2024 Mazda 2 Facelift Review

The third generation of the Mazda 2 first when on sale in 2014. Today, we are still reviewing the Mazda 2, but this time it has received its 2nd and final facelift.

We’d be lying if we said we weren’t hoping for an all new generation, as has been rumoured for quite some time.

However, in a recent exclusive interview with CarSauce, Mazda Australia Head of Marketing Alastair Doak agreed that more resources were being placed into the burgeoning and higher margin Large Platform vehicles; SUVs like the CX-60 and CX-90.

And this is not the first Mazda this year to receive a very minor facelift – arguably, the Mazda 3 was even less upgraded.

So today we want to answer the question, is the facelifted 2024 Mazda 2 still a good budget small hatchback despite its age? Let’s take a look!

How much does the 2024 Mazda 2 cost?

When the Mazda 2 3rd generation was first released in 2014, you could get into the range for $14,990 AUD driveaway.

This marks an almost $12,000 AUD price increase in 2023 (when not accounting for inflation)

It’s worth noting that you can purchase a sedan body style as a no-cost option; meaning this is Australia’s almost cheapest sedan – that honour goes to the new MG5.

Here's a breakdown of how much the 2024 Mazda 2 costs (before on-road costs):

Pure:

• Manual: $22,290
• Auto: $24,290 (Sedan available no cost option)

Pure SP:

• Auto: $25,090

Evolve:

• Auto: $25,790

GT:

• Auto: $27,490 (Sedan available no cost option)

What has changed for the facelifted Mazda 2?

Here are all of the changes for the Mazda 2:

• Redesigned front bumper.
• Updated LED running lights on higher trims.
• New black or body-colour grille.
• Hatchback versions and flagship GT sedan feature a redesigned rear bumper.
• Colour accent added to the front grille and rear bumper, reminiscent of CX-5 Touring Active and GT SP models.
• Nine exterior paint options, introducing Aero Grey Metallic and Airstream Blue Metallic.
• Soul Red Crystal Metallic, Machine Grey Metallic, and Polymetal Grey Metallic available at an extra $595.
• Entry-level Pure and Pure SP models offer dash trims in Pure White, Mirror Black, or Mint based on exterior paint.
• Pure SP has an additional black film on the roof.
• Evolve and GT interiors are black with red accents on seat stitches and air vent surrounds.
• Engine has been slightly retuned, reducing CO2 emissions and improving claimed fuel economy – but with a slight decrease in power to 81kW (-1kW) and 141Nm (-3Nm)
• All models, excluding the base Pure version, now feature a shark fin antenna over the traditional design.

GT model comes with:‍

• Semi-leather seating.
• Red and black dashboard.
• Aero-inspired multi-spoke alloy wheels.
• ‘Chrome’ dual exhaust ends.
• Adaptive Cruise Control

What do we think of the updated exterior design for Mazda 2?

Compared to the more popular MG3 and venerable Kia Picanto, the Mazda 2 is to us the most elegant.

The front looks best with the new body coloured panel, and the updated LED daytime running lights are a nice touch.

The updated alloy wheel designs are also very good looking despite being small, but that’s better for ride comfort (as we’ll talk about in the driving section!)

For us though, the lack of updates to the rear – bar the redesigned bumper with a yellow tag if Pure or Pure SP or red for the Evolve and GT trims – is a bit disappointing.

But again, it could be described as elegant.

The coloured tags is a curious one for us though – if you get the cheaper model, everyone will know based on the yellow tag.

It’s a small thing, but manufacturers have been moving away from trim designations due to social pressures.

On the one hand, it does admittedly look cool, on the other hand, everyone knows you spent less.

What’s the interior and connectivity like of the Mazda 2?

Although we spent time in every trim for the launch program, we spent hours in the Evolve SP which has received some of the biggest changes; mainly, the mint dashboard insert.

Admittedly, it does look really, really cool.

Otherwise though, the interior is starting to feel its almost 10 year age.

The 7” display is one of the lowest resolutions on the market, for any car. Functionally, it’s okay – it can act as a touchscreen (but only when stopped, with the car in park and the handbrake up).

In fact, most controlling comes from the small control joystick and buttons in the centre console which is actually quite intuitive to use.

Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is available along with 2 USB-A ports, however it is worth noting that both the Kia Picanto and MG3 get bigger 8” infotainment displays – both touchscreen – and with Wireless phone connectivity.

Where the Mazda 2 excels, however, is the build quality and layout. This is one of the most solid feeling cars with a sub-$30,000 price tag.

The air-conditioning controls, while manual in most grades, is easy to control and is surprisingly powerful.

The instrument cluster in front of you – while no frills and with a small ‘digital’ display – is actually quite aesthetically pleasing and again, does the job.

Even the steering wheel is a very nice leather unit no matter the trim you get.

Arguably most importantly however – the seats – are about as comfortable as you can get with plenty of adjustment and support.

We spent around 3 hours driving the Mazda 2 over some battered country roads, and were taken aback by how we didn’t give the seats a second thought – and that is a good sign!

