Mid-year update ahead for Mazda2 range

MAZDA will update its popular Mazda2 light hatch and sedan range towards the middle of this year with a new frontal treatment, remoulded bumpers, additional paint colours and refreshed interior garnishing.

The minor facelift will give new life to the ageing model, the current generation of which joined Mazda’s ranks in 2014.

Updates to the third-generation Mazda2 will incorporate new black or body-coloured grille designs, a restyled front bumper and asymmetrically placed colour accents on the front grille and rear bumper that Mazda says “enhances the car’s youthful spirit”.

Hatch variants, as well as the flagship GT sedan, also adopt a redesigned rear bumper.

New paint colours, including Aero Grey Metallic and Airstream Blue Metallic, join the nine-colour palette, while the lower grade Pure and Pure SP benefit from a range of additional features inspired by Mazda’s Kodo design language.

The offerings extend to three coloured dash garnished finished in Pure White, Mirror Black or Mint, which are determined by the car’s exterior paint scheme. Additionally, the Pure SP, Evolve and GT are available with a wrapped black roof.

Inside, Evolve and GT variants are now differentiated by a black interior décor contrasted with red highlights on the seat stitching and air vent surrounds. GT variants add partial leather seats, a black and red dashboard, and, externally, an aero-inspired alloy wheel design and polished exhaust tips.

Barring the Pure, all grades now also feature a shark fin-style antenna.

Pricing and detailed specification for the MY23 update of the Mazda2 has not yet been announced. Currently, the range is priced from $23,390 to $26,490 plus on-road costs.

All variants are powered by Mazda’s 1.5-litre ‘G15’ Skyactiv petrol engine developing 82kW and 144Nm. A manual transmission is available on the base grade Pure with all other variants arriving as standard with a six-speed automatic.

“Mazda2 has always been a fan favourite for our newest road users and buyers who enjoy a premium product that also adeptly delivers on safety, quality, economy and driveability,” said Mazda Australia managing director, Vinesh Bhindi.

VFACTS data shows Mazda sold 5146 examples of the Mazda2 in 2022, giving it a 12.3 per cent share of the Light Car under $25K segment. The segment was dominated by the Chinese-made MG MG3 with 16,168 sales (and a 38.6 per cent segment share) with second place going to the Suzuki Baleno (6124 units and a 14.6 per cent share).

The top-five was rounded out by the Kia Rio (4567 and 10.9%) and Suzuki Swift (4405 and 10.5%).

The updated Mazda2 will go on sale in June 2023 with deliveries beginning the following month.