MAZDA2 COMES OF AGE WITH REFRESHED DESIGN

By ALISTAIR KENNEDY

The smallest vehicle in the Mazda range, the Mazda2 will celebrate its 21st year on the Australian market this year with an extensive upgrade.

Up front, the fascia has been given a new black or body colour grille, while the addition of a sleeker bumper design creates a streamlined new look.

All Mazda2 hatchbacks also sport an asymmetrically placed colour accent on the front grille and rear bumper.

Hatchback variants, as well as the top-of-the-line GT sedan, are treated to a redesigned rear bumper, which accentuates the two body styles’ attractive profles.

Two new paint schemes – Aero Grey Metallic and Airstream Blue Metallic – are offered to Mazda2 buyers for the frst time, bringing the total to nine options.

Mazda2’s two most accessible grades – Pure and Pure SP – come with a number of bespoke features inspired by Mazda’s evolved Kodo design language. These include three coloured dash trim pieces fnished in Pure White, Mirror Black or Mint, which are determined by the car’s external paint scheme.

The Pure SP also gets a black flm covering for the roof.

Taking cues from the sporty Mazda2 Genki of a decade ago, the Evolve and range-topping GT variants of the updated Mazda2 have adopted a similarly dynamic philosophy.

Inside, the Evolve and GT are fnished with a black interior with red highlights extending to the seat stitching and air vent surrounds.

The GT takes it to another level with partial leather seats, a red and black dash, an all-new, aero-inspired multi- spoke alloy wheel design and polished, dual exhaust tips.

Apart from the entry-level Pure, all grades come equipped with a streamlined ‘shark fn’ antenna.

The updated Mazda2 will go on sale in June 2023, with deliveries beginning in July 2023. Prices will be notifed closer to the release date.