Mazda’s sharp-handling, stylish and high-quality supermini benefits from a host of updates this spring. On sale from the 3rd April, the 2018 Mazda2 sees the introduction of a refreshed five grade line-up, additional equipment across the range and the launch of the limited edition Mazda2 Sport Black.
Limited to just 500 cars, the Sport Black is powered by the 90ps version of Mazda’s 1.5-litre SKYACTIV-G petrol engine and is marked out by its unique exterior detailing and free-of-charge choice of Deep Crimson Mica, Dynamic Blue Mica or Machine Grey Metallic paint.
Delivering a stand-out and sporty appearance that compliments the taut proportions of the Mazda2, the Sport Black features Brilliant Black detailing on the mirror caps, rear roof spoiler, skirt trims, grille and shark fin antenna, while 16-inch black alloy wheels and privacy glass add the finishing touch.
Priced from £13,295 to £17,095, the 2018 Mazda2 range features five revised trim levels: SE+, SE-L+, SE-L Nav+, Sport Nav+ and GT Sport Nav+. Exclusively powered by Mazda’s 1.5-litre SKYACTIV-G petrol engine, which is offered in 75, 90 and 115ps outputs, the updated Mazda2 range benefits from improved equipment to deliver extra value for money regardless of which model you choose.
Matched to the 75ps engine, the £13,295 SE+ features 15-inch alloy wheels, heated power fold mirrors, 60:40 split rear seats and electric rear windows – all items previously absent from the entry-point model in the range. Offered with both the 75 and 90ps engines, the SE-L+ and SE-L Nav+ models also have enhanced equipment with the addition of dusk-sensing lights, rear parking sensors, rain sensing front wipers and climate control air conditioning.
Matched to the 90ps engine, the popular Sport Nav trim sees 2018 model year cars marked out by a Brilliant Black rear roof spoiler, while the range topping GT Sport Nav+ can be ordered with either the 90 or 115ps engine. All GT Sports now get a reversing camera, while as before, the flagship 115ps engine is matched to a six-speed manual gearbox. The rest of the range features a five-speed gearbox, while 90ps versions of the SE-L+, SE-L Nav+ and Sport Nav can be specified with a six-speed automatic gearbox.
Other highlights of the updated 2018 Mazda2 range include the introduction of four new paint colours: Ceramic Metallic and Sonic Silver Metallic, plus Machine Grey Metallic and Soul Red Crystal, which both use Mazda’s unique three-layer TAKUMINURI painting technology. Compared to previous Mazda2’s Soul Red Metallic paint, Soul Red Crystal increases brightness by approximately 20 per cent and depth by 50 per cent.
The first Mazda model homologated under Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Testing Procedure (WLTP) regulations, the 2018 Mazda2 retains the same mechanical updates Mazda’s supermini received in June 2017.
The host of updates added to this highly acclaimed supermini last summer included the introduction of Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control technology and detailed improvements to the suspension and steering to deliver improved ride comfort and steering response. In addition, interior upgrades included new seat fabrics, a new steering wheel and enhanced sound insulation.
Noise-insulating glass in the windscreen and additional under bonnet sound proofing ensure excellent refinement, while sound absorbing material inside of the tailgate, on the parcel shelf and in the spare wheel well reduce high-frequency noise entering the cabin.
This impressive sophistication is matched to the driver-focused dynamics and fun-to-drive ethos you’d expect of a Mazda. Thanks to last year’s technical updates, revised front and rear damper settings improve ride quality, while the modified front anti-roll bar bushing enhances body control. Additionally, a small recalibration of the electric power steering has resulted in improved steering feel.
Fitted as standard across the 2018 Mazda2 range, G-Vectoring Control (GVC) varies engine torque to optimise loading on the wheels when cornering to indiscernibly increase handling precision and improve comfort. As before, the Mazda2 features excellent active safety equipment with all 90ps and 115ps powered cars featuring Smart City Brake Support and Lane Departure Warning System.
Commenting on the 2018 Mazda2 Jeremy Thomson, Managing Director Mazda Motors UK said, “the Mazda2 is a really important car in our line up. It may be the smallest car we produce, but it has at its heart the same values of style, driver involvement and quality that mark out all our products. These updates come less than a year after the Mazda2 benefited from a host of technical updates and now with enhanced equipment, the 2018 Mazda2 is better value than ever and remains a class-leading contender in what is still the biggest selling and most competitive segment in the UK car market.”
Adding, “our coherent eight-model line-up has been created based on feedback from our customers and dealers, and with the launch of the limited edition Sport Black Mazda2 we have an affordable standout model that brings the generous equipment, distinctive looks and high-quality discerning small car buyers are looking for.”
