Mazda 2 2024: Australian pricing and specifications confirmed

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The new Mazda 2 has arrived in Australia, freshly facelifted and with a mildly updated interior.

Some things are unchanged in the latest update, such as the engine outputs and 7.0-inch central infotainment screen, while the exterior styling changes are subtle. Prices have increased between $800 and $1200.

Mazda’s current generation 2 debuted in 2014. Along with the Toyota Yaris, Kia Rio and MG3, it is one of the only small hatchbacks left on the market as buyers switch en-masse to SUVs. The Mazda 2 is closely related to the CX-3 small SUV.

It’s unclear how long the Mazda 2 will continue on sale in its current form with its future somewhat in doubt but in the eyes of many, it remains an easy-to-drive and affordable little hatchback or sedan which is well suited to newer drivers.

All 2023 Mazda 2s use an 81kW/142Nm 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol, mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox and turning the front wheels.

The only alternative is optioning the six-speed manual in the entry-level Pure grade, which delivers more involvement and 82kW/144Nm.

Sold alongside the hatch, a sedan version with a much larger boot is available in Pure and GT trims.

Let’s take a look at the different grades – and what you get for your money.

Grade walk for the Mazda 2

The Mazda 2 comes generously equipped for an affordable small car.

Key 2023 Mazda 2 features include:

• 15-inch alloy wheels
• LED headlamps with auto function
• Cloth seats
• Cruise control
• Leather-wrapped gear shifter and steering wheel
• Auto wipers
• 7.0-inch touchscreen
• Wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
• DAB+
• Keyless push button start
• Front grille panel

G15 Pure SP adds:

• Black 16-inch alloy wheels
• Gloss black exterior mirrors
• Black carbon fibre style roof (vinyl)
• Shark fin antenna

G15 Evolve adds:

• Unique 16-inch alloys
• LED daytime running lights
• Body coloured mirrors
• Chrome exhaust extension
• Black cloth seats with red trim
• Climate control air conditioning
• Sat nav
• Mesh style grille (panel from Pures is deleted)

G15 GT adds:

• Black leather/Maztex and synthetic suede trim
• Advanced keyless entry
• 360-degree monitor
• Radar cruise control

The only cost options are paint. Six colours are free (including Air Stream Blue), while three others (including signature Soul Red Crystal) adds $595.

How safe is the Mazda 2 2023?

The Mazda 2 scored five stars in ANCAP crash testing in 2015, although the testing criteria has become far stricter since then. 

Mazda Australia will not supply a car to ANCAP for a new test and even if it did, it wouldn’t be able to score five stars as it lacks a central airbag and advanced autonomous emergency braking.

Such things would no doubt be introduced in an all-new generation Mazda 2 (as happened with the new generation Toyota Yaris), but the re-engineering in this ageing model would be too costly.

While a lack of ANCAP safety rating isn’t a good look, we can’t dismiss that 2015 test when this 2 crashed reasonably well. Positively, the high level of driver assist technology seen on 2023 cars – even on the entry level – is notable.

That includes the useful stuff drivers want in the real world. Front and rear auto emergency braking, blind spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert are found on all variants.

Standard safety inclusions are:

• Six airbags
• Blind spot monitor
• Emergency stop signal
• Lane departure warning
• Lane keep assist
• Rear parking sensors
• Rear cross traffic alert
• Reverse camera
• AEB with pedestrian detection
• City brake support reverse

G15 Evolve grade adds:

• Traffic sign recognition
• Active driving display (head up display)

G15 GT grade adds:

• 360-degree view monitor
• Radar cruise control
• Front parking sensors

Note that radar cruise control is only available on the range-topper.

Mazda 2 2023: prices in Australia

All prices listed are before on-road costs.

• Hatch G15 Pure manual: $22,410 (+$900)
• Hatch G15 Pure auto: $24,410 (+$900)
• Hatch G15 Pure SP auto: $25,210 (+$1200)
• Hatch G15 Evolve auto: $25,910 (+$800)
• Hatch G15 GT auto: $27,610 (+$1000)
• Sedan G15 Pure auto: $24,410 (+$900)
• Sedan G15 GT auto: $27,610 (+$1000)