He's too negative on this wonderful little car. Handling, mileage, looks, safety and even the sound levels- all wonderful after five years of ownership. Fun to drive!
Some of you car testers forget about who’s buying the car. My Mum has had her Mazda 2 for 20 years and looking for an update. How brilliant would this seem to her and will probably see her out. All the negativity here would put someone off buying it. She test drove one and bought it. You test drive so many cars on a regular basis you lose sight of why you’re doing it.
I'm a community worker and use my 2023 version Evolve Mazda 2 for work. I'm on the road constantly. This is a fair review although it seems I enjoy the ride quality and the 6 speed auto more than the reviwer did. After one year and 30,000 km, I would recommend this car. I get a consistent 6L/100km. I did test drive the Yaris - I like the external looks but disliked the CVT and interior finish. In my opinion the Mazda 2 is worth considering. I'm very happy with mine.
Ive had this car from 2019, Im from Chile, ive cross the andes mountain range a couple of times, ive went to the Carretera Austral. Its an awesome car very reliable comfortable and also in the city is a very nice car. Im looking for a change and im thinking of buying a new mazda 2, hats how much i love it
If there is one thing I have learnt when buying vehicles is to take a reviewer opinion with a pinch of salt and test drive the vehicle yourself. I have driven the Mazda 2 and it's definitely fun to drive compared to a turbo it's definitely not going to be as fast but it's definitely nippy but again my opinion. I for one will stick to Japanese vehicles so the polo will a no for me, the swift reliable but has a low ncap rating.
I would hope that anyone making a decision about buying a car would do research and then drive it themselves. My tastes are different to other reviewers, and your tastes might be different again.
I have the updated Mazda 2 Evolve. Like the new look, more sporty and aggressive. Plenty of room up front. I had the optional armrest fitted but it's pricey at $500 but it does make a difference. The ride is on the firmish side but it's never uncomfortable. NVH levels are pretty good for a small car. It easily keeps with the traffic although more power wouldn't go astray. Averaging 7L/100 km around town. It's great fun to drive and dated in some areas that said it can still hold its own.
Matt the design dates back to 2007 so yes, it's old. I own a small turbo (Peugeot 308) and it drinks oil which some turbos do so I'd have the naturally aspirated Mazda any day. Yes it's squishy in the back, but that's like asking a V8 to be fuel efficient...it's not meant to be. Our KE 30 Corolla's, Mazda 808's and Datsun 120 Y's (Why's) were the same (and about the same length) but coming from the beach or the disco we were just lucky to bludge a lift! Great reviews.
A Mazda 2 maintenance costs will be far less than a VW polo, especially after 10 years or 100,000 kms. My mechanic always thanks for VW to sustain his business for the last 40 years.
we are family of 3 with a kid and we got one GT sedan version since last year. It has been few months but I have been enjoying the ride. It does have road noise but is okay. Still struggling to get fuel efficiency tho. Mine is around 7.5-8l per 100kms. It is my first car and with extra fitted hand rest it feels premium too. Thanks for your review 😊
As a town car, it would be my pick as it has a spare and a torque converter auto. It's not my idea of an only car. The new model MG 3 would be interesting. I am looking forward to your review on it. If they made small, affordable EV,s in this size, they might be of interest as town cars.
Typical Mazda / Toyota. Prices go up, but the interior cheap nasty materials remain the same. My daughter had one of these for 2 years. Everything scratches and the seats stain way too easy. The cabin noise is crazy. These manufacturers can do way better.
The Suzuki Swift range have a 3-4 month waiting time, many are sold even before they drop at the dealers, the VW is a fab car but I wouldn't get it for a work car, to be trashed by staff, or with that turbo speeding fines, the Mazda has an okay ride, but I like it, basically you can't go fast with out know it, we have a few Mazda 2 and they are the best all purpose work car. We have done 150KM in two half years and they haven't skipped a beat. We get great services from Mazda, and the staff are great. Toyota were a train wreck. We have 2 Mazda CX3s. Also very good for out of town Support work. To clarify the Mazda 2 we have don't leave the CBD, they are specific for City Urban Mental Health Support. But thats just us every one has different needs. Thanks for the Review
I have had a Mazda 2 and a Mazda 3 for over 10 years. I only ever have to have them serviced and pay for all the usual stuff that wears out. Batterys, Brake linings etc. to have no major problems. They both have spent a lot of time outside, and not in the garage. And the paint on both of them still looks good. I wouldn't go so far as to call the Mazda 2 "gutless". But it is a 1500cc engine, so its obviously not going to outrun many of the larger engine cars on the road. I'm thinking of buying a new car. And I am considering buying another Mazda. Because I just dont want to risk buying a car that won't go the distance. I have done 200k in both of them. I used the Mazda 2 every day for seven years. Sometimes up to 150k a day. I made money from that car because my employer paid mileage. That paid my car loan and more. Because it was so economical.
