In good Mazda practice, the little 2 has been given a firm scrutiny, resulting in a significant series of improvements. That was necessary, because the growth of fresh competitors can hardly keep up. Whether the Mazda is still relevant, he can prove in this test.
“The new model is slightly longer, slightly wider and slightly higher than its predecessor, which is good news for rear passengers and luggage compartment.” These words, or words of similar meaning, have appeared almost as standard in news reports about a generation change in recent years. Growth seemed unstoppable in the car world. The Volkswagen Polo is now about the same size as a Golf from twenty years ago and this is certainly not the only model that has moved up a segment. There are, however, some exceptions. Take the Mazda 2. It started its life as a spatial block box in the style of the Demio, the name that the model carried in its homeland until 2019. After the first 2, a considerably smaller and sportier generation followed, on which the current 2 has been happily philosophizing since 2014.
Beautifully styled
The Mazda 2 is certainly not a car for those who regularly have to travel with four people. Soon the knees prick in the backs of the front seats, which Mazda has kept remarkably thin to prevent that prick as much as possible. The luggage compartment is modest at 250 liters. In addition, the cargo hold is remarkably short, which, together with a narrow passage and a tapered tailgate, makes for a limited usable trunk. While the rear passengers are visibly the neglected child, fortunately a lot of attention has been paid to the well-being of the front occupants. The current Mazda 2 already made a big impression on its introduction by the exceptionally high quality of the beautifully styled interior, and even in 2020 the interior makes an impression. That is not because much has changed. While the exterior can still count on new headlight units, tighter bumpers and a different grille, the interior has to make do with new colors and materials. The sleek design appears to withstand the test of time, while the use of materials, build quality and finish are of a very high level. A nice high-quality whole, almost as if we have taken place in a premium little one. The lack of digital instruments indicates that the 2 is no longer very young, although it must be said that Mazda is also sticking to largely analog meters in newer models. The clock shop of the 2, just like the dashboard, still looks fresh, but has few options due to the minimal screen. Anyone who had counted on an infotainment system like the fresher 3 and the CX-30 will be disappointed, because Mazda has chosen to take over the whole thing virtually unchanged. This means that it is now a generation behind the system in the 3 and the CX-30, although the operating concept has not changed in those models.
The central rotary knob is and remains the pivot in Mazda’s digital world, which can only be operated by means of the touchscreen when stationary. An understandable choice for the Japanese, because after a short period of getting used to, the rotary knob control while driving turns out to be both very nice and safe. The fact that the menu structure is well thought out and clear also contributes to the ease of use. However, it is striking that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not designed for this operating mode. Scrolling through all the options with the button takes more time than we are used to, although we are equally happy that Mazda has added both systems. It is also unfortunate that the central button has prevented Mazda from mounting a center armrest, while that in SUV brother CX-3 is now present. The lack of an armrest is also very unusual in compact cars and detracts from the seating comfort, which is not optimal for everyone due to the somewhat high-positioned seat and the limited interior space. The Mazda feels like the small car it is. It is therefore not such a pleasant companion on longer journeys.
A lot of switching
With the facelift, the Mazda 2 was allowed to keep the naturally aspirated 1.5-liter SkyActiv-G engine – unique to this model. However, all machines and the 115 hp top version have been deleted, so that there is now a choice of 75 and 90 hp. Those variants all get mild-hybrid technology and a manual six-speed gearbox, where they previously had to do with five gears. The entry-level version does not seem to be recommended, because even with the tested 90 hp variant, it does not feel like anything. The 1.5 engine needs revs to perform and that, combined with the remarkably long gears, means you have to shift a lot to keep it moving. An intermediate sprint, for example for an overtaking action, is therefore something to sit down for. Even on the highway, the chosen configuration turns out not to be optimal. For example, even with the barely perceptible curves in the Dutch motorway network, it is often not possible to maintain a speed of 100 km / h in sixth gear, which means that a downshift is often necessary when entering a bridge. We are really not used to that anymore. A mitigating circumstance is that shifting is very nice. The Mazda lever is very light and precise to operate.
The interior of the Mazda as a luxurious premium product is not only due to the materials used and the high-quality finish. The equipment is also impressive, especially in the Signature version added to the facelift and featured in this test. The new top version includes leather upholstery in a blue-gray tone, seat and steering wheel heating, a head-up display, a range of comfort and safety-enhancing aids and adaptive LED headlamps. For 25 grand you get a really loaded 2, although that also means that apart from the color there is nothing more to personalize. Those who can live without the leather and LED headlights already have quite a luxurious little one with the cheaper Luxury, especially when a package of safety systems is added.