KUALA LUMPUR: After updating the CX-5 and the CX-8, Mazda has now chosen its subcompact car, the Mazda 2 for a facelift. The latest upgrade provided the third-gen Mazda 2 a more aggressive look and some minimal interior updates, however, the mechanical bits continue to be the same as the pre-facelift model.

The Mazda 2 is one of the best-looking hatchbacks available on the market and the latest cosmetic tweaks add more aggression to the mix. 

The car benefits from different front fascias for different versions. The sportier one boasts a new grille finished in black with red badging and a restyled bumper while the other one features an EV-like face with a body-coloured plastic filler in place of the grille. The lower part of the front design in both iterations appears to be given an X shape. The new sporty trims - Sport or Sport+ also feature 16-inch aluminium wheels and a black roof.

The Japanese automaker has also added two new options to the Mazda 2 colour palette, which are Airstream Blue Metallic and Aero Gray Metallic.

Inside the cabin, the facelift brings on board a larger 8.0-inch infotainment screen, new black seats with red accents (for sport trims), and new trimmings finished in either Mirror Black, Pure White, or Mint in accordance with the selected exterior shade. The updated hatchback also features wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity, a wireless phone charger, six-way power seats with a heating function, an automatic air-conditioning system, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift knob, and parking brake.

As mentioned earlier, no changes have been made on the mechanical front. That means the Japanese-spec Mazda 2 continues to be powered by either a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder Skyactiv-G petrol or a 1.5-litre turbocharged Skyactiv-D turbo diesel engine.

Pricing for the 2023 Mazda 2 in Japan starts from JPY 1,529,000 (RM 50,057) and goes all the way up to JPY 2,541,000 (RM 83,188). The deliveries are slated to commence by March this year.

Also read: Upcoming Mazda CX-90 to get MX-5 Miata's suspension tech