When the 2020 Mazda2 was launched here in Malaysia, its asking price – RM103,670 – was met with lots of flak from our internet population. So what exactly changed, and what are you getting for the money? Here’s a closer look at the new Mazda2 now that the showrooms are reopening up.
Styling changes on the new Mazda2 are mostly done on the front. There’s now a new mesh front grille with chrome surrounds that’s more akin to other “seventh-generation” Mazda models, flanked by reshaped headlights with a new light signature. As standard, the headlights are LED illuminated.
The air inlet on the front bumper has been slimmed down, capped off by chrome inserts on both ends for a classier and more minimalist look. The cleaner design language is also mirrored on the rear bumper, where a plastic mesh-like trim piece takes up almost the entire width of the bumper, flanked by the rear reflectors.
On the sedan variant, the rear fog lights and reverse lights are bulb illuminated, instead of LED on the hatchback variant. Other standard exterior equipment include the newly-designed 16-inch alloy wheels, shod in 185/60 profile tyres.
Inside, the dashboard looks almost identical to its predecessor, save for the updated steering wheel. The infotainment display, still seven-inches in size, is now equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
A new Blue-Grey leather and suede upholstery goes onto the dashboard, door card, and seats – the latter resculptured to provide more resistance to head movements, improving the driver’s sense of balance and overall comfort to go along the softer suspension set-up.
Otherwise, the interior equipment kit is unchanged from before. Goodies include keyless entry and start, coloured head-up display, paddle shifters, and single-zone climate control system.
The drivetrain is also unchanged – under the hood of the 2020 Mazda2 is the same SkyActiv-G 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine rated at 114 hp and 149 Nm of torque, with power sent to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission that has been retuned for a smoother acceleration.
The updated Mazda2 now comes equipped with the G Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus) torque vectoring system, which uses brakes individually on each wheels in response to throttle and steering input (in addition to varying the engine torque output) to enhance handling performance of the car.
Standard safety equipment on the new Mazda2 include two front airbags, ABS with EBD, dynamic stability control, traction control, hill launch assist, emergency brake assist, and emergency stop signal. The Mazda2 does not come with any advance driver assist features.
The 2020 Mazda2 sedan is available in eight exterior hues – Ceramic Metallic, Eternal Blue Mica, Jet Black, Machine Gray, Snowflake White Pearl, Sonic Silver, Soul Red Crystal, and Titanium Flash. The popular Soul Red Crystal colour will cost you an additional RM500, though.
As with all other Mazda vehicles, the Mazda2 comes with a five-year/100,000 km manufacturer warranty and five-year/100,000 km free scheduled maintenance, inclusive of parts, lubricants, and labour.
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