This small sedan has been a hit with Australians for years and the latest version adds a sporty look to the impressive package.
Small cars are great these days, but you will pay for the privilege. Let’s find out if the Mazda2 SP Pure is worth adding to your shopping list.
VALUE
Mazda’s four-tier compact hatchback range starts at around $ 24,900 drive-away for the base Mazda2 Pure and goes up to around $ 30,000 for the top-of-the-range GT version. We tested the $ 27,500 Pure SP, the second step on the ladder.
It’s expensive, but the days of sedans under $ 20,000 being thrown to early car buyers are over – only up-and-coming brands like China’s MG are playing in that space.
The SP adds a touch of sporty style to the 2. It has 16-inch black alloy wheels, black exterior details, a chrome exhaust and black fabric seats with contrasting red stitching.
A seven-inch center screen is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and features Bluetooth connectivity and digital radio.
Mazda covers its cars with an unlimited five-year / km warranty, and maintenance is limited to $ 1702 over five years.
COMFORT
The Mazda2 is small on the inside, even compared to rivals, but there’s enough manual adjustment in the driver’s seat for most people to find a comfortable seat, while the leather-wrapped steering wheel can be adjusted to reach.
The rear seat is narrow and best used for shorter trips. There are no vents or charging points in the back. A pair of USB charging ports and a 12V socket serve the first row. The hatch boot is very small at 250 liters, but sedan buyers will be pleasantly surprised by the large 440-liter boot, which will swallow an array of golf clubs.
The neat suspension helps smooth out bumps and road imperfections, but you’ll feel the bigger potholes as it struggles to get the car under control.
Tire roar and engine noise can be intrusive, but no more so than other small sedans.
SAFETY
Safety is Mazda’s strong point. There is a long list of standard equipment that outshines much more expensive machines.
The 2 will automatically brake if it detects a potential collision with a car or pedestrian and will pull the steering wheel to keep you in your lane if you turn around. Sensors also detect vehicles in your blind spot and sound the alarm if a car approaches from the side while reversing.
Other safety features include six airbags and a reversing camera with parking sensors.
GUIDE
The 2 isn’t meant to be a high-performance car, so frugality is the name of the game.
Power comes from a 1.5-liter four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 82 kW and 144 Nm. It feels snappy in traffic, but can sound rough when accelerated.
The 2 is one of the most dynamic small sedans. It has smooth steering and decent body control, making it a fun companion for a winding back road.
On the highway it looks stable and planted, but you will have to load it up to overtake.
Fuel consumption of 5.3 l / 100km is normal, but it only benefits from the need for cheaper unleaded petrol.
VERDICT 3.5 / 5
Safe, stylish, and affordable to run, but its price tag pushes it out of the realm of most first-car buyers.
ALTERNATIVE
Toyota Yaris Ascent Sport, about $ 27,200 per car
Expensive, but packed with safety features. Available as a hybrid.
Kia Rio GT Line, $ 27,990 in the car
Top-of-the-range with a sporty twist and a class-leading seven-year warranty. Not so good to drive.
MG3 Excites, $ 19,990
Cheap and cheerful, but impact protection, safety and road holding are poor.
MAZDA2 PURE SP VITAL
PRICE Approximately $ 27,500 by car
1.5-liter four-cylinder petrol ENGINE, 82kW and 144Nm
WARRANTY / MAINTENANCE Five years / unlimited miles, $ 1702 over five years
SAFETY 6 Airbags, Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Warning, Reversing Camera, Parking Sensors
THIRST 5.3 l / 100 km
SPARE Space-saving
BAGGAGE 250L
Originally published as 2022 Mazda2 SP Pure review