I've been waiting for this. Thank you Matt for the honest review. Wife's changing her 12 y.o. Micra in June and insists on a micro car that's easy to park. She says no to VW's 95 Ron and dsg, no to Suzuki's so-so reliabilty, and a big no to Yaris' wait time of 6 months (down from 308 days, jeez). Kia Picanto is too small almost like a flimsy go-cart and the only contender would be Hyndai's Venue but we are wary of Hyundai's iffy quality and reliability. For now it's a firm Mazda 2 for us, unless a new and more exciting car comes out before June, that's not from a country that starts with the letter "C" :). I'm sure this will be the right car for us , despite its flaws. This will anyway spend most of its time at the train station and Coles parking :)
We know a few who own the Swift. Engine, auto trans , paint and interior are good but minor things such as power lock/windows fail and there's some rattles on the dash and they say the infotainment is rubbish and may have some gremlins@@zaamuro8408
I've read that Volkswagen cars (such as the Polo alternative mentioned in the video) are very unreliable and prone to having numerous mechanical issues - is this true? I like the Polo, but unsure about its reliability.
First sold in Sep 2014 in Japan and Oct. USA. It’s old. It’s also $30k NZD for GSX and $32,590 for limited. You can get an MG ZST mid range for the same price. Or a used better car.
Is there not an engine cover on the GT? I have seen 2 reviews on this model car & no engine cover. I own a 2022 Mazda 2 Evolve & it has a nice cover to hide the mess. And when i take my engine cover off its very tidy looking compared to the GT. Also i love my Mazda 2, fun to drive, handles very well & very comfortable to drive.
If they ever did a real upgrade we’d buy one. We’ve had one before but we have no option of buying another new one as it still looks exactly the same so feel we are buying exactly what we had
I think that the value equation doesn't add up although all Mazda vehicles have increased in price quite substantially. A young girl I know has one and she thinks it is great. As a P plate style car I think it is a good purchase decision if one wants a new car. LED lighting and a 6 speed auto box is not something found in a lot of the small car breed. Mazda needs to lift its game with the infotainment system, a centre console and rear air vents. AND make the price more appealing.
I think Matt was on point 4 months ago and the Mazda too was priced high. However, now that you have a new Swift and an MG3, this one is not far out on price - it might be one of the cheaper ones. Besides, the drivetrain would be one of the better and reliable ones (sans the MG and Toyota hybrids). I would consider the base manual.
@@therightcar you are right. What the bean counters at 'established' ones can't do is to put a number on brand loyalty that comes with the first car. And then the manufacturer also needs to have a line up to service that loyalty. Mazda is one with such a line up here in Australia
I have driven all of the vehicles, he mentions, and tend to agree on many of the comments but, at the same spec level, both the Yaris and the Polo are over $5,000 (15%) more expensive so you really need to have the money for those cars. The service cost of the polo is also over $3,000 for 5 years so it ends up quite a lot more expensive. The swift, in its new hybrid form is a good like for like comparison but is equally noisy and lacking in power. The run-out turbo Swift GLX is brilliant and I would buy it over a Mazda 2 anyday. The problem is, if you have had a small turbo before, you will not want to go back to a normal engine but all this ev carry in is making small turbo cars, less available, unless you have the money. This is a really difficult area to buy in now as pretty much any reasonably specced small car will cost you around $30,000, apart from an MG3 and a Kia Picanto. If you haven't had a turbo before, then you will find the Mazda 2 good. It does all the things a small car does, rides a bit rough, has a busy engine and is compact inside. But it is fun to drive, is well equipped in the top 2 specs and is cheap to run and service. So while Matt isn't wrong, there are very few options in this vehicle class and the Mazda 2 is a solid, reliable one and with the new hybrid Swift. It's really a personal choice as both have advantages and disadvantages.
