Model refresh, facelift, mid-life update. Whatever you want to call it, the Mazda 2 has just undergone it.
Handsome thing, though, isn’t it? The most obvious change to the baby supermini appears at the front, where Mazda’s KODO design language introduces a mesh grille much like the one on the larger Mazda 3. There’s also revised headlights at the front and a newly-shaped bumper at the back.
On the inside, the 2 gets new dashboard trims, air vent louvers, door trims, and seats—exciting, we know.
What is genuinely exciting, though, is that the diesel engine (in Europe) has been ditched, meaning all trim levels come with Mazda’s 1.5-liter naturally aspirated Skyactiv-G petrol engine in either 74hp or 89hp forms.
Well, to ensure there’s still some interest during the ordering process, Mazda has introduced a mild-hybrid system on the 2, but only for those equipped with the six-speed manual gearbox. The electric-assist means CO2 emissions of between 94-95g/km for the manual, whilst the unassisted six-speed auto lags behind on 118g/km.
The 2 was already a decent drive, but Mazda has taken the time to revise the power steering to improve response and feel, whilst also evolving its rather nerdy G-vectoring system. Top work, all.
The new 2 will arrive in the UK in November. Keen on a test drive, Internet?
NOTE: This article first appeared on TopGear.com. Minor edits have been made.
