Mazda 2 (2007 – 2015) Review

Mazda 2 (2007 – 2015) At A Glance

4/5

+Enjoyable and fun to drive. Economical engines. Sensibly priced. Feels well built. Ride harshness over bumps improved for 2011.

-Interior plastics aren't soft to touch. Side bump strips a dealer-fit option. rear seats don't fold flat.

Insurance Groups are between 9–16
On average it achieves 80% of the official MPG figure

Alongside more recent rivals the Mazda2, introduced in 2007, is starting to show its age. The cabin layout looks outdated and the materials don’t feel particularly plush, while exterior styling no longer stands out as radical or dramatic. That said, there is still appeal thanks to fun driving dynamics and peppy engines.

Refinement isn’t impressive next to cars like the Ford Fiesta or Volkswagen Polo. A lot of engine noise makes it into the cabin even under normal driving conditions and road noise isn’t particularly well suppressed. The suspension could offer better ride quality, too – but they payoff is great handling in bends.

On a B-road the Mazda2 is excellent fun, with precise, well-weighted steering, a slick gear change and good body control. There’s plenty of feedback from the car, which inspires confidence. It’s not as good of an all-rounder as the Fiesta, but in terms of fun it does give the popular Ford a run for its money, along with the Suzuki Swift.

The Mazda2 has been offered with various different petrol and diesel engine options over its lifetime but the range is simpler now. There is a 1.3-litre petrol with either 75PS or 84PS, or a 1.5-litre petrol with 102PS paired to an automatic transmission. Emissions for both 1.3-litre variants are respectible, if not remarkable, at 115g/km, with official economy of 56.5mpg

Space inside isn’t bad, nor is it particularly impressive – adults will fit in the back and the boot is big enough for a shopping trip at 250 litres, but there are more practical options on sale including the Skoda Fabia or Honda Jazz, both of which have better cabin finish.

The Mazda2 is competitively priced and offers low running costs, but it is now out of date compared to its rivals. For someone who lives in a rural area and enjoys driving it could be the right choice if a good deal can be made, but for most there are better options on sale. 

Mazda 2 1.5 Activematic 2010 Road Test and Video

Real MPG average for a Mazda 2 (2007 – 2015)

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

80%

Real MPG

26–67 mpg

MPGs submitted

556

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

Is it time to dispose of my car?

"I have a 2011 Mazda 2 TS2 which has covered only 29,000 miles. I have owned it since 2014 and am the second owner. I recently had it serviced by a Mazda specialist who I know and trust. He recommended Dinitrol treatment at a cost of £350 if I was going to keep the car otherwise I would have corrosion problems underneath e.g. to the rear chassis. The MoT is due in January and I think it will pass but I am reluctant to spend £350 in this way on a 10-year old car. We can afford to change it for something newer and have mainly bought low-mileage cars or demonstrators in the past. Online valuations vary between approx. £1,600 and £3,000. The car runs well, has a new Varta battery and good tyres. There are one or two dents - should I have these rectified before selling or trading? What would you recommend as a replacement? Prior to owning the Mazda we ran a Skoda Fabia 1.2 HTP and a couple of Volkswagen Polos. I have looked online so far at Skoda Fabias, SEAT Ibizas and the smaller Skoda Citigo, SEAT Mii and Volkswagen Up. I have also looked at Suzuki and Toyota (Yaris). I won't buy anything French. Used prices have "gone through the roof" it appears. I would not want to spend more than £12,000 (less whatever I receive in part exchange or by selling privately). We own two other cars - a 2011 Mazda MX-5 2.0 SE Roadster Coupe and a Skoda Yeti 1.2TSI SEL. We are both in our 70s and don't do much mileage in any of the cars. If only we could buy a small car with the handling of the MX-5! "
A shortage in new cars means used car prices are inflated at the moment. As you've found, this means you might be surprised by your Mazda's value. It also means a replacement might be more expensive than it would be otherwise. If you really want to cash in on the current situation, perhaps you could sell the Mazda 2 now and use one of your other cars until prices of newer models drop? It's difficult to say when this will be, however. It certainly sounds like a good time to sell your Mazda if a specialist is warning you of rust issues. Don't bother repairing dents – no one expects perfect bodywork on a car of this age. As a replacement, take a look at a Ford Fiesta. It handles very well (if not quite as well as your MX-5) while there are lots available on the used market. We'd also recommend the latest Volkswagen Polo. If you like Mazdas, the current Mazda 2 is well worth a look, too.
Answered by Andrew Brady

Am I wasting my money using super unleaded fuel?

"I have three cars - 2011 Mazda MX5 Roadster 2.0-litre, 2011 Mazda 2 TS2 1.35-litre and 2016 Skoda Yeti 1.2 TSI SEL. I am using Shell V-POWER U/L in all of these. Is this okay or am I wasting my money?"
Very okay. You will be getting better performance: more torque at low rpm and will be keeping your fuel systems and valves clean. Stay with it.
Answered by Honest John

Does the Ford Fiesta use a DSG gearbox?

"I have test driven a Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost Powershift and was really impressed with it. However, I've now been told by men 'in the know' that its probably a DSG gearbox and I should avoid it. Is this true? I have about £9000 to spend and need an automatic. How can I find out if this Fiesta is DSG? Could you suggest an alternative car approx same size, or a smidgen larger?"
Brilliant to drive, but it is a Powershift twin dry clutch box and it has had clutch pack issues. This one may already have had a clutch pack replacement and you might be able to find out via a Ford dealer. You can avoid twin clutch autos and automated manuals with a Mazda 2 1.5 Activmatic, KIA Picanto 1.25 four-speed torque converter auto, Hyundai i10 1.25 four-speed torque converter auto, or a Honda Jazz 1.4iVTEC CVT-7. Avoid Nissan CVTs.
Answered by Honest John

Best all-season tyre for Mazda 2?

"I'm trying to purchase all-season tyres for my Mazda 2 (2011 model). Mazda's recommended tyre size is 185 55 R15 82 V. The Michelin website says Cross Climates won't fit my car. Should I fit Goodyear Vector 4 Seasons? Will the H speed rating affect my insurance, as it differs from Mazda's recommendation? "
Don't worry. And Goodyear Vector 4 Seasons are now improved. They are almost as good as Cross Climates.
Answered by Honest John
More Questions

What does a Mazda 2 (2007 – 2015) cost?