Definitely choose a Polo over the Mazda, they are a very comfortable and competent car to drive. The Mazda 2 is beginning to look rather dated inside and out, and USB-A ports up front? USB-C is the standard nowadays. The car shows its age when driving, road, engine and wind noise surely don’t contribute to a good driving experience. It seems to me to be an average little car primarily for urban use, and Mazda seem to have a loyal following. A few years back I ran up 57,000km on a VW Polo of that time in a little less than 2 years, commuting regionally for work each day. It was a comfortable and easy open road car, reliable and good to drive. Would a Mazda 3 provide the same driving experience I wonder? A well constructed and easy to understand review, honest and fair as always. Thanks!
The polo might be the better drive, but unless someone is buying the car for you, you'd be mad to choose it over the 2. Check Redriven to see the litany of issues with all VAG products
People that say "Buttons make a car cheap" are absolutely brainwashed. Even as at a business stand point, buttons cost more to make, therefore these new cars slapped with screens all over the place are in fact "Cheaper" because the manufacturer saves money by not putting in buttons 🤡
I just got a Mazda 2 it a good car for getting you from a to b and yes not nippy but I didn't buy it for that only thing I'm not keen on is mine has a carbon roof and bird shit is a nightmare get out of it you have to scrub the roof get it out that something I'm not happy about invest in a car protective cover and save your self that headache
Just going through this process with my daughter now. Yaris and Polo can be immediately rejected because 6k more expensive and auto only, and LOL no to VW for long term ownership prospects. Swift was rejected because it's hideously ugly and she wouldn't be seen dead in it. MG3 is also auto only and Chinese so that's a big no. So what's left? The Mazda2.
Mazdas for me tend to be the least practical cars in the segment mainly because they make the backsides too curvy compromising the boot. For the money though i would rather have a Swift Sport, way more practical than most warm hatches out there. It would be great if you could get to review one before the new one drops😁.
I'd take this simple little car designed many years ago. "Modern" massively overpriced cars are design to crap out at 100k, cvt transmission money pit, just terrible.
@@therightcar not really; I'd take a well-sorted car over one just released; Mazda got 35 years out of the Mazda Bongo van, better known in Australia as the E-series or Ford Econovan, with only a few minor updates from 1984 - 2019.
He's too negative on this wonderful little car. Handling, mileage, looks, safety and even the sound levels- all wonderful after five years of ownership. Fun to drive!
Was great at a lower price and 7 years ago it stood out. Now it’s not as impressive. Sorry.
Some of you car testers forget about who’s buying the car. My Mum has had her Mazda 2 for 20 years and looking for an update. How brilliant would this seem to her and will probably see her out. All the negativity here would put someone off buying it. She test drove one and bought it. You test drive so many cars on a regular basis you lose sight of why you’re doing it.
I'm a community worker and use my 2023 version Evolve Mazda 2 for work. I'm on the road constantly. This is a fair review although it seems I enjoy the ride quality and the 6 speed auto more than the reviwer did. After one year and 30,000 km, I would recommend this car. I get a consistent 6L/100km. I did test drive the Yaris - I like the external looks but disliked the CVT and interior finish. In my opinion the Mazda 2 is worth considering. I'm very happy with mine.
Thanks for sharing!
Still looks good. Rather a Mazda than an overpriced trash euro
yep; and I'd include lesser quality Asian originating from China and Korea.
Mazda really is doing a good job with their designs
Ive had this car from 2019, Im from Chile, ive cross the andes mountain range a couple of times, ive went to the Carretera Austral. Its an awesome car very reliable comfortable and also in the city is a very nice car. Im looking for a change and im thinking of buying a new mazda 2, hats how much i love it
Good on you. Do what makes you happy, not what anyone else says you should!
If there is one thing I have learnt when buying vehicles is to take a reviewer opinion with a pinch of salt and test drive the vehicle yourself. I have driven the Mazda 2 and it's definitely fun to drive compared to a turbo it's definitely not going to be as fast but it's definitely nippy but again my opinion. I for one will stick to Japanese vehicles so the polo will a no for me, the swift reliable but has a low ncap rating.
