2024 Mazda 2 G15 GT Sedan assessment

It’s 2014 – Hawthorn are the reigning AFL premiers, and the DJ-series Mazda 2 has simply gone on sale in Australia.

You’ll be able to decide one up for as little as $14,990 earlier than on-road prices, and even high quality examples fetch simply over $20,000.

Quick ahead 10 years to 2024, and many has modified on the planet of vehicles. However one fixed stays: you may nonetheless purchase a model new DJ Mazda 2 at your native Mazda dealership, regardless that it’s picked up a couple of alternative upgrades over its life.

Simply don’t anticipate to pay $15,000 anymore. Right here now we have the flagship 2024 Mazda 2 G15 GT Sedan, a near-$30k compact automobile battling to be the perfect bang-for-buck purchase within the nation.

Must you go for the costliest model of this reasonably priced automobile, or is it price stretching to a base mannequin additional up the automotive ladder?

How does the Mazda 2 evaluate?

View an in depth breakdown of the Mazda 2 in opposition to equally sized autos.

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Mazda 2

How a lot does the Mazda 2 price?

The 2024 Mazda 2 vary opens with the handbook G15 Pure priced at $22,720 earlier than on-road prices, and maxes out with the G15 GT at $27,920 plus on-roads in each hatch and sedan kind.

Featured right here is the G15 GT Sedan sporting Aero Gray Metallic paint (no-cost possibility) with a listing value of $27,920 plus on-road prices, or $32,143 drive-away for Victorian patrons.

Costs exclude on-road prices

To see how the Mazda 2 compares with its rivals, use our comparability device.

What’s the Mazda 2 like on the within?

Mazda has actually gone down the sporty route with the inside of the two GT, which has been tarted up with supplies that wouldn’t look misplaced within the MX-5 sports activities automobile.

Carbon-fibre and Alcantara are sometimes used liberally in high-end efficiency vehicles. Though they’re each absent right here, Mazda has tried to supply a cut-price model of that really feel contained in the GT.

Suede is smattered throughout the higher door playing cards, sprint, and seats, whereas carbon-style plastic trim items elevate the inside additional. There’s all the time a threat upgrades like this may appear and feel cheesy, however I assumed they have been enjoyable touches for an inexpensive metropolis automobile.

You additionally get purple stitching on the suede surfaces, making the inside additions stand out simply that little bit extra.

Some folks try the identical modifications on their vehicles at residence and cheapen them within the course of. That’s not the case right here; every alteration has been seamlessly built-in into the cabin.

The manually adjustable seats epitomise this. Trimmed in leather-based and suede, they give the impression of being the half and really feel sporty to take a seat in.

Agency and supportive are the phrases that come to thoughts, and luxury wasn’t an issue on shorter each day drives – longer journeys may need you craving for a Mazda 3, or perhaps a CX-5.

Except for the seats, the steering wheel is your commonest touchpoint, and I’m happy to report it additionally feels incredible.

All variations of the Mazda 2 obtain the identical leather-trimmed steering wheel, which has a skinny rim and sits comfortably within the arms.

The gear lever is wrapped in the identical materials, though it doesn’t see a lot motion within the automatic-only GT.

On the finish of the day, that is nonetheless an financial system automobile. As such, decrease site visitors areas just like the door playing cards and centre console are constructed of exhausting textured plastics, in keeping with different vehicles on this value bracket.

There’s additionally one evident omission from the cabin – an armrest. You must pay $520 for the privilege of a spot to relaxation your elbow within the centre of the automobile, which is disappointing.

However on the entire, Mazda has accomplished simply sufficient to make the GT really feel costlier than it’s, with out going overboard.

When it comes to construct high quality, we didn’t expertise any creaks, rattles, or wobbles; which is one other tick.

Cupboard space is respectable, contemplating the small stature of the automobile. The entrance door bins can every swallow a 600ml drink bottle plus some tissues or small snacks, whereas the 2 centre cup holders will maintain 1L bottles.

There’s a small cubby close to every of the window switches to stuff some chewing gum, and cash match completely in a small rectangular container within the centre console.

Shorter drivers might battle to succeed in their free change whereas passing by means of the McDonalds drive-through, nevertheless, because the container is situated behind the entrance seat.

Points additionally come up if you instinctively try and retailer your smartphone below the sprint, as the world below the local weather controls isn’t giant sufficient for a contemporary iPhone – Nokia flip cellphone house owners rejoice!

Should you neglect that this era of Mazda 2 is a decade previous, quirks like this are a stark reminder. There’s even the lined over remnants of a CD participant. The glovebox can be tight, however no smaller than different vehicles on this class.

The know-how on provide within the Mazda 2 GT additionally nods to its senior standing.

Behind the steering wheel you’ll discover a set of old-school gauges, headlined by a big centre analogue tachometer with a small embedded digital speedometer.

Small, monochrome readouts are situated on both aspect, displaying info reminiscent of gear choice, common gas financial system, and your odometer.

