A decade later, does Mazda’s small hatch stack up? (Mazda 2 GT 2024 Review)

The recently updated Mazda 2 now boasts an impressive list of standard features and is plenty of fun to drive, but can it still compete with a flock of new rivals?
The Mazda 2’s renewed range is spread across a three-grade lineup and features the option of both an automatic and manual transmission which is fed by a zipply 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine.
To put this updated model to the test, we selected the top-spec GT version which starts at $28,070 before on-road costs, a price that has climbed in recent years but isn’t uncommon in the small hatch segment in 2024.
But with a new-generation MG3 now on Aussies shores and the frugal Toyota Yaris still a solid option for small car buyers, does the Mazda 2 offer a convicting point of difference? Journalist Zak Adkins seeks to find out.
Time codes:
0:00 - Intro
0:46 - Range
1:11 - Design
1:52 - Rivals
2:27 - Interior
4:43 - Back seat
5:35 - Boot
5:44 - Running Costs
6:09 - Driving
7:47 - Fun to drive?
8:58 - Safety
10:36 - Verdict
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[@ark14700]

Do yourself a favour and go for the base Manual, Mazda really knows how to make a satisfying gearbox to use

[@ndragon88]

We were doing a lot of shopping around for our small work/golf runner without trying to break the bank. We also needed to ferry around 2 toddlers for a while and go on a few trips. We settled on the mazda 2 sedan base model and couldn't be happier. It feels so nice to drive I'm a big fan of mazda and the way the cars feel to drive. Also thay 440L boot space is lovely!

[@chasingcars]

The boot on the sedan is quite impressive

[@con9605]

The sedan is the pick of the Mazda2 range for sure.

[@rubyred8845]

A good commuter and city car. I like the colour. This price is too dear, the entry level pricing is sweeter.

[@SahanDissanayake1]

My family has one of these (2022 model, auto) it's a great little car if you are looking for a first car, or even upgrading from your "P Plater". The plus points are the interior is well made, fit and finish looks solid and far better than its rivals, reliable, probably presented with the best external colours as well. Driving position is good, ride quality is acceptable and overall very easy to live with. However there are few things you need to know, it has disc breaks at the front and drums at the rear and the breaking feels a little grabby than smooth. And sometimes the engine always seems to be looking for a gear, like the reviewer said "Sport mode" works well, but it's definitely a high revving engine. So far over 2-years we've not been able to match the fuel consumption claim on this, we've always been stuck with 7l/100km which is a little high. One tip I'll give to whoever looking to buy this... ADD THE OPTIONAL ARM REST, thank me later.

[@jens2149]

Wow, I drive the same Mazda 2 with the same colour 😍 In germany here its called "Homura Aka". The only difference seems to be the black roof and mirror caps. So your GT Version looks like a mix between the Homura and Homura Aka in Germany. For me its the most fun to drive and best looking small car on the market. With the manual gearbox it also has a bit of retro small Hot Hatch feeling with no turbo engine like 20 oder 30 years ago.

[@letsseeif]

Thanks for your review on the Mazda 2. I enjoyed it.

[@eponymous7910]

Shame we don't get the current model Jazz 😭

[@thehuonpine]

Ive got the 2010 manual Mazda2, its fun to drive! Going uphill on some road on the way to Wollongong witb 3 passengers is not a problem, I felt it has more torque than some of the larger vehicles!

[@kienfung3045]

Keep the manual alive!!!

[@patrick8035]

Still driving my mazda2 from 2008 😅 love the mazda reliability but I don’t know if this face-lifted version is worth it. Mazda has fallen behind with infotainment and the screen performance seems a bit laggy for a 2024 vehicle.

[@mrporsche4236]

Its the best hatch on sale today

[@intrepidcosmonaut9264]

I think I would go with the new swift honestly. Nice review.

[@RodneyW]

The Swift "Hybrid" is a good option, although the Swift Sport is much more fun. Just a bit more expensive... Personally, I'd go with the Mazda 2 Pure. $23k, 6 speed manual. Engaging and fun... and you can short shift to your hearts content. They last too. Our 2012 5 speed is past 210,000km, has taught two kids to drive, and is still running super well.

[@chasingcars]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it

[@PlaAwa]

why is 7" suddenly not large enough in this day and age? is it just a relative thing because bigger screens are available? are companies supposed to install the largest currently available screen or the same sized screen as other manufacturers? and why does nobody mention safety when it comes to the lack of a touchscreen? what kind of added functionality would improve the driving experience? it's a car. it's a city car. it get's you from point A to B inexpensively.

[@club1fan552]

Very good points.

[@ProductofNZ]

First car is a $30k mazda hatch? Nah, I'd go AZG Suzuki Swift, alright safety (5 stars when tested) Cheap, reliable and if the kid gets into a fender bender, no dramas, plenty of new and used parts out there for cheap.

