Mazda 2 (3rd Generation)

The 3rd generation Mazda 2 (2015-2025) has been a consistently popular choice in the highly competitive city car market, competing with the likes of the Renault Clio, Skoda Fabia, Ford Fiesta and SEAT Ibiza.

It features Mazda’s KODO design and SKYACTIV technology, with significant improvements in efficiency, safety and overall style from the 2nd generation (2007-2014). It remains an outstanding all-round compact hatchback, so a used Mazda 2 makes a solid choice.

Core Features Across All Models

The 3^rd generation Mazda 2 was built around these key features, with availability depending on trim level and year:

• KODO design – Mazda’s “Soul of Motion” styling philosophy
• SKYACTIV technology – Lightweight construction for excellent fuel economy, enhanced safety and lower emissions
• 1.5-litre SKYACTIV-G petrol engine – Available in 75ps, 90ps and 115ps outputs
• 5-speed or 6-speed manual transmission – Depending on engine
• 6-speed automatic option – Available on 90ps models
• Five-door hatchback body

Over the years, Mazda made numerous updates to the 3rd generation, including changes to trim level names, the introduction of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a mild hybrid (MHEV) engine in 2020 for manual transmission 90ps and 115ps models, and other visual refreshes.

This guide breaks down each era to help you understand exactly what to expect from different model years.

Mazda 2 (2015-2018): The 3^rd Generation’s Launch Phase

What Changed

The 3rd generation Mazda 2 launched in UK showrooms in January 2015, bringing Mazda’s KODO design and full SKYACTIV technology. This was Mazda’s first independently developed small car following the end of its partnership with Ford, built on its own SKYACTIV chassis, unlike the 2^nd generation Mazda 2 (2007-2014) that used the underpinnings of the Fiesta.

Key Equipment Highlights

All models came with Mazda’s SKYACTIV technology, hill-hold assist, dynamic stability and traction control, and electronic brakeforce distribution. Models with 90ps and 115ps engines included Smart City Brake Support (autonomous emergency braking) and Lane Departure Warning System as standard.

Colour Options

There are 9 available colour options, Arctic White Solid and 8 other options at additional cost: Snowflake White Pearlescent, Aluminium Silver Metallic, Smoky Rose Mica, Soul Red Metallic, Dynamic Blue Mica, Deep Crystal Blue Mica, Metropolitan Grey Mica and Black Mica.

Trim Levels

SE
The entry-level trim comes with the 75ps manual transmission engine, featuring air conditioning and central locking. It is available with the black cloth interior.

SE-L
Available with the 75ps (manual), 90ps (manual or automatic), and 105ps (manual and diesel) engines, the SE-L added cruise control, integrated Bluetooth, 15-inch alloy wheels, and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. A significant step up from the base SE. It is available with a black cloth with navy inserts in the interior.

Sport Nav
The top-of-the-range trim in the launch phase is available with the 90ps (manual or automatic), 115ps (manual), and 105ps (manual and diesel) engines. Featured climate control air conditioning, keyless entry, colour-coded exterior door mirrors, 16-inch alloy wheels, and rear parking sensors, as well as LED daytime running lights.

You can choose between the black sports cloth with red stitching or light stone leather with black inserts and red stitching as interior design options.

Engines and Transmissions

Note: 2015-2017 Mazda 2 models were tested under the NEDC standard; from September 2017, the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) was introduced and became mandatory from September 2018.

Mazda 2 (2018-2019): The 3^rd Generation’s “Plus” Refresh

What Changed

In April 2018, Mazda refreshed the range with new ‘+’ trim levels, adding equipment across the board and introducing G-Vectoring Control technology to improve handling. This was the first Mazda 2 to go through WLTP fuel economy testing, replacing the older NEDC standard.

The 2018 update also saw the introduction of the limited edition Sport Black model (just 500 UK units), featuring Brilliant Black detailing on mirror caps, rear roof spoiler, skirt trims, grille and shark fin antenna, plus 16-inch black alloy wheels.

Key Equipment Highlights

G-Vectoring Control (GVC) became standard across the range, altering the engine torque to optimise wheel loading when going round corners for improved handling precision and comfort. Improved damper settings and modifications to the power steering improved the ride smoothness and enhanced the feel of steering.

Colour Options

New colour options were introduced: Sonic Silver Metallic, Ceramic Metallic, Eternal Blue Mica, Dynamic Blue Mica, Jet Black Mica, Deep Crimson Mica, Machine Grey Metallic, and Soul Red Crystal Metallic.

Trim Levels

SE+
The entry-level trim comes with the 75ps (manual) engine, featuring manual air conditioning, body-coloured exterior door mirrors, 15-inch alloy wheels, and an FM/AM radio with a single CD player. It is available with the black cloth interior.

SE-L Nav+
Available with the 75ps (manual) and 90ps (manual or automatic) engines, adding a 7-inch colour centre touchscreen display, DAB radio, satellite navigation, lane departure warning, Smart City Brake Support (autonomous emergency braking), and rear parking sensors. It is available with the black cloth interior.

Sport Nav+
Available with the 90ps (manual or automatic) engine, building on the SE-L Nav+ with 16-inch gunmetal alloy wheels, privacy glass, and climate control air conditioning. It is available with the black sports cloth interior.

GT Sport Nav+
The top-of-the-range trim is available with a 90ps (manual) or 115ps (manual) engine. Added 16-inch silver alloy wheels, heated front seats, a reversing camera, colour active driving display (head-up display), and black leather/suede interior. It is available with black leather seats with suede inserts or, for an additional cost, light stone leather with black inserts.

