In what is a first for the light car segment, Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) are now available on the Mazda2, and are fitted as standard equipment on high-spec Genki and GT grades.

Now the undisputed safety champion of the light car segment, these i-ACTIVSENSE safety technologies join Smart City Brake Support - Forward (SCBS-F), which is now standard across the entire range – with Mazda the only volume seller to offer this - and Smart City Brake Support - Reverse (SCBS-R) which is now standard from the Maxx variant up.

The first major update to the Mazda2 since its 2014 launch also sees the hatch range expand from three grades to four, with a new range-topping GT joining the entry-grade Neo, mid-spec Maxx and the high-grade Genki. The Mazda2 sedan range increases from two to three grades, with the GT available alongside the Neo and Maxx.

Following on from the recent Mazda3 and Mazda6 re-launches, Mazda's ground-breaking G-Vectoring Control makes its way to New Mazda2, bringing a smoother, more comfortable ride for the driver and passengers.

Ride and handling have been improved through updates to suspension bushings, front and rear dampers and a recalibration of the electric power steering, while wind noise has been reduced with a noise-insulating windscreen and new engine compartment insulation has reduced engine noise.

High frequency road noise has been lowered by added luggage compartment insulation and damping material.

Also included in this update are a range of interior and exterior upgrades that make New Mazda2 a more compelling consideration to light car buyers.

Like its larger Mazda passenger car siblings, the New Mazda2 gets an updated steering wheel, more legible instruments, digital radio is available from the Maxx grade up, and the Genki and GT now come with a colour Active Driving Display.

Every model in the range also receives an updated trim package, with Neo, Maxx and Genki all featuring their own individual black cloth designs, GT hatch comes in pure white leather, and the GT sedan has black leather seats with a synthetic suede insert, coupled with deep brown accents on the seat, dashboard and door trims.

Ensuring the exterior remains fresh, the electric folding side mirrors – that fold automatically on high spec variants - have been re-designed and include integrated indicators.

Genki and GT grades also get a stylish shark fin antenna on hatch models, bright-plated fog light bezels and a gunmetal coloured grille, while the 16 inch alloy wheels on the top specs are differentiated by colour. The Genki has a gunmetal finish and the GT is painted silver.

The New Mazda2's contemporary colour palette has been updated with the introduction of an all-new Deep Crimson Mica, while Eternal Blue Mica, Meteor Grey Mica and Jet Black Mica all make their Mazda2 debut. These join Soul Red Metallic, Dynamic Blue Mica, Snowflake White Pearl Mica and Aluminium Metallic. 

The New Mazda2 is powered by a 1.5 litre SKYACTIV-G petrol engine, with a high-spec alternative for Maxx, Genki and GT models including i-stop, mated to a 6-speed SKYACTIV-MT manual or 6-speed SKYACTIV-Drive automatic transmission. Fuel economy figures start from a low 4.9 litres per hundred kilometres.

The New Mazda2 is on sale now with no change to pricing.

Pricing – Manufacturer's List Price*

Hatch    
Grade   Transmission MLP
Neo  Manual  $14,990
  Auto $16,990
Maxx Manual  $17,690
  Auto $19,690
Genki  Manual  $20,690
  Auto $22,690
GT Manual  $21,680
  Auto $23,680

Sedan    
Grade Transmission MLP
Neo Manual  $14,990
  Auto  $16,990
Maxx Manual  $17,690
  Auto  $19,690
GT Manual $21,680
  Auto  $23,680

*Manufacturer's List Price

Note: Soul Red Metallic paint costs an additional $300, all other colours are free of charge.