I would hope that anyone making a decision about buying a car would do research and then drive it themselves. My tastes are different to other reviewers, and your tastes might be different again.
That n/a engine will outlast its turbo competition😅.
I have the updated Mazda 2 Evolve. Like the new look, more sporty and aggressive.
Plenty of room up front. I had the optional armrest fitted but it's pricey at $500 but it does make a difference.
The ride is on the firmish side but it's never uncomfortable. NVH levels are pretty good for a small car.
It easily keeps with the traffic although more power wouldn't go astray. Averaging 7L/100 km around town.
It's great fun to drive and dated in some areas that said it can still hold its own.
Thanks for that! Hope it is a hassle free ownership experience.
Have one for 6+ years. Pretty reliable and still looks good. It's a cheap car (considering nowadays prices) for one , max 2 people
May be old but Mazda build quality and reliability trump VWs any day isn't Mitsubishi ASX older? an exellent run about.
I just think it still looks really good
Matt the design dates back to 2007 so yes, it's old. I own a small turbo (Peugeot 308) and it drinks oil which some turbos do so I'd have the naturally aspirated Mazda any day. Yes it's squishy in the back, but that's like asking a V8 to be fuel efficient...it's not meant to be. Our KE 30 Corolla's, Mazda 808's and Datsun 120 Y's (Why's) were the same (and about the same length) but coming from the beach or the disco we were just lucky to bludge a lift! Great reviews.
A Mazda 2 maintenance costs will be far less than a VW polo, especially after 10 years or 100,000 kms. My mechanic always thanks for VW to sustain his business for the last 40 years.
we are family of 3 with a kid and we got one GT sedan version since last year. It has been few months but I have been enjoying the ride. It does have road noise but is okay. Still struggling to get fuel efficiency tho. Mine is around 7.5-8l per 100kms. It is my first car and with extra fitted hand rest it feels premium too. Thanks for your review 😊
Thanks for your comment! I hope your fuel economy improves over time 🥳
As a town car, it would be my pick as it has a spare and a torque converter auto. It's not my idea of an only car. The new model MG 3 would be interesting. I am looking forward to your review on it. If they made small, affordable EV,s in this size, they might be of interest as town cars.
Typical Mazda / Toyota. Prices go up, but the interior cheap nasty materials remain the same. My daughter had one of these for 2 years. Everything scratches and the seats stain way too easy. The cabin noise is crazy. These manufacturers can do way better.
@DMT267 I think that's why the various Chinese vehicles are selling so well.
I like the colour, the size and the look of this car. It is a basic featured car though. Matt are you going to do a review of the sedan of this model?
The Suzuki Swift range have a 3-4 month waiting time, many are sold even before they drop at the dealers, the VW is a fab car but I wouldn't get it for a work car, to be trashed by staff, or with that turbo speeding fines, the Mazda has an okay ride, but I like it, basically you can't go fast with out know it, we have a few Mazda 2 and they are the best all purpose work car. We have done 150KM in two half years and they haven't skipped a beat. We get great services from Mazda, and the staff are great. Toyota were a train wreck. We have 2 Mazda CX3s. Also very good for out of town Support work. To clarify the Mazda 2 we have don't leave the CBD, they are specific for City Urban Mental Health Support. But thats just us every one has different needs. Thanks for the Review
What a nice car!
That’s an unsurprising comment from someone with your handle! 🤣
I have had a Mazda 2 and a Mazda 3 for over 10 years. I only ever have to have them serviced and pay for all the usual stuff that wears out. Batterys, Brake linings etc. to have no major problems. They both have spent a lot of time outside, and not in the garage. And the paint on both of them still looks good. I wouldn't go so far as to call the Mazda 2 "gutless". But it is a 1500cc engine, so its obviously not going to outrun many of the larger engine cars on the road. I'm thinking of buying a new car. And I am considering buying another Mazda. Because I just dont want to risk buying a car that won't go the distance. I have done 200k in both of them. I used the Mazda 2 every day for seven years. Sometimes up to 150k a day. I made money from that car because my employer paid mileage. That paid my car loan and more. Because it was so economical.