[@con9605]

Ultimately this is a 10 year old model that cannot justify the hefty price increases that were applied. The CX3 (particularly in Sport with EOFY sales) is better bang for your $$$. The new Suzuki is sharper priced for those that wish to retain the skill to drive via manual gearbox, the MG3 brings a newer car and hybrid to the table. Interesting that my lease company has the 2024 Mazda 2s all listed as hybrids, likely reflecting the European market. Will we see a Mazda 2 badged Yaris in Australia? That I'd look at ... but I want a manual! LOL

[@RodneyW]

It's funny, I looked at the CX3 vs Mazda 2 on their website the other day and came to the opposite conclusion (i.e. the Mazda 2 is decent value in comparison). Different strokes for different folks! M2: $26.7k (6 gear manual) driveaway. Same platform (incl. wheelbase) as CX3. LED lights / Leather steering wheel and includes Lane Departure warning. CX3: $29.99k (6 gear auto) driveaway. 2 litre engine (I wish that was an option on the M2!!!!), Halogen lights. Plastic steering wheel. 3 mm (yes, millimetres!) extra ground clearance and a bit more headroom. The cheapest hybrid Suzuki is cheaper but also gives up a lot in comparison to the M2: Swift Hybrid: $24.49k (5 gear manual) driveaway: less power and slower. Plastic steering wheel. No blind spot monitoring. No drivers seat height adjustment. 2 speaker sound system. No USB ports. No power folding mirrors. No spare tyre. 10mm narrower tyres on steel wheels. It does include sat nav and is a bit more economical.

[@con9605]

@@RodneyW I compared like for like and am budget conscious so Mazda2 G15Pure (auto) to the Mazda CX3 Sport (auto) ... $28800 to $29990 (EOFY price). What surprised me was the Mazda2/CX3 platform was nicer (my opinion) to sit in as a driver than the Mazda3, CX30 and CX5. A manual 2L Mazda2 would be a case of "Take my money!" I love small cars with character, and that I concede the Mazda2 certainly has. We locked in a CX3 (Pure) and will likely look for a second hand manual Mazda2 for myself.

[@RodneyW]

@@con9605 Fair enough. You're too late though, I've sold my manual 2 to my daughter..... 😉

[@karentiger5117]

its the cream colour

[@kienfung3045]

Kia Picanto is a Whole class smaller. Of course the Mazda 2 is more expensive.

[@avonperera2187]

Updated for 2023? Are you a year late on this review?

[@jamesralph5908]

Because that’s when the facelift came out

[@chasingcars]

No we were just mentioning that was when it was updated. We published a review back in 2023 as well.

[@club1fan552]

32 K is out of reach for many young buyers and remember, the demographic for this class of car is also retirees. Think what you can buy second hand for 32 K. Who carries adults in the back anymore? Not many. Look around you when you're in traffic.

[@toyotaprius79]

A decade ago the Mazda 2 had a working production ready (and frankly scuppered) rotary powered range extended EV. So too was the Audi A1 etron. So no, the Mazda 2 ain't worth fresh 💩

[@Lobo-ih3bh]

The cars design is almost 10 years old and you’re going on about the infotainment System feeling dated? These superficial, corporate suck reviews are just the worst.

[@sneakyfoz3692]

Ok car, too expensive

[@TheCaesarChris]

New mg3 is going to destroy this car

[@chasingcars]

It certainly looks very competitive.

[@fairgo4156]

I just took a look at the new MG3... it was a massive disappointment. Mazda has nothing to worry about.

[@sneakyfoz3692]

MGs are junk, just ask any mechanic for the truth.

[@abcwarrior91]

I work in a car rental and mg always breaks lol

[@BennnWJK]

MG can’t beat Mazda for reliability

[@karoana8759]

What is that age segregation for? " a car for young pl" 🤔🙄

[@MrJowolo]

For the price, this is such a rip off.

[@sidjyothi]

What a hunk of crap. Zero reason to buy this now. MG3 just craps all over it.

[@abcwarrior91]

lol mg are crap I work in car rental and we always have problems with mg breaking lol

[@calebwany8422]

Ever heard of something called reliability?

[@sidjyothi]

@calebwany8422 any new car is reliable provided its serviced on time as per schedule. Besides, most people run through cars every 3-4 years. So reliability is a consideration, but cannot be a replacement for being a shit drive.

[@calebwany8422]

@@sidjyothi I mean, it's an economy car not a sports car

[@abcwarrior91]

@@sidjyothi Dude I work for a car rental company, and the MG always has something that breaks. Sure the drivetrain is pretty reliable, but that's not the issue. The real issue is the small things like door handles, boot latches, and buttons here and there, crap always breaks or falls off it gets annoying. It's just poorly built, and MG tend to rust more easily than other car brands.