It’s a really fundamental format, and positively not akin to the extra fashionable color journey computer systems you see in equally priced vehicles such because the Toyota Yaris, Suzuki Swift, and Kia Picanto.

Not less than there’s a head-up show, though it’s the flip-up kind and reveals restricted info. The place of the polariser may be adjusted to cater for various driving positions, which helps.

To the left sits Mazda’s 8.0-inch MZD Join infotainment system, which additionally fails to disguise its age. The display screen itself is low decision by fashionable requirements, and sometimes lacks the computing energy to maintain up together with your inputs.

Mazda markets the system as a touchscreen, however that stage of performance can solely be accessed if you’re stationary or utilizing smartphone mirroring. Apple CarPlay is wi-fi, however a cable is required for Android gadgets.

There are two USB-A ports for this function, in addition to a 12-volt outlet and SD card slot. Wi-fi charging isn’t out there.

More often than not drivers are compelled to manage the system utilizing a small rotary dial situated within the centre console. It is going to be a well-known system for Mazda loyalists, and it’s one which works effectively more often than not.

Simply be able to spend an extreme period of time scrolling if you wish to transfer from a protracted listing (e.g. Spotify songs) to a special software.

The identical applies when utilizing the dial to kind out a vacation spot within the native navigation system, which takes an age and is sort of unimaginable to do on the transfer. That’s most likely not such a foul factor, given that you simply’re higher off utilizing a extra fashionable maps software through smartphone mirroring.

Shortcut buttons for in style features are positioned across the dial, which can be much less substantial than variations present in different Mazda fashions.

The steering wheel additionally homes buttons to regulate speaker audio, skip tracks, and activate cruise management. The plastic buttons really feel a bit low cost however are effectively laid out.

Local weather controls come within the type of three spherical dials for mode, temperature, and fan velocity, located within the centre of the sprint. They’re easy, but useful – I had no complaints.

This can be a prime instance of a function that doesn’t essentially profit from technological development.

The identical could possibly be mentioned for the handbook handbrake fitted to the Mazda 2, regardless that it takes up more room than a change or button.

Talking of area, for those who’re seeking to carry passengers again there usually you’d be higher served a much bigger member of the Mazda household.

Don’t be fooled into considering this can be a spacious sedan, as a result of rear legroom is at a premium. I’m 6’2, and you may get average-height adults behind me – or children, after all – however they wouldn’t essentially wish to be there for lengthy.

Headroom is equally restricted for adults. My hair would graze the headliner when sitting upright, and the headrest don’t have the adjustment required to accomodate taller passengers. The center seat is a kids-only zone.

Automobiles just like the Mazda 2 aren’t essentially focused at patrons who use the rear seats typically, however at $28,000 earlier than on-roads the GT does compete with entry-level SUVs just like the Kia Stonic which provide more room within the second row.

Family and friends who spend time behind the Mazda 2 GT will shortly discover cupboard space can be negligible.

There’s a map pocket behind the entrance passenger seat, however no door bins or armrest to talk of – pack mild. As is widespread within the section, air vents and USB ports don’t function.

It’s a small cabin, however decent-sized home windows and a lightweight colored headliner make the inside really feel extra spacious than it’s, not less than till you cram three folks within the again.

An absence of storage within the second row is made up for by the boot within the Mazda 2 GT Sedan, which is large for the category.

Measuring in at 440L, the cargo room out there right here rivals bigger sedans and SUVs, though the aperture is on the small aspect which isn’t sudden.

The boot additionally has 190L more room than the equal Mazda 2 Hatch, which is a promoting level for this physique type, regardless of its awkward exterior look.

One situation we flagged with the boot is that it’s not lit, which might trigger points when loading and unloading gadgets at evening. The bootlid opens manually, and closes with a mushy thud.

If you wish to entry extra cupboard space, the rear backrest folds in 60/40 vogue, unlocking some additional room. There’s an enormous hump up separating the 2 areas, nevertheless – so it’s best to position gadgets on the again seats through the aspect doorways.

What’s below the bonnet?

All Mazda 2 fashions are powered by a ‘G15’ 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine in Australia.

To see how the Mazda 2 compares with its rivals, use our comparability device.

How does the Mazda 2 drive?

The Mazda 2 is a mannequin that usually appeals to 2 particular kinds of automobile purchaser – the primary automobile purchaser, and the final automobile purchaser.

Youthful, first automobile patrons are after one thing that’s secure and straightforward to drive, but in addition fascinating sufficient to be fascinating.

On the different finish of the spectrum, final automobile patrons are likely to worth familiarity and security, however don’t care a lot for artistic aesthetics and driving dynamics.

Does the GT fulfill these standards? It’s a flawless report card for the drivers on P-plates. The driving traits of the top-spec GT complement its sporty inside, making it a enjoyable automobile to steer round city.

The little 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine isn’t going to catapult you into the space, however the way in which it hops off the road and runs as much as metropolis velocity limits is rewarding.