thankfully over here the base sedan ver. is at ~$16900, although waiting times are quite long for that reason
Interesting the 1.5 now has cooled EGR. Didn’t have it at all previously
I've been waiting for this. Thank you Matt for the honest review. Wife's changing her 12 y.o. Micra in June and insists on a micro car that's easy to park. She says no to VW's 95 Ron and dsg, no to Suzuki's so-so reliabilty, and a big no to Yaris' wait time of 6 months (down from 308 days, jeez). Kia Picanto is too small almost like a flimsy go-cart and the only contender would be Hyndai's Venue but we are wary of Hyundai's iffy quality and reliability. For now it's a firm Mazda 2 for us, unless a new and more exciting car comes out before June, that's not from a country that starts with the letter "C" :). I'm sure this will be the right car for us , despite its flaws. This will anyway spend most of its time at the train station and Coles parking :)
I thought Swift are quite reliable?
We know a few who own the Swift. Engine, auto trans , paint and interior are good but minor things such as power lock/windows fail and there's some rattles on the dash and they say the infotainment is rubbish and may have some gremlins@@zaamuro8408
Yeah I think the new-gen MG3 will be here by then. Not sure if that would be on your list - will be Australia’s cheapest hybrid car!
I agree
@@zaamuro8408 Swifts are crazy reliable
thank you for this video it helped me a lot
Great! Thanks for watching.
Outdated screen?
I prefer the radio included in my 2018 entry-level model.
Yep - the screen looks very old now. The radio in yours - I remember that little tiny display thing! Much simpler to use.
@@therightcar
€16,500 with alloy wheels back in 2018.
€20,250 today with steel wheels!
Tell me it's a joke...
I've read that Volkswagen cars (such as the Polo alternative mentioned in the video) are very unreliable and prone to having numerous mechanical issues - is this true? I like the Polo, but unsure about its reliability.
First sold in Sep 2014 in Japan and Oct. USA. It’s old. It’s also $30k NZD for GSX and $32,590 for limited. You can get an MG ZST mid range for the same price. Or a used better car.
Mazda is far superior to MG; if you buy on price only, then get an MG..
My 2018 auto gets 4.5ltrs per 100klms at 26,000 klms. Mine improved steadily from new.
That’s impressive. What kind of driving do you do?
@@therightcar It is, mostly city and 80 kph hilly.
Is there not an engine cover on the GT? I have seen 2 reviews on this model car & no engine cover. I own a 2022 Mazda 2 Evolve & it has a nice cover to hide the mess. And when i take my engine cover off its very tidy looking compared to the GT. Also i love my Mazda 2, fun to drive, handles very well & very comfortable to drive.
Costs cut, profits increase…!
If they ever did a real upgrade we’d buy one. We’ve had one before but we have no option of buying another new one as it still looks exactly the same so feel we are buying exactly what we had
I think that the value equation doesn't add up although all Mazda vehicles have increased in price quite substantially. A young girl I know has one and she thinks it is great. As a P plate style car I think it is a good purchase decision if one wants a new car. LED lighting and a 6 speed auto box is not something found in a lot of the small car breed. Mazda needs to lift its game with the infotainment system, a centre console and rear air vents. AND make the price more appealing.
Thanks for your thoughts!
I think Matt was on point 4 months ago and the Mazda too was priced high. However, now that you have a new Swift and an MG3, this one is not far out on price - it might be one of the cheaper ones. Besides, the drivetrain would be one of the better and reliable ones (sans the MG and Toyota hybrids).
I would consider the base manual.
Yep, the market has moved. But I can’t see the “established” players sticking around forever. New cheap options from China will be en route soon…
@@therightcar you are right. What the bean counters at 'established' ones can't do is to put a number on brand loyalty that comes with the first car. And then the manufacturer also needs to have a line up to service that loyalty. Mazda is one with such a line up here in Australia
29000 $ for a Polo as small hatchback is wayyy too much... Should start atleast at 23 000 $ ....
I drove one i want one
I have driven all of the vehicles, he mentions, and tend to agree on many of the comments but, at the same spec level, both the Yaris and the Polo are over $5,000 (15%) more expensive so you really need to have the money for those cars. The service cost of the polo is also over $3,000 for 5 years so it ends up quite a lot more expensive. The swift, in its new hybrid form is a good like for like comparison but is equally noisy and lacking in power. The run-out turbo Swift GLX is brilliant and I would buy it over a Mazda 2 anyday.
