a new Platinum Quartz Metallic hue. Polymetal Grey, which was already available on the hatch, is now available on the sedan as well.

This new ‘SP’ trim will exclusively be offered on the hatchback Mazda 2, leaving the less popular sedan bodystyle to stick with its silver accents.

Mazda Australia Managing Director Vinesh Bhindi said the new model will elevate the Pure range, which reportedly accounted for over half of Mazda 2’s 2021 sales.

“In 2021 Mazda 2 has demonstrated its ongoing appeal and strong safety credentials, with increased sales and share in the light vehicle segment,” he said.

Mazda 2 SP 2022 sedan — The Mazda 2 sedan will not receive the black-out pack, but will get a rear seatbelt reminder.

Power will come from Mazda’s existing 1.5-litre Skyactiv-G four-cylinder petrol engine which produces 82kW of power and 144Nm of torque. Disappointingly, a six-speed automatic will be the only transmission available on the Pure SP hatch – not Mazda’s excellent (and sporty!) six-speed manual.

The Pure SP will sit below the Mazda 2 G15 Evolve and GT trim levels, which feature more advanced equipment such as LED daytime running lights, auto-folding mirrors, an active driving display, leather upholstery, rain-sensing wipers, front parking sensors and adaptive cruise control.

The Mazda 2 is the next car in the greater Mazda line-up to get the SP treatment, following on from the CX-5, CX-8, CX-9, CX-30, Mazda 3 and Mazda 6.