The Mazda2 Individual finds itself in a difficult position. At R417,000, it is no longer the obvious affordable choice in the small hatchback segment, especially when some newer rivals offer more space, technology and equipment for similar money. But the Mazda2 has something many of those cars don’t: character.
The Mazda2 may be getting long in the tooth, but it has aged surprisingly well. Our test car arrived finished in dark grey and fitted with 16-inch alloy wheels, while the rear gets those distinctive circular taillights. Mazda’s Kodo design language works nicely on the little hatchback, giving it a mature appearance despite its compact dimensions.
Some newer rivals, such as the Hyundai i10, look fresher, but the Mazda2 still has an understated charm.
Its size is also one of its biggest strengths. The Mazda2 is incredibly easy to thread through traffic, squeeze into tight parking spaces and manoeuvre around town. It feels nimble without being nervous, making it a particularly easy car to live with in an urban environment.
Inside, things are typically Mazda. The cabin is compact, but the layout is clean, logical and driver-focused. The instrument cluster is one of the highlights, with information that’s easy to read without looking like it was designed by someone who has a personal vendetta against analogue dials.
The infotainment screen is small by today’s standards, but it supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and gets the job done. Mazda’s rotary controller remains one of the better ways to navigate a system while driving, and the touchscreen is disabled while moving, which is a sensible safety feature.
There are compromises. The cabin isn’t particularly spacious, especially in the back, and the lack of an armrest becomes noticeable on longer journeys. The boot is also modest, so don’t arrive at the shops with a month’s worth of groceries and expect the Mazda2 to perform miracles.
Power comes from Mazda’s naturally aspirated 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, producing 85 kW and 148 Nm. Power is sent to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission.
Our test car arrived with just 55 km on the clock, so we were curious to see how the engine would perform while still effectively wearing its running-in shoes. After 580 km of mixed driving, we managed the claimed 6.0 L/100km.
That’s impressive in real-world conditions, particularly when many modern turbocharged engines promise impressive numbers but don’t always deliver them outside a laboratory.
The engine suits the Mazda2 well. It isn’t particularly powerful, but the car is light enough for the 85 kW to feel sufficient around town and on the highway. The six-speed automatic is smooth, while using the paddle shifters adds a little more involvement when you feel like having some fun.
Final word
The Mazda2 isn’t the biggest, newest or most technologically loaded small hatchback around. But that’s not necessarily why you’d buy one.
Its appeal lies in the simple things: a well-designed cabin, compact dimensions, a smooth naturally aspirated engine and a driving experience that feels more polished than you might expect.
The biggest hurdle is the price. At R417,000, it enters territory where newer competitors can offer considerably more equipment and space.
But if you care more about how a car feels to drive and live with than how long its equipment list is, the Mazda2 still makes a compelling case.
It may be small, but there’s still plenty of life in this little Mazda.
