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2015 Mazda2 Hazumi Tested: Skyactiv or Hyperactive?

They called it the 2014 Demio in Japan, the 2015 Mazda2 in Europe and the 2016 Mazda2 in America – it's the same car, and we liked it quite a lot.
2015 Mazda2 review 1 photo
Photo: Catalin Garmacea
The outgoing Mazda2 was based on an old Fiesta, but it handled decently. This one though is Skyactiv from the ground up and goes round corners with the vigor of a MINI. Being one of the biggest models in its class certainly has its advantages, as both legroom and luggage space have been increased.

However, those aren't its best traits. From the first moment you step inside, you know the 2015 Mazda2 is something special. The interior seems like it's been pulled out of an Audi A1, with plenty of modern design features and a 7-inch tablet perched on top of the dash.

The model we tested had the "Hazumi" trim level, which we would recommend to those looking for a cheap alternative to a MINI Cooper. You sit on bright red fabric seats, grab the wheel and press the starter button. A high-revving naturally aspirated engine is at your disposal while the 5-speed manual gearbox feels like it's been taken from a Miata.

The new Mazda2's engine range is made up entirely from 1.5-liter four-cylinder mills. There are three different power outputs for the petrol version, of which we'd recommend the 115 hp top-spec one. Mazda has also developed a new diesel engine with 105 hp that will be shared with the upcoming CX-3 crossover.

The number of premium features they've been able to cram into such a small vehicle is unusual. You can option leather seats, a heads-up display, blind-spot and lane monitoring, or a 6-speed automatic. It's not bad from a design point of view either, but the Fiesta is still a bit better looking from the front.

To find out if the 2015 Mazda2 can compete on equal footing with the Volkswagen Polo or Ford Fiesta, read our full review.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
Mihnea Radu profile photo

Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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