We’ve rated the Honda Jazz and Toyota Yaris and this week we’re taking an in-depth look at the 2020 Mazda 2 1.5 Hatchback facelift.
We’ve rated the Honda Jazz and Toyota Yaris and this week we’re taking an in-depth look at the 2020 Mazda 2 1.5 Hatchback facelift.
Driving Performance - 38/50 pts, brilliant powertrain
2020 Mazda 2 1.5 Hatchback - Facts and Figures | |
---|---|
Engine | 1.5L 4-cylinder NA |
Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
Power | 114 PS @ 6,000 rpm |
Torque | 149 Nm @ 4,000 rpm |
Weight | 1,097 kg |
0-100 km/h | 10.5 seconds |
100-0 km/h | 39.7 metres |
Unlike its immediate rivals, the Mazda 2 1.5L hatchback uses a 6-speed automatic transmission. Shifts are crisp and smooth. Plus, it feels more direct than its CVT rival.
Straight-line performance is impressive, quicker than the 120 PS Honda Jazz which completed the century sprint in 11.8 seconds.
Steering is direct as well, without noticeable off-centre numbness. The GVC+ can be felt in corners when it reduces the engine output and tucks the car into its intended line.
2020 Mazda 2 1.5 Hatchback - Driving Performances Breakdown | ||
---|---|---|
Engine | Acceleration | 4 / 5 |
In-gear Acceleration | 4 / 5 | |
Throttle Response | 4 / 5 | |
Transmission | Shift Logic | 2 / 3 |
Smoothness | 4 / 5 | |
Sport/Manual Mode | 3 / 3 | |
Steering | Accuracy | 2 / 3 |
Response | 2.5 / 3 | |
Weight & Feel | 2 / 3 | |
Braking | Distance | 2 / 3 |
Feel | 2.5 / 3 | |
Handling | Chassis Balance | 2 / 3 |
Grip | 2 / 3 | |
Load Reaction | 2 / 3 | |
Total | 38 / 50 pts |
Ride Comfort - 34/50 pts, balanced suspension
The suspension is rather balanced, it’s relatively pliant over bumpy surfaces whilst retaining sufficient firmness in corners.
The seats are average in terms of side and thigh support. Although the suede/leather combo feels pleasant to the touch.
2020 Mazda 2 1.5 Hatchback - Noise Level | |
---|---|
60 km/h | 60 dB |
90 km/h | 66 dB |
110 km/h | 70 dB |
Noise level has improved over the pre-facelift Mazda 2, but it’s still not as quiet at the Toyota Yaris. At 110 km/h, the sound level meter recorded an average of 70 dB.
2020 Mazda 2 1.5 Hatchback - Ride Comfort Breakdown | |
---|---|
Sound Proofing | 6 / 10 |
Suspension | 7 / 10 |
Passenger Comfort | 7 / 10 |
Seat Support | 3 / 5 |
Ergonomics | 4 / 5 |
Engine Refinement | 7 / 10 |
Total points | 34 / 50 pts |
Quality and Features - 31/50 pts, good material selection
2020 Mazda 2 1.5 Hatchback - Exterior Material Use | ||
---|---|---|
Bonnet | Soundproofing Material | Thick |
Struts | Manual | |
Front Fenders | Soundproofing Material | Yes |
Doors | Front Windows | Single Glazed |
Rear Windows | Single Glazed | |
Construction | One-piece | |
Tailgate/Boot | Opening | Manual |
Panel gaps deviated by no more than 0.5 mm from each side, with no outliers. This would indicate above average build quality. Paint thickness consistently averaged in the 100s of µm.
2020 Mazda 2 1.5 Hatchback - Panel Gaps | |||
---|---|---|---|
Location | Driver Side | Passenger Side | Difference |
Bonnet | 3.5 | 3 | 0.5 |
Front Fender | 3.5 | 4 | 0.5 |
Front to Rear Door | 3.5 | 3.5 | 0 |
Rear Door to C-Pillar | 3.5 | 3.5 | 0 |
Tailgate | 5.5 | 5.5 | 0 |
2020 Mazda 2 1.5 Hatchback - Paint thickness (µm) | ||
---|---|---|
Location | Driver Side | Passenger Side |
Front Bonnet | 111 | |
Front Fender | 94 | 115 |
Front Door | 100 | 100 |
Rear Door | 112 | 110 |
C-Pillar | 110 | 109 |
Tailgate | 111 | |
Roof | 84 | |
Average paint thickness: 105 |
Interior build quality as well as material quality are commendable. Plastics used, while hard in nature, feels smooth and has no rough edges. The suede material at the door and leather at the middle part of the dashboard adds a touch of premium-ness.