The problem is, if you have had a small turbo before, you will not want to go back to a normal engine but all this ev carry in is making small turbo cars, less available, unless you have the money. This is a really difficult area to buy in now as pretty much any reasonably specced small car will cost you around $30,000, apart from an MG3 and a Kia Picanto.
If you haven't had a turbo before, then you will find the Mazda 2 good. It does all the things a small car does, rides a bit rough, has a busy engine and is compact inside. But it is fun to drive, is well equipped in the top 2 specs and is cheap to run and service. So while Matt isn't wrong, there are very few options in this vehicle class and the Mazda 2 is a solid, reliable one and with the new hybrid Swift. It's really a personal choice as both have advantages and disadvantages.
Thanks for the detailed take on things mate.
The lack of a center armrest was a killer for me.
I think you can option one for like $500. But seriously, it should be standard.
Or you could get one off Amazon or Alibaba for like $60.
Looked at one for my daughter, she purchased a base model i30. No comparison really.
Korean car vs Japanese; makes sense..
I love these. Can you get these in The Union (USA)
Nosir
@@therightcar Yeah, I didn't think so. I was just really wanting one.
@@therightcar Thank you for the response.
I wish we got the saloon in the UK
Definitely choose a Polo over the Mazda, they are a very comfortable and competent car to drive. The Mazda 2 is beginning to look rather dated inside and out, and USB-A ports up front? USB-C is the standard nowadays. The car shows its age when driving, road, engine and wind noise surely don’t contribute to a good driving experience. It seems to me to be an average little car primarily for urban use, and Mazda seem to have a loyal following. A few years back I ran up 57,000km on a VW Polo of that time in a little less than 2 years, commuting regionally for work each day. It was a comfortable and easy open road car, reliable and good to drive. Would a Mazda 3 provide the same driving experience I wonder? A well constructed and easy to understand review, honest and fair as always. Thanks!
The polo might be the better drive, but unless someone is buying the car for you, you'd be mad to choose it over the 2. Check Redriven to see the litany of issues with all VAG products
This is a Mazda2 not a Mazda3
I see Polo cars together with the road assistant service ,way too often so no thanks
Yeah value proposition has long gone. But that every model comes with a leather wrapped steering wheel is something to write home about 😁
Ha yep!
i choose mazda 2
Cool!
People that say "Buttons make a car cheap" are absolutely brainwashed. Even as at a business stand point, buttons cost more to make, therefore these new cars slapped with screens all over the place are in fact "Cheaper" because the manufacturer saves money by not putting in buttons 🤡
I agree. Buttons are important.
I just got a Mazda 2 it a good car for getting you from a to b and yes not nippy but I didn't buy it for that only thing I'm not keen on is mine has a carbon roof and bird shit is a nightmare get out of it you have to scrub the roof get it out that something I'm not happy about invest in a car protective cover and save your self that headache
Just going through this process with my daughter now. Yaris and Polo can be immediately rejected because 6k more expensive and auto only, and LOL no to VW for long term ownership prospects. Swift was rejected because it's hideously ugly and she wouldn't be seen dead in it. MG3 is also auto only and Chinese so that's a big no. So what's left? The Mazda2.
Mazdas for me tend to be the least practical cars in the segment mainly because they make the backsides too curvy compromising the boot. For the money though i would rather have a Swift Sport, way more practical than most warm hatches out there. It would be great if you could get to review one before the new one drops😁.
Bingo about the form over function appearance.
Yeah, if you can get a Swift Sport for 27k these days you’re doing well!
I’ve been asking….!!
@@therightcarhope you get one soon 🤞
noise and arsh ride are end dealers..will look at 2nd hand lexus
Which 2nd hand Lexus?
Turbo 3 pot. No thanks. Less reliable.
Sadly, not available in the US market. The ugly, bloated-looking Mazda3 hatch is as small as it gets there.
I'd take this simple little car designed many years ago. "Modern" massively overpriced cars are design to crap out at 100k, cvt transmission money pit, just terrible.
Okay mate
Wow you are so full of it - so who paid you off
Over priced for what is just a heavily revised facelift. Find something that is actually new from the ground up & you will be much happier.
Fair point
@@therightcar not really; I'd take a well-sorted car over one just released; Mazda got 35 years out of the Mazda Bongo van, better known in Australia as the E-series or Ford Econovan, with only a few minor updates from 1984 - 2019.