- Doors and Seats
5 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
1.5i, 4 cyl.
- Engine Power
81kW, 141Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (91) 4.9L/100KM
- Manufacturer
FWD
- Transmission
Auto
- Warranty
5 Yr, Unltd KMs
- Ancap Safety
5/5 star (2015)
2018 Mazda 2 review
The Japanese brand’s smallest offering has been one of the most popular choices in the city car market.
The Mazda2 has been a Drive favourite for years, winning its class at Drive Car of the Year for two consecutive years because it brings a level of polish and sophistication to the affordable end of the new car market.
How many models can I choose from?
There’s plenty of choice in the range, with Mazda offering both a five-door hatch and four-door sedan. The hatch is available in four trim linee - Neo, Maxx, Genki and GT - with the sedan missing out on the Genki variant. You can choose between either the hatch or sedan based on your preference as Mazda prices them the same.
All come equipped with the same 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and six-speed manual transmission as standard, with the choice of a six-speed automatic for an extra $2000.
What do they cost?
Neo - $14,990
Maxx - $17,690
Genki (hatch only) - $20,690
GT - $21,680
Any options that I need to know about?
Mazda has been generous with the standard gear, even metallic paint is included in the cost. The only exception is the brand’s hero colour - Soul Red - which will add $300 to your bill.
Is it expensive to own?
While not the cheapest small car to service, with a minor visit costing $291 and a major $320, over three years you’re still only spending $902 to keep your 2 in tip-top shape.
Any issues I need to know about?
The strength of recent Mazdas has been the simplicity. There’s no turbocharged engines or dual-clutch transmissions potentially causing expensive problems. Plus Mazda has recently joined the five-year warranty club, for extra peace-of-mind.
Which is the most economical model?
The Neo gets the less sophisticated version of the engine, producing 79kW of power and 139Nm of torque compared to 81kW/141Nm from the Maxx upwards, which has a higher compression ratio cylinder head.
That also helps improve fuel economy, so the Maxx, Genki and GT all manage a claimed 4.9-litres per 100km on the combined cycle when equipped with the automatic gearbox.
Which is the safest model?
Mazda has been a leader in the safety stakes in the city car class. When this generation Mazda2 launched it was available with autonomous emergency braking as a $400 option across the range; something few other city cars could match at the time.
In 2017 Mazda made it standard across the range and added it for reversing too for Maxx grades and up. But it’s the Genki and GT that boast the most safety gear with blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert as standard fit.
Which is the best model to drive?
Another new addition for the update introduced in 2017 is Mazda's G-Vectoring Control, which is designed to improve handling by subtly braking individual front wheels when cornering. Not that the Mazda2 needed much help in this department as it was already one of the nicest city cars to drive, but it feels even more sure-footed - like a bigger model - and is just at home on a country road as it is in the urban grind.
Given the similarities between them our pick of the range is the Maxx, with its better engine than the Neo and 15-inch alloy wheels providing a more comfortable ride than the bigger rimmed Genki and GT.
Should I buy one now?
Mazda doesn’t have any current offers on the Mazda2 - which isn’t surprising given its continued popularity - and the next generation isn’t due until 2021, when it may become a crossover. So if you like the current model then there’s no reason to wait.
Where's the sweet spot?
For its blend of comfortable ride, zippy engine, excellent handling and affordable price and value equation our choice of the Mazda2 range is the Maxx. It may have lost its Best City Car title from our annual awards (to the more spacious Volkswagen Polo), but it's still a fine choice for those looking for a small car that is big on quality.