Engines and Transmissions

Note: 2018 marked the transition from NEDC to WLTP fuel economy testing, providing more realistic real-world figures.

Mazda 2 (2020-2022): The 3^rd Generation’s Mild Hybrid Era

Introduction of Mild Hybrid technology

The most important addition of this facelift was the introduction of a Mild Hybrid (MHEV) engine (available only on manual models), which captures kinetic energy during braking and uses it to assist the engine when driving, improving fuel efficiency without requiring any plugging in or charging.

The Mild Hybrid system uses a 24-volt battery to capture energy during braking and assist the engine, improving fuel efficiency by up to 10%.

Other Changes

The mid-life facelift brought exterior styling updates, with LED headlights becoming standard across the range. Most significantly, this era introduced Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for the first time on the SE-L Nav trim. Trim level names were simplified, dropping the ‘+’.

Key Equipment Highlights

LED headlights became standard across all models. The range gained suspension refinements and revised power steering to improve response and feel.

Colour Options

A new colour option was introduced, Polymetal Grey Metallic. Colours returned from the 2015-2018 and 2018-2019 variants, with Arctic White Solid as a standard option and 9 other options available for additional cost: Sonic Silver Metallic, Ceramic Metallic, Eternal Blue Mica, Deep Crystal Blue Mica, Jet Black Mica, Deep Crimson Mica, Machine Grey Metallic, Snowflake White Pearlescent, and Soul Red Crystal Metallic

Trim Levels

SE-L
The entry-level trim with the 75ps (manual) engine, featuring rear parking sensors, climate control air conditioning, cruise control, LED headlights, and 15-inch alloy wheels. It is available with the brown cloth with black inserts on the interior.

SE-L Nav
Available with the 90ps (manual) engine, building on the SE-L by adding Mazda Connect navigation (integrated navigation system), Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, lane departure warning, and lane keep assist. It is also available with the brown cloth with black inserts on the interior.

Sport Nav
Available with the 90ps (manual or automatic) engine, building on the SE-L Nav with 16-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, keyless entry, and chrome exhaust trim. It is available with the blue cloth interior.

GT Sport
Available with the 90ps (manual) engine, building on the Sport Nav with reversing camera, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, and colour head-up display (HUD). It is available with the blue/grey leather with black granlux inserts interior design.

Engines and Transmissions

Note: The 115ps engine had been withdrawn from the UK market during 2019-2021 but was reintroduced in 2022.

Mazda 2 (2023-2025): The 3^rd Generation’s Late-Stage Facelift

What Changed

In 2023, Mazda renamed all trim levels to align with the European market. This update also brought fresh exterior styling with a new grille design, sleeker bumpers, and decorative dash panels.

Key Equipment Highlights

All models feature G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus), an enhanced version of the G-Vectoring Control system, which further improves handling and comfort.

The Multimedia Commander was added to provide easy access to the infotainment system, allowing you to keep your eyes on the road. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto became standard across every trim level.

Colour Options

Three new colours were introduced: Platinum Quartz, Air Stream Blue, and Aero Grey. Colours returned from the 2020-2022 variant with Arctic White Solid as a standard option and 7 other options available for additional cost: Snowflake White, Ceramic, Polymetal Grey, Deep Crystal Blue, Jet Black, Machine Grey, and Soul Red Crystal.

Trim Level Name Changes

Trim Levels

Centre-Line
Available with a 75ps (manual) or 90ps (manual Mild Hybrid) engine, featuring 15-inch alloy wheels, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 8-inch colour display, and LED headlights. It is available with the premium black cloth interior.

Exclusive-Line
Available with the 90ps (manual Mild Hybrid or automatic) engine, adding 16-inch alloy wheels, chrome exhaust trim, rear privacy glass, and a reversing camera. It is available with the premium black cloth interior.

Homura
Available with the 90ps (manual Mild Hybrid) engine, featuring 16-inch black alloy wheels, a reversing camera, black cloth interior with red accents, rear body-coloured bumper with black lower mouldings with red accents, and electric power folding/heated exterior door mirrors. It is available with a black cloth with red accents on the interior.

Homura Aka 90ps
Available with the 90ps (manual Mild Hybrid or automatic) Mild Hybrid engine, adding 16-inch black polished alloy wheels, black roof film, half black leather/half black cloth trim with red accents, heated front seats, and heated steering wheel. It is available with half black leather, half black cloth with red accents on the interior.  

Homura Aka 115ps
Exclusively available with the 115ps M Hybrid engine, building on the 90ps version with front and rear parking sensors, 360-degree camera, colour active head-up display, driver attention alert system, and blind spot monitoring. It is also available with half black leather, half black cloth with red accents on the interior.

Engines and Transmissions

Note: Mild Hybrid (MHEV) technology is only available on manual transmission 90ps and 115ps models.

View the latest used Mazda 2 models for sale.

A Note on the Mazda 2 Hybrid

From 2022, Mazda introduced a separate Mazda 2 Hybrid model based on the Toyota Yaris, featuring a 1.5-litre full self-charging hybrid system with 116ps total system output.

This is an entirely different vehicle from the SKYACTIV-powered Mazda 2 covered in this guide. The Mazda 2 Hybrid uses Toyota’s hybrid technology and platform, while the 3rd generation SKYACTIV Mazda 2 continued alongside it until production ended in February 2025.