2020 Mazda 2 Hatchback 1.5L Review

The B-segment hatchback market in Malaysia has always been a hot battleground for family and young consumer groups. Users in this segment value the practicality for daily commuting and have basic requirements for design and features. The 2020 Mazda 2 Hatchback 1.5L focuses on the "Jinba Ittai" driving adjustment concept as its core selling point, while also featuring highlights in safety configuration. In this test drive, we focused on verifying whether its dynamic performance truly surpasses competitors in the same segment and whether its static experience can meet the needs of family users.

In terms of appearance, this car continues Mazda's KODO design language, with smooth and dynamic overall lines. The shield-shaped front grille with chrome trim presents a high level of recognizability; the LED daytime running lights on both sides are connected to the grille, visually broadening its width. The side profile's character line extends from the front fender to the rear, paired with 16-inch wheels, making it look compact and sporty. At the rear, the horizontally arranged LED tail lights echo the front design, while the black trim on the lower part of the rear bumper adds a touch of sportiness. The overall design belongs to one of the more refined types within the B-segment, avoiding the impression of being cheap.

Once inside, the interior quality exceeds the average level for this segment. The dashboard is wrapped in soft-touch materials, providing a fine texture; the 7-inch touchscreen is located on top of the dashboard with clear operational logic, though touch controls during driving can be inconvenient. Fortunately, the multifunction steering wheel supports control of some functions. As for features, the HUD head-up display is a pleasant surprise, projecting information such as speed and navigation, improving driving convenience. Single-zone automatic climate control and keyless entry/start come as standard, offering sufficient convenience for daily use. The seats are manually adjustable and made of fabric material; the support is decent, but long-term sitting may cause some fatigue. The rear seats support a 60:40 split-folding configuration, expanding the trunk space from 220L to accommodate larger items when occasionally needed.

Regarding space performance, the car's dimensions are 4065mm×1695mm×1495mm, with a wheelbase of 2570mm, placing it at an average level in the B-segment. After the driver’s seat is adjusted to a suitable position, a passenger of 175cm still has about one fist of headroom in the front row; the rear legroom is roughly two fists, and the headroom one fist. Accommodating three adults in the rear row would be slightly cramped, but it is sufficient for daily family use (e.g., two adults and one child). For storage space, door panel slots can hold two bottles of water, while the central armrest and glove box offer average capacity. The front row also features a 220V/230V power outlet, convenient for charging electronic devices.

In terms of performance, the 1.5L naturally aspirated engine delivers a maximum power of 116PS with maximum torque output at 4000rpm, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The power response during start-up is quite active, and the throttle tuning is sensitive, making city commutes and following traffic easy. Acceleration at low to medium speeds (e.g., from 60km/h to 100km/h) is acceptable, but at high speeds (e.g., above 100km/h), overtaking can feel a bit strenuous, requiring a firmer press on the throttle. The transmission shifts smoothly with hardly any noticeable jerk, aligning with its positioning as a family car. It offers two driving modes: Normal and Economy. In Economy mode, throttle response becomes less sensitive, making it suitable for fuel-saving during highway cruising.

The handling is the highlight of this car. The steering wheel is precise with minimal dead zones, providing the driver with ample confidence when cornering. The suspension adopts a front McPherson independent suspension, with a sporty tuning leaning towards firmness. It quickly filters out vibrations on bumpy roads, but rear passengers might feel some small jolts. During cornering, body roll is well-controlled, offering excellent stability. Regarding braking, the brake pedal feedback is linear, and the braking distance is within the normal range in the same segment. Fuel consumption performance is decent, with approximately 7.5L/100km for city commuting and 5.8L/100km for highway cruising, aligning with the official combined fuel consumption of 6.2L/100km.

In terms of driving comfort, the vehicle's noise control is well-executed. Tire and wind noise are not obvious during city driving, while wind noise slightly increases at high speeds but does not hinder in-car conversations. The seat support is average, and the lower back may feel fatigued during long drives. However, the seat padding is relatively soft, making short-distance rides more comfortable. Regarding safety configurations, it comes standard with ABS, vehicle stability control, active braking, front collision warning, as well as front and rear parking sensors and a 360-degree camera. These configurations are quite comprehensive for a B-segment vehicle and provide the driver with ample safety assurance.

To summarize, the core advantages of the 2020 Mazda 2 Hatchback 1.5L lie in its "driver-car unity" handling calibration and interior quality that surpasses its class, along with relatively abundant safety configurations. Compared with competitors like the Toyota Yaris or Honda Jazz, its handling performance is superior, but it falls slightly short in terms of space and fuel efficiency. This car is suitable for two groups of people: firstly, young consumers who prioritize driving experience and can enjoy the fun of daily commuting and weekend short trips; secondly, small families that need a balanced household car, as its practicality and safety features meet basic needs.

Overall, the 2020 Mazda 2 Hatchback 1.5L is a "specialized but not extreme" B-segment hatchback. Its strengths in driving enjoyment and interior texture are enough to secure a place for it in the highly competitive market. If you're looking for a car that is fun to drive, refined, and safe, it would be a great choice.