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Expert Rating

Mazda 2

(2015 – present)

Expert Rating

New car score:

63
%
C

Used car score:

69
%
B

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

64
%
C

Safety Rating:

53
%
D

Eco Rating:

72
%
A

Reliability Rating:

78
%
C

Running Costs:

72
%
A

How are our Expert Rating scores calculated?

Expert Rating

New car score:

63
%
C

Used car score:

69
%
B

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

64
%
C

Safety Rating:

53
%
D

Eco Rating:

72
%
A

Reliability Rating:

78
%
C

Running Costs:

72
%
A

Summary


The Mazda 2 (styled by the company as the Mazda2) is a small, supermini-class five-door hatchback. The current model is the third generation to carry the ‘2’ name, following on from previous small Mazdas known as 121 or Demio.

The current-generation was launched in late 2014, and received a major update in late 2019. There have been various limited-edition specifications over the years, and the 1.5-litre diesel model has been dropped along the way.

The car was given a facelift in 2023, which renamed the trims on offer, introduced some minor cosmetic changes and a higher standard specification. The lead-in ‘Centre-Line’ and ‘Exclusive-Line’ trims now come with a body-coloured grille insert, while the top-spec ‘Homura’ and ‘Homura Aka’ grades sport a black honeycomb grille.

The Mazda 2 has received positive reviews from the UK motoring media over the last five years, although more recent reviews do rate it lower than older reviews as newer rivals have arrived on the scene.

The 2 has been praised for its comfort and fuel economy, particularly the latest SkyActiv petrol engines. However, it has been criticised for being cramped – especially in the back seats – and for feeling rather dated compared to newer rivals.

There is now a completely different model called the Mazda 2 Hybrid in the Mazda family – this is completely unrelated to the existing Mazda 2, and is nothing but a rebadged Toyota Yaris to help Mazda meet its EU and UK emissions requirements. The current model will continue to be sold alongside the Toyota version, which will inevitably be confusing for customers.

As of May 2024, the Mazda 2 currently holds a New Car Expert Rating of C, with a score of 63%. It scores top marks for its low running costs and CO2 emissions, but its reliability record and media review scores are only average, and its safety rating has expired due to the car’s age.

Mazda 2 highlights

  • Frugal engines
  • Stylish exterior looks
  • Well-equipped as standard
  • User-friendly infotainment

Mazda 2 lowlights

  • Not all that fun to drive
  • Small boot
  • Cramped rear seats
  • Rivals offer more interior quality

Key specifications


Body style: Five-door hatch
Engines: petrol
Price: From £17,205 on-road

Launched: Autumn 2014
Last updated: Summer 2023
Replacement due: TBA


Media reviews


Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert

+

Auto Express

+

Auto Trader

+

Autocar

+

Business Car

+

Car

+

Car Keys

+

Carbuyer

+

Daily Mirror

+

Fleetworld

+

Motors.co.uk

+

Parkers

+

The Sunday Times

+

The Telegraph

+

Top Gear

+

What Car?

+

Safety rating


Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 4 stars
Date tested: April 2015
Date expired: January 2022
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 86%
Child protection: 78%
Vulnerable road users: 84%
Safety assist: 64%

Notes on safety rating

The Mazda 2 was awarded a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP back when this model was launched in 2015. However, this rating expired in January 2022 as it no longer met the requirements for a five-star car. This is normal practice, as Euro NCAP reviews its ratings on most cars annually with most ratings expiring after about six or seven years.

However, if you are comparing a used Mazda 2 to vehicles of similar age, whose ratings will have probably also expired, its safety rating score is still useful.

Eco rating


Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

Model tested: 1.5-litre petrol manual

Overall score: 3.5 stars
Date tested: September 2021
Read the full Green NCAP review

Clean Air Index: 5.9 / 10
Energy Efficiency Index: 6.9 / 10
Greenhouse Gas Index: 5.6 / 10

The rating above only applies to the 1.5-litre petrol manual variant of the Mazda 2. It does not apply to any other engine/gearbox combination.

Reliability rating

MotorEasy logo 600x167

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

The Mazda 2 has a better-than average reliability score, according to warranty claim data provided by our partner MotorEasy.

While MotorEasy warranty holders haven’t submitted many Mazda 2 claims, most problems seem to be fairly inexpensive to repair. the overall numbers are skewed by a few very expensive gerarbox repairs, with an average repair fee of more than £2,800.

If you’re looking at a used Mazda 2, make sure any extended warranty cover you purchase covers all of the potential problem areas shown above.

Running cost rating

Clear Vehicle Data logo close crop

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumptionAverageScoreVariationScore
Petrol models58 mpgB48 – 60 mpgA – C
CO₂ outputAverageScoreVariationScore
Petrol models112 g/kmA107 – 133 g/kmA – A
Insurance groupAverageScoreVariationScore
All models17A13 – 20A – A
Service and maintenanceCostScore
Year 1£131A
Year 2£386A
Year 3£608A
Year 4£821A
Year 5£1,153A
Overall£3,099A

The Mazda 2 is a very affordable car to own and run, according to whole-life cost data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our technical partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

The 2 scores almost has a straight-A scorecard, with fuel economy scoring a (still very good) B rating. It’s undoubtedly one of the cheapest new cars to own currently on sale.

Awards


Trophies, prizes and awards that the Mazda 2 has received

2015

  • Car Dealer Power Awards – Car of the Year
  • Green Apple Awards – Best Supermini
  • Scottish Car of the Year Awards – Best Supermini
  • Northern Ireland Car of the Year Awards – Best Supermini

Similar cars


If you’re looking at the Mazda 2, you might also be interested in these alternatives

Audi A1 | Citroën C3 | Dacia Sandero | Ford Fiesta | Honda Jazz | Hyundai i20 | Kia Rio | MG 3 | Mazda 2 Hybrid | Mini hatch | Nissan Micra | Peugeot 208 | Renault Clio | SEAT Ibiza | Skoda Fabia | Suzuki Swift | Toyota Yaris | Vauxhall Corsa | Volkswagen Polo


More news, reviews and information about the Mazda 2 at The Car Expert

Mazda 2 Hybrid

Mazda 2 Hybrid

Mazda 2 Hybrid receives cosmetic changes

Mazda 2 Hybrid receives cosmetic changes

Revised Mazda 2 range now on sale

Revised Mazda 2 range now on sale

Honda Jazz named the UK’s most reliable used car

Honda Jazz named the UK’s most reliable used car

Mazda rebadges the Toyota Yaris for new 2

Mazda rebadges the Toyota Yaris for new 2

Plaudits for Mazda in green motoring tests

Plaudits for Mazda in green motoring tests

Mazda in the black with Sport Black hatch models

Mazda in the black with Sport Black hatch models

Mazda gets on the scrappage scheme bandwagon

Mazda gets on the scrappage scheme bandwagon

Two new models for updated Mazda2 range

Two new models for updated Mazda2 range

Mazda 2 review

Mazda 2 review

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The Mazda 2 has received generally positive media reviews, although it's no longer considered to rank among the best in its class.Mazda 2