Skip advert
Advertisement

Mazda2 hatchback (2007-2015) - Practicality & boot space

The Mazda2 has compact dimensions, so it’s no surprise to find it feels a little cramped inside, especially when compared to newer rivals

Carbuyer Rating

3.5 out of 5

Owners Rating
Be the first to review
Practicality & boot space Rating

2.6 out of 5

You don't expect a supermini to be the most practical choice, but the Mazda2 is smaller than most of its rivals, which counts against it here.

Mazda2 interior space and storage

Superminis have been getting more and more comfortable in recent years, so it's disappointing to note that the Mazda2 lags behind a little in this area, too. There's a decent amount of space on offer in the front and back, but the front seats aren't the most supportive (although there's plenty of adjustment to help you get comfortable). On the plus side, the Mazda2 is only available as a five-door hatchback, so kids and adults will have no trouble accessing the rear seats, which offer class-average head and legroom.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Storage in the cabin is pretty good: there's a large glove compartment, a handy magazine rack, deep door bins and several other cubbies for keeping your odds and ends in. Ease of driving and parking in busy town centres is what's vital in this class, and the Mazda steps up to the plate here with a combination of compact dimensions, a tight turning circle and good visibility all round.

Mazda2 boot space

Once you get to boot space, things start to look less impressive, though. Luggage capacity is only average for this class – 250 litres compared to 292 litres for the SEAT Ibiza and 276 for the Ford Fiesta (on which the Mazda is based). Yet the biggest problem isn't the small size of the boot – it's the somewhat awkward and impractical shape of the opening, along with a high lip that makes loading heavy or bulky items into the car difficult. It'll be fine for the weekly shop, but trips to the DIY or furniture store could prove to be a challenge.

With the rear seats dropped down, you can carry 787 litres of luggage, but again the competition does better here: the equivalent figure for a Skoda Fabia is 1,180 litres and for a Vauxhall Corsa, it's 1,050 litres. On the plus side, you get a reversible boot floor lining, which is very handy if you're carrying anything wet or mucky and don't want to ruin the boot carpet. Remember, the entry-level TS car only has a folding rear seat – if you want to split it and only fold down one section, you have to upgrade to Tamura specification.

Mazda2 towing

Towing capacity is not really relevant to superminis, but you can tow a small trailer weighing up to 900kg with the Mazda2 if you need to. Better still, the eager 1.3-litre engine is responsive at low speed, helping offset the weight of anything you're towing, while good visibility takes the stress out of parking when you're hitched to a trailer.

Skip advert
Advertisement

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.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s best PCP finance offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
11 Oct 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s best PCP finance offers

All-new Dacia Bigster: flagship SUV arrives with 4x4, hybrid power and off-road kit
Dacia Bigster front quarter
News
9 Oct 2024

All-new Dacia Bigster: flagship SUV arrives with 4x4, hybrid power and off-road kit

Renault 5 review – iconic supermini reinvented as an EV
Renault 5 front quarter
In-depth reviews
7 Oct 2024

Renault 5 review – iconic supermini reinvented as an EV

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
26 Mar 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

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
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

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

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024