2020 Mazda 2 1.5 Hatchback - Cabin Material Use | ||
---|---|---|
Seat | Seat Cover | Leather/suede |
Armrest | Armrest Cover | N/A |
Dashboard | Upper Section | Hard Plastic |
Lower Section | Hard Plastic | |
Front Doors | Upper Section | Hard Plastic |
Middle Section | Suede | |
Lower Section | Hard Plastic |
Infotainment system now supports Android Auto/Apple CarPlay and is touch-sensitive when the car is stationary, but its UI is beginning to look a little dated when compared to the newer version in the Mazda 3.
One aspect lacking is in the safety department, with a total of only 2 airbags. Most of its competition have at least 6 airbags in total.
2020 Mazda 2 1.5 Hatchback - Quality & Features Breakdown | ||
---|---|---|
Exterior | Paint Finish | 2 / 3 |
Panel Gaps | 2 / 3 | |
Assembly Quality | 2 / 3 | |
Interior | Build Quality | 2 / 3 |
Materials Used | 2.5 / 3 | |
Material Finish Quality | 2.5 / 3 | |
Features | Safety | 6 / 10 |
ADAS | 0 / 5 | |
Luxury | 4 / 5 | |
Convenience | 3 / 5 | |
Infotainment | 5 / 7 | |
Total | 31 / 50 pts |
Space and Practicality - 27.5/50 pts, lacks storage spaces at the rear
Kneeroom at the rear is on the tighter side but headroom is decent. Side door bins on the front doors are able to accomodate large bottles.
An issue we have with the Mazda 2 hatchback is the lack of cupholders or storage spaces at the rear, only a compartment in the centre console.
2020 Mazda 2 1.5 Hatchback - Interior Space Breakdown | |
---|---|
Front Row | 8 / 10 |
Middle/Back Row | 5 / 10 |
Third Row | 0 / 5 |
Boot Space | 3 / 5 |
Practicality | 3 / 5 |
Storage Space | 2 / 5 |
Visibility | 4 / 5 |
Storage Flexibility | 2.5 / 5 |
Total | 27.5 / 50 pts |
Fuel Consumption – 14.5/20 pts, great results
After a 93.9 km journey broken down to about 40% city and 60% highway, we’ve used 5.82 litres of fuel which translates to 6.2-litre/100 km. In our tests, the Mazda 2 is more efficient than the Toyota Yaris and Honda Jazz.
2020 Mazda 2 1.5 Hatchback - Fuel Consumption Test Breakdown | |
---|---|
Fuel Consumption | 13 / 15 |
Eco Mode | 0 / 2 |
Indicator Accuracy | 1.5 / 3 |
Total points | 14.5 / 20 pts |
Purchase and Cost – 20/30, pricey for a B-segment hatchback
Being fully imported from Thailand, its price at RM 103,670 (OTR with SST) means the Mazda 2 1.5L hatchback is the pricier than all its closest rivals, namely the Toyota Yaris and Honda Jazz.
However, Mazda Malaysia does offer a 5-year/100,000 km free service program. And it’s rather fuel-efficient.
2020 Mazda 2 1.5 Hatchback - Purchase & Cost | ||
---|---|---|
Purchase | Car Price | 7 / 15 |
Warranty | 4 / 5 | |
Cost | Maintenance | 5 / 5 |
Fuel Cost | 4 / 5 | |
Total | 20 / 30 pts |
Conclusion
To sum up, the Mazda 2 leads the class in driving performance, has good build and material quality, and is easy on fuel. Downsides are the cramped cabin which lacks storage spaces and low airbag count.
If driving experience is your priority and you’d like to save on running costs such as fuel and servicing, then the Mazda 2 should be on top of your list.
Hassle-free purchasing, get your next car fast!
2020 Mazda 2 Hatchback 1.5L
Upgrade
Add your car