Marketed as the Demio in Japan through 2019, the Mazda2 was originally twinned with the Fiesta subcompact hatchback. The supermini became a true Mazda in 2014, dropping the Ford platform of its predecessor. A fun little car that was previously sold in the United States of America in the form of the badge-engineered Toyota Yaris iA sedan, the Mazda2 has entered the 2023 model year in the Oz.
Before anything, it should be mentioned that 2023 marks the second facelift of the 2. The first rolled out in 2019 with few changes to the styling, interior, suspension, headlights, and engine deceleration energy recovery system. 2019 is also when GVC Plus became standard, a clever system that applies brake force to the car's outer wheels as the steering wheel returns to the center position for improved stability.
The second facelift premiered in January 2023 for model year 2023 with more stylistic updates, including a black-painted or body-color front grille beautified by a color accent on the left side of the radiator grille. A different rear bumper also needs to be mentioned, along with new exterior paint colors.
Mazda further sweetens the deal with new grade-specific equipment, refreshed seat designs, new alloy wheels, and a more frugal engine pretty much sums up this fellow. The gateway model into Mazda's lineup comes in four- and five-door flavors in Australia, where the range comprises four grades. The sedan is available as the Pure and GT, whereas the hatchback can be had as the Pure, Pure SP, Evolve, and GT.
All come with the Japanese automaker's tried-and-tested 1.5er, a naturally-aspirated mill that belts out 82 kW and 144 Nm (circa 110 horsepower and 106 pound-feet) with the standard manual transmission. Opting for the automatic results in 81 kW and 142 Nm (109 horsepower and 105 pound-feet of twist).
Photo: Mazda
When it comes to cargo volume, the sedan is the more practical of the siblings due to 440 liters (15.5 cubic feet) as opposed to 250 liters (8.8 cubic feet) behind the rear seats (measured to the top of the cargo cover). Of course, the sedan and hatch feature a similar wheelbase: 2,570 millimeters or 101.2 inches.
There is no hybrid option to speak of, with Mazda offering a hybrid 2 only in Europe. In production since 2022, the fuel-sipping model is actually a badge-engineered Toyota Yaris Hybrid rather than a Mazda2. Turning our attention back to the Mazda2 for Australia, what stuff are you getting as standard?
In the Pure's case, a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay opens the list. Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Smart City Brake Support are highlights in their own right. At the other end of the spectrum, the GT flaunts aero-inspired alloy wheels, black leather, Grand Luxe synthetic suede, red trim, 360-degree View Monitor, and front parking sensors, among others.
Local pricing kicks off at 22,410 kangaroo bucks, meaning 14,460 freedom eagles at current exchange rates. Both the hatchback and sedan are manufactured in Thailand by AutoAlliance, a joint venture between Mazda and Ford Motor Company.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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