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Ratings: 2020 Mazda 2 1.5 Hatchback - Good grade in Driving Performance, 165/170 overall

Shaun · Aug 16, 2020 12:37 PM

Driving Performance - 38/50 pts, brilliant powertrain

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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.

Ratings: 2020 Mazda 2 1.5 Hatchback - Good grade in Driving Performance, 165/170 overall 01

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.

Ratings: 2020 Mazda 2 1.5 Hatchback - Good grade in Driving Performance, 165/170 overall 02

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

Ratings: 2020 Mazda 2 1.5 Hatchback - Good grade in Driving Performance, 165/170 overall 03

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.

Ratings: 2020 Mazda 2 1.5 Hatchback - Good grade in Driving Performance, 165/170 overall 04

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.

Ratings: 2020 Mazda 2 1.5 Hatchback - Good grade in Driving Performance, 165/170 overall 05

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.

Ratings: 2020 Mazda 2 1.5 Hatchback - Good grade in Driving Performance, 165/170 overall 06

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

Ratings: 2020 Mazda 2 1.5 Hatchback - Good grade in Driving Performance, 165/170 overall 07

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.

Ratings: 2020 Mazda 2 1.5 Hatchback - Good grade in Driving Performance, 165/170 overall 08

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.

Ratings: 2020 Mazda 2 1.5 Hatchback - Good grade in Driving Performance, 165/170 overall 09

Ratings: 2020 Mazda 2 1.5 Hatchback - Good grade in Driving Performance, 165/170 overall 10

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

Ratings: 2020 Mazda 2 1.5 Hatchback - Good grade in Driving Performance, 165/170 overall 11

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

Ratings: 2020 Mazda 2 1.5 Hatchback - Good grade in Driving Performance, 165/170 overall 12

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

Ratings: 2020 Mazda 2 1.5 Hatchback - Good grade in Driving Performance, 165/170 overall 13

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.

 

Shaun

Senior Writer

The quest for automotive knowledge began as soon as the earliest memories. Various sources information, even questionable ones, have been explored including video games, television, magazines, or even internet forums. Still stuck in that rabbit hole.

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2020 Mazda 2 Hatchback 1.5L

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