Although we wish the tech was upgraded in the Mazda 2, and with most of the changes being for the GT model, we still walk away thinking that the Mazda 2 is one of the most grown up small hatches out there.

I guess if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it.

What about the back seats of the Mazda 2?

Let’s be honest with ourselves, you’re never going to carry 3 adults in the back of a Mazda 2 (although technically speaking, you can.)

Even at 5’11” I don’t have much room behind my drivers position. But, I can’t say I’m surprised and you won’t really find better in the class.

However, toe-room and head-room are both great, which is truly impressive to see.

The rear seats are again nice and supportive, although amenities – again as you would expect – are lacking.

How much can it fit in the boot of the Mazda 2?

Although not much on paper, the boot space in the Mazda 2 is surprisingly good.

At 250L (yes, we hate these litre measurements as much as you), it’s technically less than both the Kia Picanto and MG3.

But in practice, its enough for a larger suitcase and a half, and of course you can drop the rear seats.

Under the floor you also get a space saver spare wheel.

Although if you want to see a competitor that has a weirdly enormous boot – and is also quite hilarious – you need to check out the Suzuki Ignis.

What’s under the bonnet of the facelift Mazda 2?

Powering the Mazda 2 is an adequate 1.5L 4 cylinder engine that has received a minor update to its tuning.

The 2024 Mazda 2 now puts out 81kW of power and 142Nm of torque.

Although down on power by 1kW and down on torque by 2Nm, this is 100% NOT noticeable. However, according to Mazda, this does improve CO2 emissions but also fuel economy.

It’s worth noting that we saw an average fuel economy of 5.9L/100km, which is higher than they claim (5.0L/100km for Auto, 5.3L/100km for Manual)but still fantastic for the way we drove (we’re monkeys).

How does the facelifted Mazda 2 drive?

It may be an ageing car, but boy does the Mazda 2 impress on the road.

Sure, it may be the usual front-wheel drive formula literally every economy hatch is, but the dynamics of the Mazda 2 are truly something else.

Well, that is until you floor it. The 6-speed automatic is clearly trying its best to keep the naturally aspirated 4 cylinders revving as high as needed to keep the engine in its happy RPM band.

It’s not uncommon, however, in this class of small hatch. What is uncommon though is the ride quality.

It has one of the nicest rides of any car south of $30,000 AUD. It’s nice and soft when cruising down the road, and when upset by bigger bumps it truly eats these with ease.

No one will claim that the Mazda 2 has S-Class levels of refinement, but as far as this class of car goes, it does.

Most of the time you don’t feel the lack of engine power or torque, and popping the Mazda 2 into sports mode, be prepared to have the RPM needle north of 4000 RPM as it works that engine to its limits.

We tested the 0-100km/h sprint in 11.81 seconds, which is about right for what we expect – if not slightly faster than the Kia Picanto GT-Line or MG3.

It’s almost arguable (… almost!) that you don’t need to make a new generation of Mazda 2 when it drives this well.

Is the 2024 Mazda 2 safe?

This is where things get a little spicy for Mazda.

It was previously rated at 5 star ANCAP, but that expired in 2022 with no plans to retest the car due to the pricey multi-million dollar investment to do so.

In a recent interview with CarSauce however, Mazda assured us that their car remains safe, with previously crash tested cars and simulations, 6 airbags, etc.

All models come standard with:

• AEB in forward and reverse
• Lane departure warning
• Lane-keep assist
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Traffic sign recognition
• Reversing camera
• Rear parking sensors
• Seat-belt warning for all passengers
• 6 x airbags

G15 Evolve Adds:

• Traffic sign recognition

G15 GT Adds:

• 360-view camera
• Front parking sensors
• Adaptive cruise control

How much does the 2024 Mazda 2 cost to service?

The 2024 Mazda 2 comes with a five-year warranty with unlimited kilometers.

All variants, whether manual or automatic, need maintenance either annually or every 15,000 kilometres, depending on which milestone is reached earlier.

Mazda provides fixed-price servicing for the initial seven years or up to 105,000 kilometres.

Mazda 2 Manual:

• 12 months or 15,000km: $334
• 24 months or 30,000km: $526
• 36 months or 45,000km: $396
• 48 months or 60,000km: $526
• 60 months or 75,000km: $473
• 72 months or 90,000km: $587
• 84 months or 105,000km: $334
• Total: $3176

Mazda 2 Automatic:

• 12 months or 15,000km: $334
• 24 months or 30,000km: $526
• 36 months or 45,000km: $396
• 48 months or 60,000km: $526
• 60 months or 75,000km: $334
• 72 months or 90,000km: $587
• 84 months or 105,000km: $334
• Total: $3037

What does CarSauce think about the Mazda 2?

As much as we had hoped that a new generation Mazda 2 was around the corner, honestly, you wouldn’t need it.

The Mazda 2 remains one of those cars that is truly a jack of all trades whilst not being a burden on your wallet.

Is it more expensive than before? Yes. Has a lot changed? Not really.

But it still gets the fundamentals right to just about justify it’s ‘higher than competitor’ price tag.