The Mazda 2 has been given another update and will be hitting international showrooms in March 2023. Here’s a quick look at the changes and SA ETA.

The long-standing Mazda 2 has received a facelift, with the changes being mostly cosmetic inside and out. The changes come around three years since the first major update back in 2019/2020.

Depending on trim level, you can spot the updated Mazda 2 with its curiously-styled front end. Some would go as far to say that it’s almost like an electric car, with a closed-off grille. There are some contrasting wheels available as an option, new colour additions (Aero Grey, Airstream Blue) and owners can include a few customisation options.

As it stands, there are 11 exterior colours, 3 dashboard panel tons, 3 roof colours, 6 wheel cap colours and Mazda reckons there are a total of 198 colour combinations available. Inside, the dashboard and layout is mostly the same, with the free-standing infotainment screen size has increased to 8-inches, but unfortunately is still powered by the older-gen Mazda Connect system, unlike its newer products like the CX-30 which have a nicer-looking interface.

Mechanically, the international engine line-up has been retained, with both petrol-powered Skyactive-G and diesel Skyactive-D motors. For the record, the petrol 1.5-litre 4-cylinder has 81 kW and 142 Nm, while the diesel produces 77 kW and either 250 Nm or 220 Nm, depending on market.

Interestingly, Mazda Japan offers the 2 with the option of all-wheel drive. Both manual and automatic transmissions are available.

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Updated Mazda 2 for South Africa

In our comprehensive Cars for 2023 piece, Mazda Southern Africa confirmed that an updated 2 would be hitting showrooms in mid-2023, so you can expect some pricing and further specifications around that time. At the end of January 2023, the 2 range from Mazda started from R302 300.