Facelifted Mazda2 brings mild hybrid and new Skyactiv Technologies

Mazda has revealed pricing and specification for the facelifted Mazda2, which arrives in the UK in November featuring updated design, latest Skyactiv Technologies and a new mild hybrid system.

The Mazda2 engine line-up consists of the 1.5-litre Skyactiv-G petrol engine with either 75 or 90hp, both come with Mazda’s M Hybrid mild-hybrid system on manual models

The Mazda2 engine line-up consists of the 1.5-litre Skyactiv-G petrol engine with either 75 or 90hp, both come with Mazda’s M Hybrid mild-hybrid system on manual models

Offering a streamlined five-model line-up priced from £15,795, the 2020 Mazda2 adopts the latest evolution of Mazda’s KODO design, including a mesh grille similar to that of the new Mazda3 hatchback, and more dynamic frontal, side and rear styling.

The interior introduces revisions to dashboard trims, air vent louvres, door inserts and the instrument hood, to bring a higher level of quality, along with more support front seats. The focus on increased refinement also sees new damping materials added in the cabin while a reduced gap around the base of the B-Pillar further upgrades sound insulation, as do revised sealing rubbers between the roof panel and the boot.

Engine line-up brings just one unit; Mazda’s familiar 1.5-litre Skyactiv-G petrol engine in 75 and 90hp variants, both of which now gain Mazda’s M Hybrid mild-hybrid system on all manual models.

This uses a belt-integrated start generator (B-ISG) and brake regeneration to make the most of the energy stored in the capacitor, reducing load on the engine and enabling quick restart to help lower emissions and improve fuel economy with extended auto engine stop time.

As a result 75hp and 90hp manual versions of the 2020 Mazda2 emit 94-95g/km compared to 118g/km for the 90hp in Sport Nav Auto guise.

Handling updates also see the use of a urethane top mount in the rear dampers and revisions to the power steering to improve response and feel. In addition, the 2020 Mazda2 features G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus), the latest version of Mazda’s GVC system, which now uses the brakes to apply direct yaw movement control in addition to the previous system’s engine control.

Priced at £15,795, the 75ps SE-L entry point to the range features a standard equipment tally that includes rear parking sensors, 15-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, climate control and cruise control. SE-L Nav, Sport Nav and GT Sport Nav models are powered by the 90ps version of 1.5-litre Skyactiv-G  engine and feature Mazda Connect navigation with a seven-inch colour touch-screen, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In addition, the safety equipment tally is enhanced with Front Smart City Brake Support, Lane Departure Warning and Lane-keep Assist.

Trims cover SE-L, SE-L Nav, Sport Nav and GT Sport Nav. Entry-level equipment includes rear parking sensors, 15-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, climate control and cruise control. SE-L Nav, Sport Nav and GT Sport Nav models are powered by the 90hp 1.5-litre Skyactiv-G  engine and feature Mazda Connect navigation with a seven-inch colour touch-screen, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. These models also add to the standard safety equipment with Front Smart City Brake Support, Lane Departure Warning and Lane-keep Assist.

The Sport Nav adds in 16-inch alloy wheels, gloss black grille treatment, rear privacy glass, shark-fin antenna and a chrome exhaust trim, plus smart keyless entry. The flagship GT Sport Nav trim gets a reversing camera, leather seats and a colour head-up display, plus heated front seats and steering wheel.

The 2020 Mazda2 will arrive in UK dealerships in November.

For more of the latest industry news, click here.

Natalie Middleton

Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for over 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day.