Following its global debut in Thailand back in June this year, the new 2023 Mazda 2 facelift has now also made its way into Malaysia. The compact model continues to be fully imported (CBU) from Thailand, and is now priced starting from RM108,670 on-the-road, without insurance – a RM5,000 increase from before.
Like before, the new 2023 Mazda 2 will also be offered in both hatchback and sedan guises, and both at the same price. If you opt for the signature Soul Red colour, though, that’ll be a RM500 upcharge, bringing the sticker price up to RM109,170. Bermaz Motor is also offering an optional Activ-e window tint film, priced at RM1,900.
We don’t get the same extensive styling options as our neighbours up north do, but the new Mazda 2 in Malaysia still comes with a fairly extensive makeover, particularly up front. It’s based on the “Sport Design” variant in Thailand, marked out by the new race-car inspired blacked-out honeycomb grille, which is paired to the reworked lower air intakes for a more aggressive, sportier look. For a bit of flair, the grille is also accented with a small red colour tab.
The same red accent can also be found on the rear bumper, although it’s rather inconspicuous, and can easily be mistaken for the rear reflectors. Other exterior revisions include a new design for the 16-inch alloy wheels in two-tone black and chrome finish as standard. The automatic LED headlamps with signature illumination is also standard, although the rear lamps remain bulb-illuminated. The hatchback variant does get LED lighting for the rear fog lamps and reverse lights, however.
Inside, the new 2023 Mazda 2 remains largely unchanged from before, with the key update being the new black leatherette upholstery, contrasted with suede inserts and red contrast stitching to match the race car-inspired looks outside. Otherwise, the equipment on-board is essentially untouched from before, including the infotainment system, which will remain with the seven-inch unit, rather than the newer, larger eight-inch item as seen in Thailand.
Apple CarPlay and Android Connectivity still comes as standard, fortunately, so does the single-zone automatic climate control, six speakers, gearshift paddles, manual seats, a coloured head-up display, and the reversing camera. As part of the upgrade package for 2023, the Mazda 2 now gets a auto-dimming rear view mirror inside, alongside a new cruise control feature for added convenience – although there’s still no advanced driver assistance features.
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Also unchanged on the 2023 Mazda 2 is the drivetrain, which continues to feature the same 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four engine paired to the six-speed SkyActiv-Drive automatic gearbox. Outputs are rated at 114 hp and 149 Nm, with drive sent to the front wheels exclusively.
The new 2023 Mazda 2 will be available in six total colours, including Snowflake White Pearl, Soul Red Crystal, Platinum Quartz, Polymetal Gray (hatchback only), and the new AirStream Blue (hatchback only) and Aero Gray (sedan only). Although, as we mentioned above, the Soul Red Crystal signature colour will cost you an additional RM500.
Every purchase of the 2023 Mazda 2 will come together with a five-year/100,000-km vehicle warranty, as well as a five-year/100,000km free maintenance programme, inclusive of labour, parts, and lubricants. The new Mazda 2 is now open for booking at all Mazda outlets nationwide.
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