Mazda 2

2023 Mazda 2 facelift debuts – updated hatchback gets new grilles, 8-inch infotainment, more customisation

The second generation of the Mazda 2 has debuted in 2019, less than three years after the hatchback’s initial appearance in 2014. The most obvious of the superficial alterations are the new grilles.

Depending on the trim level, one option features a black honeycomb mesh insert and the other has a more enclosed, electric vehicle–like design. In addition, the Mazda 2 now has a blacked-out trim surround and a reshaped lower intake that gives it a “sad” appearance.

Moreover, the Japanese automaker boasted that it had included an “asymmetrically positioned colour accent on the front grille and rear bumper” to provide visual contrast. The aforementioned colored accent piece is located at the trunk above the exhaust finisher on a black trim piece that runs the length of the lower apron at the back. Aero Grey Metallic and Airstream Blue Metallic are two new colours and wheel shapes that round off the external upgrades.

Mazda 2
Mazda 2

Once inside, you’ll notice that the inside dashboard design hasn’t changed much. The original Mazda Connect infotainment system is still in use, but the 8-inch diagonal freestanding touchscreen is a big step forward. Mazda also included additional color-matched dashboard panels.

The manufacturer says there are 198 unique colour configurations to choose from between the 11 exterior colours, 3 interior panel colours, 3 roof colours, and 6 wheel cap colors. The accessories catalogue provides even more opportunities for customization, such as the aforementioned themed packages (Rookie Drive and Clap Pop), Mazdaspeed and AutoExe parts, and more.

In Japan, the Mazda 2 is available with two different Skyactiv-G gasoline engines and one different Skyactiv-D turbodiesel engine. The first is a 1.5-liter, four-cylinder engine that produces 110 PS (109 horsepower or 81 kW) at 6,000 rpm and 142 Nm of torque at 3,500 rpm from its natural aspiration.

You can choose between the older unit with 116 PS (114 horsepower or 85 kW) at 6,000 rpm and 149 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm, or the newer, higher-compression unit released in June 2021 with improved fuel consumption. All-wheel drive is again a possible add-on, as is a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

The 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder oil burner generates 105 PS (103 horsepower or 77 kW) at 4,000 rpm and 250 Nm or 220 Nm of torque, depending on the application. Six-speed manuals have a lower torque rating, and all-wheel drive is an option on some trim levels.

Customers in Japan can now place orders for the new Mazda 2, with delivery beginning at the end of March. Prices range from 1.529 million yen (RM49,756) to 2.541 million yen (RM82,727).

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