Exterior
Prices and Range
The updated 2022 Mazda2 supermini has a range of seven hatchback models. The line-up uses Mazda’s familiar trim structure of SE-L, Sport, GT Sport and GT Sport Tech. The entry-level Mazda2 75ps SE-L model receives specification enhancements including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, Mazda Connect with 7” colour touch-screen and multimedia commander as standard.
Engines and Transmissions
Starting with the £16,475 75ps SE-L, the seven-model 2022 Mazda2 range is topped with the new £20,845 115ps GT Sport Tech model. The 90ps engine is offered in SE-L and Sport trims, with Sport cars offered with manual and automatic transmission. The popular 90ps engine is also offered in GT Sport trim and the 2022 model year sees this trim also offered with a choice of transmission for the first time. The flagship 115ps GT Sport Tech is exclusively matched to the six-speed manual transmission, and with the exception of the entry-level 75ps SE-L, all manual versions of the 2022 Mazda2 feature Mazda’s M Hybrid mild-hybrid system and now wear the e-Skyactiv G badge.
Design
The Mazda2 is marked out by the adoption of the latest evolution of Mazda’s Kodo design. The grille features a mesh pattern, bringing it into line with the style seen on the Mazda3 and Mazda CX-30, while the signature wing and headlights heighten the Mazda2’s sporty appearance. At the rear, the bumper design gives the impression of a low stance on the road.
Dimensions
The Mazda2 hatchback posts a length of 4,070mm, height of 1,515mm, width of 1,695mm and sits on a wheelbase of 2,570mm, dimensions that make it 10mm longer, 20mm taller, and the same width as the last-generation pre-2014 model.
Skyactiv-Chassis
The 2022 Mazda2 continues to be underpinned by the dynamic ultra-stiff Skyactiv-Chassis architecture to help protect occupants from impact forces. Comprised of 65 per cent ultra-high tensile steels, the ‘triple-H’ body structure has resulted in excellent torsional rigidity and enhanced impact protection, while posting a seven per cent reduction the weight of the bodyshell, compared to the last-generation pre-2014 model.
Engineering
The Mazda2 features a MacPherson strut layout at the front and a compact torsion beam axle at the rear. The electrically-assisted rack and pinion steering is geared for prompt responses to driver inputs and a tight 4.7m / 4.9m (15-inch tyre / 16-inch tyre) turning circle, while the powerful ventilated front discs and rear drum brakes have been recalibrated for a linear response.
Standard Equipment
The 2022 Mazda2 sees excellent standard specifications across the entire range. All models in the range feature navigation, cruise control, integrated Bluetooth and air conditioning, while the 2022 Mazda2 also sees the introduction of wireless Apple CarPlay from Sport trim onwards. From GT Sport trim onwards, the 2022 Mazda2 gets a colour head-up display, reversing camera, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The new range-topping 115ps GT Sport Tech has a standard equipment tally that includes items not normally found as standard in this sector, including adaptive LED headlights, blind spot monitoring, rear smart city brake support and a 360 degree camera.
G-Vectoring Control Plus
The Mazda2 features G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus) – the evolved version of Mazda’s GVC system – which uses the brakes to apply direct yaw movement control in addition to the previous system’s engine control. This enables the car to handle better in emergency avoidance manoeuvres and offers more confidence-inspiring controllability.
Diagonal Vortex Combustion
Destined to become the company’s standard (non SPCCI) petrol combustion technology in the future, Mazda’s unique, world-first Diagonal Vortex Combustion technology works in conjunction with the fuel injection system to create a diagonal vortex of evenly mixed air and fuel within the combustion chamber, gathering the mixture around the spark plug to effect efficient and rapid combustion. This ground-breaking new technology improves the engine’s fuel economy and lowers CO2 emissions across the Skyactiv-G 1.5L powertrain range.