Mazda 2 (2003 – 2007) Review

Mazda 2 (2003 – 2007) At A Glance

3/5

+Sportier, livelier and more fun to drive than the Fiesta on which it is based, easy access to the boot.

-Some rivals offer more cabin space.

On average it achieves 95% of the official MPG figure

Is it a Fiesta? Is it a Fusion? Confusion, it's a Mazda 2.

Instead of offering two variations of the new Valencia Ford Fiesta, Ford offers three and calls one of them a Mazda. But unlike the old Mazda 121, which was no more than a badge-engineered Dagenham Fiesta, the Mazda 2 has been completely re-engineereed.

And that's the point of it. At the back you get the lowest loading sill in the new Fiesta range. (Nearly as low as a Yaris Verso.) You get a fairly flat floor when you fold the seats, because Mazda sorted out the seat squab mechanism. You get a brighter, funkier interior. And you get a shopping car that's a lot more fun to drive than any Fiesta or Fusion.

You also gain an element of exclusivity because Mazda doesn't expect to sell many, concentrating its efforts instead on bigger, more profitable machines like the forthcoming Mazda 3 and the excellent Mazda 6.

Mazda 2 2003 Road Test

 

Real MPG average for a Mazda 2 (2003 – 2007)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

95%

Real MPG

31–64 mpg

MPGs submitted

48

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

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Ask Honest John

Mazda 2 EAC warning - what does it mean?

"My 1.4 diesel Mazda 2 (2006 model) lost power yesterday and displayed an EAC warning on the dashboard. I could only drive it home in first gear. What could the problem be?"
Common problem on the 1.4HDI/TDCI. Likely to be failed injectors. If you are lucky, the problem may only be failed injector seals.However, EAC is 'Electronic Accelerator Control', so get that checked first.
Answered by Honest John

Mazda bodywork issues?

"I have purchased a 2015 Mazda 2 115 sport Nav. I'm impressed with the drive, economy, and specs and look forward to many years of ownership. However, a friend who owns a MX 5 has urged me to have the car undersealed to prevent rusting.I have found issues with rust on some MX 5 forums, but nothing of note on other models. During the warranty period bodywork inspections are carried out. Should I be concerned, is rusting an issue on a modern Mazda? Your input would be appreciated. "
This has come from the fact that Mazda Eunos roadsters from 1989 to 1996 were not undersealed and had rust problems. Early Mazda MX5s were also vulnerable in the area just in front of the rear arches. Older Mazda 6s could suffer a bit in the wheelarches. But if you have any work done when the car is not bone dry (need a low bake oven in this weather) then any extra treatment could hold moisture and would anyway void the Mazda no rust through warranty.
Answered by Honest John

Best small used car for £4000?

"I want to buy a small car for my daughter. I have a budget of £4000 and she’ll need it for rural and city driving. I’m considering the Honda Jazz, but can you recommend anything else?"
£4000 only gets a Mk1 Honda Jazz up to 2009. Very practical and versatile, but not much fun. If you can find a Mazda 2 1.3TS2 for £4000 she'll enjoy driving that a lot more.
Answered by Honest John

We need a small MPV with good access for a dog - any suggestions?

"We are looking for a new car which our dog can easily climb into. We need something with an estate car-type seat arrangement, where the flat floor goes right to the front seats. We have a Land Cruiser for long distance driving but we would like a small, nippy 4x4 with side doors and totally flat floor. Any ideas?"
I think the lowest load decks that cars ever had were in the Toyota Yaris Verso, up to 2006, and the old model Mazda 2, up to 2007. A further alternative might be a secondhand Berlingo or similar, converted with a drop-down ramp at the back for wheelchairs. The dog could then simply walk in. See www.brotherwood.com/default/
Answered by Honest John
More Questions

What does a Mazda 2 (2003 – 2007) cost?