AMONG the B-segment sedans and hatchbacks, the Mazda 2 has been seen as an outlier for some time now, relying more on the brand's build quality for its primary appeal compared to the features, flair and theatrics found in its rivals.
This unique positioning also means it isn't too affected or bothered by the conventional requirements to stay competitive.
The advantage is that the Mazda 2 doesn't need to undergo major changes to find an audience, which is certainly the case with the latest update.
It's also all for the better as the car is pricier when compared to the competition by scale, which can be attributed to it being imported from Thailand.
MINOR MIX
Most of what's new with the 2024 Mazda 2 is mostly in its aesthetics.
It sports a new front grille with the brand's signature wing, a sleeker bumper design that comes in a black honeycomb grille with a red accent, and 16-inch black-and-chrome alloy wheels.
The car is equipped with front LED headlights that now come with an auto on-off function, rain-sensing windshield wipers and an autofold outer rearview mirror. It also has an auto-dimming rearview mirror and cruise control.
The dashboard trims are now black while the seats feature black leatherette and suede with red stitching.
And that's pretty much it in terms of changes on paper. Almost everything else about the model remains the same as before.
These include the seven-inch infotainment system that's compatible with Apple Carplay and Android Auto, six speakers, i-Activsense advanced driver assist systems, bulb-type taillights and rear fog lamps, keyless entry-and-start, four rear parking sensors, single-zone automatic air-conditioning, and a reverse camera.
Its powertrain returns in the form of the 16-valve four-cylinder Skyactiv-G 1.5L DOHC with VVT, paired with a Skyactiv-Drive six-speed automatic with manual transmission to deliver 114hp and 149Nm of maximum torque.
Fuel tank capacity is 44 litres.
The suspension is MacPherson Struts for the front and a torsion beam at the rear.
The model comes in either sedan or hatchback variants, with the latter the focus of this review.
Aside from the obvious difference in length (the sedan is longer at 4,355mm over the hatchback's 4,080mm), the latter has a rear wiper-washer, rear spoiler, and a shark fin antenna (the sedan has a built-in antenna).
The standard colour choices for both variants are Snowflake White Pearl, Soul Red Crystal and Platinum Quartz.
Polymetal Gray and a newly added AirStream Blue are exclusive to the hatchback while the sedan also has Aero Gray.
The selling price starts from RM108,670 (on-the-road without insurance), which is a RM5,000 hike from previously.
The package comes with manufacturer's and free maintenance warranties, inclusive of labour, parts and lubricants.
Both have a five-year or 100,000km, whichever comes first, coverage period.
CORE VALUE
Unless you're accustomed to Mazda's form of offerings, it is easy to find the B-segment car's specifications "underwhelming" for the price you are paying.
That was this writer's initial impression of the 2024 Mazda 2 at its launch, itself also without much fanfare.
Things are a lot better in the flesh, with the best being the drive experience. But it would need more convincing to turn a non-fan into a customer.
Essentially, the previous Mazda 2's sportiness level has been dialled up to 11 and this added aesthetic works to its advantage. Its design sells the idea that one could zip around the city effortlessly.
The interior is an extension of that sportiness. Like an evolution of the familiar modern-Mazda design philosophy, the interior is a lot more aggressive. Put the two together and Mazda's strategy finds a sensible cohesion.
But before we get to the heart of the Mazda 2, we have to address its major challenge, which is none other than economics.
It isn't the most spacious or comfortable B-segment car for passengers. Most challenging is how you could get an equal amount, if not a lot more features, for less with other models.
It is a RM100,000 B-segment car without a fancy named powertrain, system or features that most people are familiar with.
All that is left is the drive experience and, fortunately, this is a big part of the Mazda 2's best quality.
People fall in love with Mazda cars when the brand's DNA gets a chance to shine, which is by giving drivers a solid performance. The Mazda 2 doesn't disappoint.
It delivers a great deal of agility and stability because of its size, build quality and low stance compared to a sport utility vehicle.
Mazda's powertrain setup and platform mostly add to this balanced experience.
Thus, Mazda 2 is the perfect entry model as an economical introduction to the brand.
VERDICT
Realistically, you're not in it for the most practical vehicle option with the Mazda 2. Instead, you're looking for an economical reason to invest in a Mazda to find out why the brand is in a league of its own.
It is neither the fastest, most affor
dable or advanced B-segment car in the market. Rather, it has a great balance of character by design and performance.
In essence, driving the Mazda 2 is simply fun, so much so that it even surprised this writer when he had a few days with it. This is something unique to the brand's tune approach that black-and-white numbers cannot convey.
As a car, the 2024 Mazda 2 is also extra special for a combination of reasons.
It is the best platform to experience what Mazda can offer as, unlike its CX range of SUVs, sedans are more performance-oriented.
The minor updates also make it instantly more appealing than the older model. At least, in the Mazda 2's case, the brand proves that less is more and that you shouldn't mess with a winning formula if you don't have to.
The car embodies the Mazda spirit where it doesn't have to try so hard to stand out from the crowd as long as it reaches the right audience.