The automated begin/cease system operates within the background, kicking in if you press firmly on the brake and restarting the engine if you raise off. It’s not as clean as a Toyota hybrid round city, nevertheless it’s removed from unhealthy.

At freeway speeds it begins to expire of puff, which implies overtakes require a protracted run-up. Sport mode sharpens up the throttle response additional if that’s what you’re after.

It’s additionally a buzzy engine at greater revs, which may develop into tiresome. Generally it’s exhausting to keep away from; the automated transmission generally will get confused in stop-start site visitors and holds revs too excessive, transmitting pointless noise into the cabin.

Thanks partially to the sunshine weight of the car, the Mazda 2 GT advantages from steering that’s very direct and gives ample suggestions, which ups the engagement issue.

Nonetheless, this stuff are unlikely to matter to mature patrons. Good factor this bubbly little machine has a extra grown-up alter ego.

The GT rides effectively for a small metropolis automobile, disregarding most lumps, bumps, and potholes with out an excessive amount of fuss. Out on the open highway, the GT is completely happy to cruise at 100km/h even with a couple of passengers.

It additionally feels larger on the highway than it truly is, in a great way. You are feeling secure behind the wheel, and assured co-existing with hulking SUVs in metropolis site visitors.

That sense of security is backed up by a powerful suite of know-how. Adaptive cruise management is generally clean and intuitive, whereas the lane-keep help perform ensures you don’t drift throughout the strains in a second of distraction.

Blind-spot displays are continually offering suggestions concerning the place of different vehicles on the highway, so youthful and older drivers alike are unlikely to be overwhelmed by the quantity of site visitors at any level.

Parking is a breeze. The automobile is small and straightforward to place in tight parking heaps, with loads of tech available to help.

A surround-view digicam, which makes parallel and reverse parking considerably simpler, is fitted as normal. That’s uncommon on this section, and an enormous assist to younger drivers studying the ropes.

All variants include rear parking sensors, and the GT additionally beneficial properties entrance parking sensors which act as an important foil to the digicam methods out there.

Whereas a number of the options could also be a bit international to older patrons, the GT stays an approachable automobile that balances retaining the accustomed to progress.

What do you get?

The 2024 Mazda 2 is accessible in 4 trim ranges, with both hatch or sedan physique kinds provided relying on variant.

G15 Pure normal tools:

• 15-inch alloy wheels
• Energy-folding exterior mirrors
• LED headlights
• Automated headlights
• Rain-sensing wipers
• 7.0-inch infotainment display screen
• Wi-fi Apple CarPlay
• Wired Android Auto
• DAB+ digital radio
• Leather-based-wrapped steering wheel
• Leather-based-wrapped shifter and handbrake
• Tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment
• 6-speaker sound system
• Keyless begin
• Air-conditioning
• Energy home windows
• 1 x 12V outlet
• 2 x USB outlet

G15 Pure SP Hatch provides:

• 16-inch black-finish alloy wheels
• Carbon fibre-style roof
• Shark fin antenna
• Chrome exhaust extension
• Black exterior mirrors

G15 Evolve Hatch provides (over Pure):

• 16-inch alloy wheels
• Black mesh-style grille
• LED daytime operating lights
• Local weather management air-conditioning
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
• Color head-up show
• Satellite tv for pc navigation
• Purple stitching particulars
• Site visitors signal recognition

G15 GT provides:

• Keyless entry
• Black leather-based/Grand Luxe suede upholstery with purple highlights
• Entrance parking sensors
• Encompass-view digicam
• Adaptive cruise management

Is the Mazda 2 secure?

The Mazda 2 had a five-star ranking from ANCAP, however as this was primarily based on testing performed in 2015 it has now expired.

All fashions come normal with the next tools:

• Autonomous emergency braking (ahead, reverse)
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Lane-keep help
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Rear parking sensors
• Reversing digicam

G15 Evolve and above get site visitors signal recognition, whereas the G15 GT beneficial properties a surround-view digicam, entrance parking sensors, and adaptive cruise management.

How a lot does the Mazda 2 price to run?

The Mazda 2 is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee.

Servicing is required each 12 months or 15,000km.

The primary 5 providers are capped at $334, $526, $396, $526, and $334, respectively.

CarExpert’s Tackle the Mazda 2

The Mazda 2 G15 GT ticks a lot of the containers in relation to satisfying patrons on this section.

It’s enjoyable to drive, snug for a automobile of its measurement, full of security know-how and straightforward to stay with. Positive, the infotainment system and button controls remind you this can be a 10-year-old platform, however that’s forgivable.

Nonetheless, there’s an elephant within the room – the worth. At practically $28,000 earlier than on-roads, the GT borders on unobtainable for first automobile patrons who could also be cross-shopping with a Kia Picanto, or Suzuki Swift.

The GT can be swimming with some large fish at this value level, together with the bottom Toyota Corolla and, for those who’re after European sophistication, the Volkswagen Polo.

The bottom Pure is price a search for money strapped junior drivers, whereas mature patrons could possibly be higher served by a more recent platform such because the Corolla or Polo.

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