Mazda 2 facelift unveiled – new looks and driver aids

Mazda 2 facelift unveiled – new looks and driver aids

Well, it looks like the leaks we showed yesterday were the real deal, as the covers have just been pulled off the facelifted Mazda 2. This is technically the second update for the B-segment model, and as these images suggest, this is a far more comprehensive rework.

Due to go on sale in Japan (where it will ditch the Demio nameplate for the one already used elsewhere) on September 12, the car gains a new front fascia that bears a striking resemblance to the also-facelift Mazda 6. The chrome grille surround is thicker and now goes under the headlights instead of through them.

The standard LED lamps themselves have also been redesigned, being slimmer and sharper. For the first time on the Mazda 2, you now get adaptive LED headlights as an option, which uses 20 individually-controlled diode arrays that can turn off parts of the high beam to avoid dazzling other road users. These also receive ring-shaped LED daytime running lights around the projectors.

Mazda 2 facelift unveiled – new looks and driver aids

Moving downwards, the slim lower air inlet and the chrome fillets flanking it have also been derived from the larger sibling. The chrome strips are repeated at the rear of the car, where you’ll find new tail light graphics as well. A new multi-spoke design for the 16-inch wheel option completes the look.

The changes are less apparent on the inside, with the visual updates limited to new colour and trim choices. However, there’s more than meets the eye – the Mazda Connect infotainment system now supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Mazda says it has improved the car’s sound insulation for a more quiet cabin.

Learnings from the new Skyactiv-Vehicle Architecture have also been implemented, with the redesigned seats claimed to improve posture and the sense of connection with the car. The suspension has also been revised for a smoother ride, although there are no details on what exactly has changed. Also added is the updated G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus), adding braking intervention to stabilise the car on corner exit.

Mazda 2 facelift unveiled – new looks and driver aids

One big change concerns safety – the optional Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) now gets a stop and go function, although the lack of an electric handbrake means you still have to press the brake pedal at a red light. The Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) is also now offered as an option.

Japanese models soldier on with the same 93 PS/123 Nm 1.3 litre direct-injected Skyactiv-G petrol engine and 105 PS/250 Nm 1.5 litre Skyactiv-D turbodiesel, but the i-Eloop kinetic energy recuperation system – previously offered as an option on the diesel – has now been extended to petrol variants as well.

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Jonathan Lee

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

 

Comments

  • Celup King on Jul 18, 2019 at 12:06 pm

    The last 2 paragraphs doesn’t concern our market as Bermaz will not being these here. Looks new on the outside, but still the same old tech on the inside.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 0
  • Lol.. on Jul 18, 2019 at 12:25 pm

    Only minor front facelift, other remaining the same…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Real World on Jul 18, 2019 at 12:28 pm

    (Like) Mazda 2
    (Dislike) Hyundai Accent

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 18 Thumb down 7
  • Rocket Man on Jul 18, 2019 at 12:42 pm

    Mazda Quality is better than Hyundai Quality

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 1
  • looks like a half cut car, doesn’t suit it

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
  • Ariana John Grande on Jul 18, 2019 at 12:53 pm

    Looks a lot like a shrunken down CX5 don’t you think?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
    • Pakulupapito on Jul 18, 2019 at 4:07 pm

      Thats how mazda is….every model looks the same with minor differences. And different classes.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
  • Ed Rejang on Jul 18, 2019 at 1:07 pm

    Rindu paruh angrybird huhu3.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
  • Zoom Zoom on Jul 18, 2019 at 3:55 pm

    Better buy first if interested before the new Mazda 2 out. Based on the new mazda 3 1.5N/A RM140k pricing. Next Gen Mazda 2 might start from RM110k+.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  • Mazda fan on Jul 18, 2019 at 4:21 pm

    I think Yaris is a more practical than this tiny car M2.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 3
  • vVivi Zurianti on Jul 18, 2019 at 7:31 pm

    Mazda designers becoming lazy…..copy-paste front design to all other models…..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
 

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