Mazda continues to undergo major evolution and modernization of its model line in the international automobile market. In the end, this company's intention is to continue to take advantage of the growth it has had in recent years, by becoming a market landmark. This with always up-to-date offers, full of attention to detail, technology and driving aids.
Therefore, the manufacturer's idea is to continue to attract the attention of the most demanding buyers with a clear line and models for the different ranges.
That said, we have in our hands the updated version of the Mazda 2, with design changes, even more attention to detail, and of course, a surprising drive!
But calm down, despite being pleasantly surprised, the reality is that not everything is good. After all, we are talking about the most “budget” version of the Mazda 2, so there are compromises.
Still, overall, the news is positive and the driving was surprising considering its size, wheelbase and engine.
Mazda 2 Skyactiv G 75 – First impressions
In summary, we have the Mazda 2 2024 in our hands, an incredible city car in the truest sense of the word, with a competitive price, ideal dimensions for use even on the narrowest streets, without compromising passenger and luggage space. In addition to all this, we also have a very generous degree of turning that will help you get out of tight spaces with fewer maneuvers than expected.
The key point for this small city car is attention to detailwith a good driving position, good visibility, comfort and sound insulation above expectations for an entry-level city car.
On the road, even at highway speeds, the Mazda 2 proved to be very capable and reliable in terms of stability, but I felt that it lacked some “muscle” in certain situations. A point that, when faced with a long, 6-speed manual gearbox, means that you have to use it correctly to guarantee felt economy and a linear response.
Ensaio Mazda 2 Skyactiv G 75 cv 2023 – Design
Well, since I purchased the model for testing, the truth is that its design managed to enchant me from the beginning. We have in our hands the typical and recognized Mazda design, found in top models, but in a small format. The line used is similar and highlights the city car as a Mazda offering from afar.
From outside to inside
In short, the interior has a mix of more classic finishes with a touch of technology necessary for today. With a premium Mazda steering wheel with all the physical buttons you need at your disposal. The central display is analog and works together with the introduction of two digital displays on the sides, all following the same style.
The result is a classic, functional and premium driver theme with a necessary touch of technology, including the 8-inch screen for the multimedia system in the center console.
Interestingly, in Mazda style, the central screen is touch-only when the vehicle is stationary; when moving, you will have to use the joystick in the middle of the seats and the shortcut buttons. Mazda now guarantees the use of touch and/or rotary control when stationary, but this is enough to quickly write that street with a long name or something more detailed.
In experience with this system, the truth is that everything is quite intuitive, just putting a street in motion will take you longer to use the wheel to choose the letters. The intention is that you don't lose focus on the road, while everything remains functional and this is exactly what happens in this entry-level Mazda 2.
Performance and Dynamics
Therefore, the Mazda 2 has a very interesting and characteristic engine available from the manufacturer. By implementing a 1.5L four-cylinder Skyacytiv-G engine with a total power of 75hp or 90hp if you choose. Combined with this engine we have a six-speed manual gearbox with a very high final speed ratio, I can say that the second speed reaches 100 km/h and that in fourth gear basically reaches the maximum speed of the Mazda 2.
So what is the result?
Well, for the city we have a quick response when starting up. However, once underway it is easy to go up to fourth, fifth or sixth gear and the car continues to glide without complaining. However, you must bear in mind that it is a 75 hp engine in conjunction with a long gearbox. This almost forces you to lower one, two or three gears to obtain the necessary response in traffic.
During the test days, I felt that it is a car that can be driven almost all the time. In reality, what will change between accelerating and maintaining speed is the change in which the car is going. But know that at all times the car will indicate which gear to use. In other words, in the long term it becomes normal to change from 5th gear to second gear without any jolts or strange effects on driving.
Daily Experience
First of all, know that driving the Mazda 2 guarantees that you will have a mix of relaxed driving with almost no noise. But also a fun drive for a small city car and a pure gasoline engine. The difference is in how you use the car's gearbox and engine, but in the meantime the averages are around 5-5.5 liters per 100km without any difficulty.
As for its size, the truth is that having a small city car helps a lot when finding a parking lot and in tight streets. However, even at high speeds I felt that the car guarantees a lot of comfort and confidence with good stability.
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Mazda 2 Skyactiv G 75 – To conclude
In short, the new Mazda 2 Skyactiv guarantees the market the offer of a city car with a lot to offer these days. This is true in this base version, which still guarantees a good screen for the entertainment system. In addition to cruise control and speed limiter and a sound system powerful enough for today.
However, I always take into account that the 1.5 naturally aspirated engine in the 75 hp version. Well, you will need the help of the gearbox, this is the decisive factor between maintaining, accelerating and sliding when driving.
That said, all of these Mazda features have a price and here in the Mazda 2 it starts at €20,990. What do you think of the new Mazda 2? If you're interested, see all the Mazda 2's new features and options in detail, Click here.