Mazda2 hatchback (2007-2015) - Reliability & safety
The Mazda2 is a solidly built and durable little car, but it lags behind the best when it comes to safety
Mazda2 reliability
Mazda has forged a strong reputation for building durable cars, and that's reflected in its excellent showing in our Driver Power 2014 customer satisfaction survey. Mazda bagged a brilliant eighth place overall, with owners placing its cars in fifth and 10th places for reliability and build quality respectively.
The Mazda2 also scored strongly in these areas, but poor results in categories such as practicality and comfort saw it finish in a lowly 141st place out of 150 models. However, don't let that put you off the Mazda if you're looking for a trouble-free runaround. For starters, the engines used in the Mazda are tried and tested, and known to last, while build quality is easily a match for upmarket models such as the VW Polo.
Mazda2 safety
When the Mazda2 was crash-tested by Euro NCAP, it scored the maximum five stars – although the test has become even more rigorous since then. Even so, all versions of the Mazda2 have electronic braking assistance, anti-lock brakes, two front airbags and ISOFIX child-seat mounts. Tamura models and above add side and curtain airbags to this.
Yet the Mazda2 has one glaring omission from its list of standard safety kit – electronic stability control. This life-saving kit is a feature of the Tamura Nav Auto, but not even available as an option elsewhere in the range.
