While Europe gets the Yaris-based Mazda 2 Hybrid, Japan and the rest of the world have been gifted with a 2023 facelift of the third-generation Mazda 2 that made its world debut in 2014. Sporting a new EV-like front end on some variants, the 2023 Mazda 2 is available with both gasoline and diesel powertrains.
The most striking difference on the outside would be the new EV-like grille on the lower ’15 BD’, ‘XD BD’ variants. Matching the EV-like appearance are dual-tone wheel caps that match the body colour of the car.
The ’15 Sport’ and ‘XD Sport+’ feature a sportier grille design with a gloss black mesh, 16-inch exclusive aluminium wheels, a black roof, and black side mirrors. The is also a ’15 Sunlit Citrus’ variant that utilises the same ‘EV’ grille as the ‘BD’ variants but adds on 15-inch aluminium wheels and a dual-tone colour scheme on the outside.
A recurring visual addition to the 2023 Mazda 2 facelift would be the asymmetrical colour accent on the front grille and the rear bumper. Two new colours available on the 2023 Mazda 2 facelift are Airstream Blue Metallic and Aero Gray Metallic. With various roof and wheel cap colours to match the body colour, Mazda says there are 198 colour coordination options available.
RELATED: Updated 2022 Mazda 2 available in Thailand, gets powered seat with memory!
Customers have the choice of three engine options for the 2023 Mazda 2 facelift which include the old 1.5-litre SkyActiv-G engine that makes 116 hp (metric) and 149 Nm (currently used in Malaysia) and the new 1.5-litre SkyActiv G that makes less power at 110 hp (metric) and 142 Nm but offers better fuel efficiency. The diesel engine is a 1.5-litre turbocharged SkyActiv-D engine that makes 105 hp (metric) and 250 Nm (220 Nm for the manual version).
RELATED: The 2022 Mazda 2 Hybrid for Europe is a rebadged TNGA Toyota Yaris!
Transmission choices include the 6EC-AT 6-speed automatic transmission and 6-speed manual transmission. In Japan, the 2023 Mazda 2 Facelift is available in 15 versions with various drivetrain, engine, transmission, and trim combinations:
- Mazda 2 15C FWD (AT)
- Mazda 2 15C AWD (AT)
- Mazda 2 15 BD FWD (AT)
- Mazda 2 15 BD FWD (AT)
- Mazda 2 15 Sport FWD (AT)
- Mazda 2 15 Sport FWD (MT)
- Mazda 2 15 Sport AWD (AT)
- Mazda 2 15 MB FWD (MT)
- Mazda 2 XD FWD (AT)
- Mazda 2 XD AWD (AT)
- Mazda 2 XD BD FWD (AT)
- Mazda 2 XD BD AWD (AT)
- Mazda 2 XD Sport+ FWD (AT)
- Mazda 2 XD Sport+ FWD (MT)
- Mazda 2 XD Sport+ AWD (AT)
RELATED: Mazda MX-30 R-EV – The rotary engine returns, but not how you wanted it
The cabin remains largely unchanged with exception of a larger infotainment unit that now measures 8 inches in size. Matching the EV-like grille, the interior of the new Mazda 2 sports an instrument panel that is made from plant-derived materials.
Prices for the 2023 Mazda 2 facelift in Japan range from 1,529,000 Yen (approx. RM49,997) to 2,541,000 Yen (approx. RM83,088).
RELATED: Mazda CX-90 teased ahead of 31 January launch – 3.3L turbo I6 engine with 345 hp!
