Mazda 2 1.5 Skyactiv-G 115 CV, review and test drive

Mazda has made a firm commitment in 2015 to completely renew its range, with a breakneck pace of launches. It has been just a few months since we got behind the wheel of a refreshed Mazda 2, and now we have been able to test it in depth.

Specifically, we have driven the Mazda 2 1.5 Skyactiv-G 115 CV in Luxury trim, which is therefore the top of the petrol range and debuts the new 1.5 Skyactiv-G engine. Among the most noteworthy points is the quality this city car offers, more typical of a premium segment, as well as the smoothness and performance of the new petrol powertrain.

Exterior Design

At a single glance at the front of the new Mazda 2, we quickly identify it as a model from the Japanese brand thanks to its unmistakable grille. The Kodo design is the basis of the exterior lines, a design first introduced on the Mazda CX-5 and now common to all of the brand’s new models.

The Mazda 2 also incorporates a number of novelties such as its headlights, which, depending on the trim level, can feature Full LED technology (for all lighting functions). The design has been pushed back (moving the A-pillar rearward) and the wheelbase has been increased for greater interior space.

Note the red-finished grille, which is specific to the Luxury trim and gives the front a sporty and distinctive touch. At the rear the design is more conservative, but the new design lines and new LED rear lights can still be seen.

Interior design, habitability and trim

The moment we open the door and sit in the new Mazda 2, it feels like we are behind the wheel of a car from a higher category; the trim and the striking light-coloured leather upholstery with contrast stitching are not usually found in the city car segment. The dashboard has a lower section also finished in leather, which adds distinction and quality (it is optional; normally it is painted plastic or fabric, depending on the trim).

The driving position adjustments are more than adequate and the instrumentation is identical to that used in the Mazda 3, with all kinds of information and the central rev counter dial as the main feature.

The driving position is low, with good visibility and a sense of space in the front seats; moreover, you can make a long journey without problems because behind the wheel it feels like driving a compact. That said, the leather seats (optional) are not fully perforated, and we noticed this on hot days, although on the other hand they offer more than adequate support, even at the side bolsters.

As for the design, two clearly differentiated zones can easily be recognised: on one side the driver’s area, with all kinds of information, and on the other the passenger side with a simple, uncluttered design, since there are no buttons on the central console (apart from the navigation) and the whole multimedia system is controlled from the controller on the centre tunnel (just like in the Mazda 3). This detail is unusual in a city car.

In the rear seats there is enough space for two adults, since three would be a tighter fit and the raised centre tunnel also reduces legroom. The support from the rear seats is correct but nothing more.

The only drawback to the interior habitability is the absence of a armrest, at least as standard, although one is available as an accessory from the brand. Even so, for a car of this kind, with certain features that allow it to handle a journey without problems, it is advisable to have an armrest as standard.

Storage and boot

In terms of storage, the Mazda 2 has several places to leave your things, such as the central console or the centre tunnel, where there are two cup holders and several compartments that extend to the rear seats. Even the door pockets are larger than those of the Mazda 3, for example (a curious detail); however, the rear doors have no storage compartments, although the centre tunnel can be used.

The boot has a capacity of 280 litres, is quite deep and has regular dimensions that make it easy to make the most of the space. This is typical of the segment in terms of capacity: for example, an Audi A1 has a 270-litre boot, or a Peugeot 208 offers 285 litres of capacity.

Engine and performance of the Mazda 2 1.5 Skyactiv-G 115 CV

The smaller Mazda debuts the new SKYACTIV diesel and petrol engines, both of 1,500 cc. In petrol there are three versions of the 1.5 Skyactiv-G without turbo: 75, 90 and 115 CV. We tested the most powerful petrol variant, the 115 CV.

Although at the presentation, where we were able to try all three petrol engines, we believe the most balanced is the 90 CV version, which also offers an automatic gearbox as an option. Returning to our 115 CV engine, it has adequate performance with 148 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm and an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.7 seconds.

The engine stands out for its smoothness: from the moment you set off you notice that smoothness, along with the good feel of the six-speed manual gearbox, which together make for complete comfort. It is not aiming for radicalness but rather the opposite: it is powerful yet always smooth.

The power delivery is progressive thanks to the absence of a turbo, pushing with greater force above 2,500 rpm. It also features an automatic start/stop system.

