Mazda 2 Hatchback

Overview

The review of this car series detailedly evaluates the 2020 Mazda 2 1.5 Hatchback.

Power System

Equipped with a 1.5L 4-cylinder naturally aspirated engine, it pairs with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The maximum power is 114 PS, the maximum torque is 149 N·m. The vehicle weighs 1,097 kg, and it takes 10.5 seconds to accelerate from 0 - 100 km/h. The straight-line acceleration performance is outstanding, superior to the 120 PS Honda Jazz (its one hundred kilometers acceleration is 11.8 seconds). The gear shifts are crisp and smooth, more direct than the CVT counterparts. During driving, the steering is direct, and the GVC+ system can reduce the engine output when cornering, making the vehicle travel on a predetermined route.

Fuel Consumption After a 93.9 km journey, about 40% in the city and 60% on the highway, 5.82 litres of fuel was consumed, which is equivalent to 6.2 litres/100 km, more fuel-efficient than the Toyota Yaris and Honda Jazz.

Body Size Not mentioned.

Interior Configuration The interior and material quality is commendable. Although the plastic material is hard, it is smooth without rough edges. The suede on the car door and the leather in the middle of the dashboard add a sense of luxury. The infotainment system supports Android Auto/Apple CarPlay. The touch screen is sensitive when the vehicle is stationary, but the UI is slightly outdated compared to Mazda 3.

Safety System Only equipped with 2 safety airbags, less than most competitors.

Space and Practicality The rear knee space is tight, but the headspace is acceptable. The front door side storage can accommodate large bottles, but the rear row lacks cup holders and storage space, and there is only one storage box in the central control console. Front space rating 8/10, middle and rear 5/10, third row 0/5, trunk space 3/5, practicality 3/5, storage space 2/5, view 4/5, storage flexibility 2.5/5.

Driving Performance Driving performance rating 38/50, the power system performs excellently in terms of acceleration, speed changes, throttle response, etc. The steering's accuracy, responsiveness, weight, and feel also deliver good results. The braking distance and braking feel need further improvement. In terms of handling, the chassis balance, traction, and load response show average performance.

Ride Comfort The suspension is balanced, pliant over bumpy roads, and with sufficient support when cornering. The lateral and thigh support of the seats is average, but the suede/leather combination feels good. In terms of noise reduction, the noise level is improved compared to the pre-facelift, but not as good as the Toyota Yaris, with an average noise of 70 dB at 110 km/h. The overall comfort rating is 34/50.

Quality and Features In terms of appearance, the average gap between panels does not exceed 0.5 mm, and the average paint thickness is about 105 μm. The appearance quality and assembly quality are quite good. The interior construction quality and material quality are good. The external and internal materials and craftsmanship score high in multiple aspects, but the safety configuration and ADAS aspects are lacking. The overall rating is 31/50.

Purchase and Cost Fully imported from Thailand, the price is RM 103,670 (including SST), which is higher than competitors like Toyota Yaris and Honda Jazz. Mazda Malaysia provides 5 years/100,000 km free service, and the fuel economy is good. On the purchase side, the car price rating is 7/15, the warranty is 4/5; on the cost side, maintenance is 5/5, fuel cost is 4/5, the overall rating is 20/30. In conclusion, the Mazda 2 has outstanding driving performance, good construction and material quality, and is fuel-efficient. The drawbacks are the cramped interior space, limited storage space, and a small number of safety airbags.