We recently drove the Mazda2 Individual Plus 1.5L Auto. Let’s get a few things out of the way. Mazda is enjoying its best times ever and there seems to be no end in sight to this amazing run. However, things were not always this rosy. The company has had its fair share of ups and downs, including its marriage and divorce with the blue oval, Ford. These days Mazda cannot do anything wrong. Well, except for the BT-50. Not that there is anything wrong with the BT-50, it just doesn’t have the magic that seems to flow from Mazda’s Kodo design, currently employed in the Mazda3, Mazda CX-3, CX-5 and our test Mazda2. I digress. The task at hand is simply the Mazda 2. It’s not the most popular in the segment but this writer will unashamedly tell you that it is a worthy contender in the segment and you wouldn’t have done badly if you invest in it.

In April last year, Mazda added our test Mazda2 Individual Plus Automatic to the Mazda2 line up, bringing the tally of available options to 7. Much like its older brother in the line-up, the Mazda3, the Mazda2 is a thing of beauty. The external aesthetics are enhanced by the standard LED front fog lamps, shark-fin antenna, 16-inch alloy wheels, exhaust extension with chrome and a body coloured front upper grille. This sets the car apart from lower models but, also makes it stands out against competitors.

The beautiful design of the Mazda2 continues inside with floating lines with chrome tips roaming along the dash. The 7-inch full colour touch screen display paired with multi-function commander control makes the drivers experience worthwhile and complements the interior design. Not only is the screen a stand out from a design point of view, but the system is easy to use and very convenient. This made me look forward to spending time with the Mazda2.

The Mazda2 Individual Plus enjoys a number of luxury features which may make you feel that that this Mazda2 belongs a few segments above its segment. Features such as automatic headlamps, heads-up display, keyless entry and start system, navigation, automatic fold mirrors, half leather seats, lane departure warning are all standard. Having all of these features gives the Mazda2 the ability to go head to head with some of the leaders in the segment and, possibly makes the car something to hold onto for a long time. If you do not need more space or something new more often, why would you need to replace a car with all these amenities?

Apart from the luxurious amenities, the Mazda2 is a practical car. It is fairly spacious in the cabin and has a decently sized boot. It will easily fit the needs of a new driver or a young family. The drive from the 1.5 82 kW/145 Nm is comfortable and actually makes the Mazda2 feel like it has more power than needed for a small city car. The paddle shifters which allow you to change the automatic engine manually add to the fun aspect of driving the Mazda2 Individual Plus. The fuel consumption is one of the lovely aspects of the car. Mazda claims a fuel consumption of 5.5l/100 km. We averaged 5.8l/100 km in the city and we were pleasantly pleased by this.

The Mazda2 range is priced as follows:

Mazda2 Active 1.5L Manual – R215,100 (Incl VAT)
Mazda2 Dynamic 1.5L Manual – R230,200 (Incl VAT)
Mazda2 Dynamic 1.5L Auto – R243,200 (Incl VAT)
Mazda2 Individual 1.5L Manual – R243,300 (Incl VAT)
Mazda Individual 1.5L Auto – R257,200 (Incl VAT)
Mazda2 Individual Plus 1.5L Auto – R286,200 (Incl VAT)
Mazda2 Hazumi 1.5L DE Auto – R331,400 (Incl VAT)

The new Mazda2 is backed up by a 3-year unlimited kilometre factory warranty, a 3-year roadside assistance, a 3-year service plan and a 5-year Corrosion Warranty.