Handling

The Mazda 2 not only debuts Skyactiv engines, but also the SKYACTIV-Chassis and the SKYACTIV-Body, both designed to offer good stability and driving sensations more typical of a compact than a city car. Also worth noting is the car’s low weight, at just 1,055 kg, which makes it very agile.

On the road it is a composed, agile car with stability. The engine has no turbo, but it moves the Mazda 2 with ease, provided we work the gearbox to get the most out of it.

We particularly liked its stability on the motorway, as it is a car that can handle a long journey without problems. In town, it stands out for its compact dimensions, making it a good city car thanks to its agility.

Fuel consumption

On the motorway at 120 km/h average consumption is around 5.6 litres, while on country roads we can expect around 5.0–5.5 litres depending on driving style. In town the figure rises somewhat (test carried out in Vigo) to 6.3 litres per 100 km.

Equipment

Among the equipment, note the range of safety features available both optionally and as standard on the new Mazda 2. As standard from the Pulse trim onwards, it already has six airbags, stability control, tyre pressure monitoring, among others.

But depending on the trim level, or even as options, there are systems rarely seen in the city car segment. For example, blind-spot detection in the mirror, automatic city braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beam control and rear cross-traffic alert, which helps when reversing out of a parking bay.

The trim of our test vehicle was the highest, called Luxury, which adds equipment such as Full LED headlights, 16″ alloy wheels, electric folding mirrors, specific upholstery and city braking assist, among the most noteworthy.

Among the optional equipment are the safety features and leather upholstery, among others. The quality of the sound system stands out: it is not signed by Bose, but it has six speakers and a quality that is above the segment average. The navigation system is the same one used in the Mazda 3, with all the connectivity options that the compact already had, from Bluetooth to the possibility of an online radio in the car (Aha app), all controlled from the centre tunnel.

Prices of the Mazda 2

From the official price list three things must be deducted: the brand’s trim-based discount, the PIVE scrappage discount and the financing discount.

With these three elements, we have a 75 CV petrol Mazda 2 Pulse from €10,620, and a 75 CV Style for €11,320. The 90 CV petrol Style starts at €12,820 and the 105 CV diesel Style at €14,620.

Finally, the 90 CV petrol Mazda 2 Luxury starts at €13,770, and the 105 CV diesel Luxury at €15,570.

This is the complete price list, without discounts or promotions:

• Mazda2 Skyactiv-G 1.5 75 CV Pulse €13,250
• Mazda2 Skyactiv-G 1.5 75 CV Style €13,950
• Mazda2 Skyactiv-G 1.5 75 CV Style+ Confort €15,450
• Mazda2 Skyactiv-G 1.5 90 CV Style+ Confort €15,950
• Mazda2 Skyactiv-G 1.5 90 CV Luxury €17,800
• Mazda2 Skyactiv-G 1.5 90 CV Style+ Confort Auto €17,450
• Mazda2 Skyactiv-G 1.5 90 CV Luxury Auto €18,400
• Mazda2 Skyactiv-G 1.5 115 CV Luxury €17,800
• Mazda2 Skyactiv-D 1.5 105 CV Style €16,250
• Mazda2 Skyactiv-D 1.5 105 CV Style+ Confort €17,750
• Mazda2 Skyactiv-D 1.5 105 CV Luxury €18,700

Opinion and personal assessment

The Mazda 2 has undergone a major change, not only in design but also in interior quality and engines. Inside, the new materials and the quality are surprising, even atypical for the city car segment.

As for the engine range, of which we tested the 115 CV petrol, the smoothness of the powertrain stands out; but when it comes to recommending one, the 90 CV petrol engine may seem more balanced, with a lower price and similar performance characteristics.

We also liked the composure and agility of the Mazda 2, you notice its low weight and it is a car that is not intimidated by the motorway, while its consumption is quite low.

As for equipment, the most noteworthy is the whole arsenal of safety features available, with systems typical of the premium segment or higher. From the Style trim (second trim level) it already has comprehensive equipment, including air conditioning and alloy wheels.

In short, the Mazda 2 is for those seeking a city car with more ambition, one that is more than a mere car for getting around town, and for those who want trim levels above the segment norm. If you do few kilometres, the petrol engine is your best option.

Photos | Highmotor test team