In-depth reviews

Mazda2 hatchback (2007-2015)

"The Mazda2 is a smartly styled and robustly built supermini that's also great to drive. It’s well equipped and cheap to run, too. However, the interior is cramped and the engine line-up is limited."  

Carbuyer Rating

3.5 out of 5

Owners Rating

4.3 out of 5

Read owner reviews

Pros

  • Proven reliability
  • Good resale value
  • Sporty looks and drive

Cons

  • Uncomfortable ride
  • Seats not supportive enough
  • Not the most practical supermini

On sale since 2007 and refreshed in 2010, the Mazda2 supermini isn't as fresh as some of the competition, but it remains an attractive option. It's reasonably priced, looks stylish and is good fun to drive. The latter is largely down to the fact that it shares a lot of technology with the Ford Fiesta – another supermini that keen drivers love. Other major rivals for the compact Mazda include the Vauxhall Corsa, Volkswagen Polo, SEAT Ibiza, Honda Jazz, Hyundai i20 and Toyota Yaris.

With so many models on offer in this class, it's important to review them all before you buy to find the one best suited to your needs. Many supermini buyers will have young children, so safety is always going to be an important consideration here. The Mazda2 received a maximum five-star rating from Euro NCAP when it was tested back in 2007, although the format of that crash test has been updated since then and it probably wouldn't score as well in 2014.

Looking over the Mazda2 range, the main thing missing is a diesel engine, which is offered in many of the competing models mentioned earlier. This shouldn't put you off entirely, though, as the 1.3-litre petrol engine that powers most versions (including the entry-level TS) is reasonably economical, and diesel only really makes sense if you cover a lot of miles each year. If you want an automatic gearbox, you only have one choice: the 1.5-litre Tamura model. It's faster than the manual car, but also less efficient and more expensive, so we think the 1.3-litre Tamura makes more sense, offering a decent amount of standard equipment compared to the TS, but still at a competitive price.

As of 2015 a new Mazda2 model has arrived to replace this version.

Not sure what you're looking for? Find out what we think is the best small car by watching our video below.

Richard is a former editor of Carbuyer, as well as sister site DrivingElectric.com, and he's now Deputy Editor at Auto Express. Having spent a decade working in the automotive industry, he understands exactly what makes new car buyers tick.

Recommended

Top 9 most economical cars 2023
Top most economical cars 2023 hero
Best cars
24 May 2023

Top 9 most economical cars 2023

2023 Mazda2 facelift brings new trims with unique grilles
Mazda2 Centre-Line
News
9 Feb 2023

2023 Mazda2 facelift brings new trims with unique grilles

Most Popular

Engine management light: top 5 causes of amber engine warning light
Engine warning light
Tips and advice
1 Dec 2023

Engine management light: top 5 causes of amber engine warning light

Best new car deals 2023: this week’s top car offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
8 Dec 2023

Best new car deals 2023: this week’s top car offers

Top 10 best cars under £200 per month 2023/2024
Best cars for 200 per month
Best cars
28 Nov 2023

Top 10 best cars under £200 per month 2023/2024

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
20 Apr 2023

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide
Public EV charge point
Tips and advice
11 Jan 2023

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
12 Apr 2023

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors 2022
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors 2022

Top 10 best electric cars 2023
The best electric cars 2023
Best cars
15 Nov 2023

Top 10 best electric cars 2023

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2023
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
17 May 2023

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2023

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2023
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
18 Aug 2023

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2023