Mazda adds SP grade to MY22 Mazda2 line-up

MAZDA Australia has continued its recent form of offering sports-themed ‘SP’ variants with the debut of the Mazda2 SP that carries the usual blacked-out cosmetic features the nameplate has become synonymous with.

Unlike the high-spec BT-50 SP that was also announced this week, the brand’s smallest SP model is based on the entry-level G15 Pure trim, the only differences being its black 16-inch alloys, wing mirrors, grille, chrome exhaust tips and black cloth upholstery with contrasting red stitching.

Drive comes courtesy of the same 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine as the rest of the range, still producing 82kW of power and 144Nm of torque, all of which is sent to the front wheels by a six-speed automatic transmission.

For reference, other variants in the range are offered with a six-speed manual as standard, with the auto optional.

Official fuel consumption is rated at 5.3 litres per 100km on the combined cycle, though being primarily a city car, no performance claims have been made for the Mazda2 SP.

Besides the black and red upholstery, the Mazda2 SP’s cabin is the same as a regular G15 Pure, with infotainment duties taken care of by a 7.0-inch touchscreen featuring Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth and DAB digital radio with sound piped through six speakers.

Other standard equipment highlights include cruise control, keyless entry and start, leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel and gear lever, vanity mirrors, rear parking sensors, LED headlights and manual air-conditioning.

Included safety gear comprises blind-spot monitoring, emergency stop signal, G-vectoring control plus, hill launch assist, rear cross-traffic alert, reversing camera and smart city brake support among other features.

Due in local showrooms in the final quarter of the year, the Mazda2 G15 Pure SP is the headline act of the MY22 range, which has a handful of other updates. Pricing will be announced closer to launch.

All variants will come with rear seat belt reminders and a couple of new paint finishes for both the hatch and sedan palettes.

Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi said the new SP grade would “elevate” the G15 Pure, which has accounted for more than half of all Mazda2 sales so far this year.

“In 2021 Mazda2 has demonstrated its ongoing appeal and strong safety credentials, with increased sales and share in the light vehicle segment,” he said.

On the topic of sales, the brand has delivered 3363 Mazda2s so far this year ending August 31, accounting for an even 11 per cent of the closely fought sub-$25,000 light car segment in which the established players are closely matched while MG’s pint-sized MG3 is leading the way with 9129 sold and a 29.9 per cent market share.