Mazda 2 Hatchback

Matching the extrovert appeal of the exterior design is the funky looking cabin. The Mazda 2 hatch interior shows a very unconventional design which might not appeal everyone. However,  it still manages to look smart and different from the sea of other hatchbacks.

The three-spoke round themed steering wheel with silver accents and connectivity buttons feel premium and good to hold. The instrument console mimics the funky layout of the front fascia and gets a digital panel for readouts of various data on display.

Apart from the steering wheel and instrument console, the round theme has been well executed on the AC vents as well. With the long vertical layout for the dashboard with a prominent line between two circular AC vents looks very different and appealing. The low-positioned centre console gets three round dials for climate control, while the pop-up style touchscreen infotainment system has been positioned at the upper portion of the dashboard. The gentle mix of leather and premium silver bits around the centre console, as well as, door panels further lift up the premium appeal of the cabin.

In terms of features, the Mazda 2 hatch is quite loaded with basics features such as push start-stop button, tilt and telescopic adjustable steering wheel, manually adjustable driver’s seat, leather upholstery, paddle shifter, ambient lighting, and a six-speaker audio system with a touchscreen panel. The overall space is quite decent, with enough room to seat two adults, however, the limited shoulder-room eats up space for the third passenger.

The 2026 Mazda 2 Hatchback measures 4,065 mm in length, 1,695 mm in width, and 1,495 mm in height. The car has a wheelbase of 2,570 mm. The car’s front end is characterized by a distinctive mesh grille. It’s framed by a sculpted chrome wing. The grille sits wide and relatively low. It lends the car a broader and sportier stance compared to most rivals. The car gets auto-levelling headlights with LED daytime running lamp that enhance visibility and lend a modern, premium look. The leaving-home and coming-home lights further elevate the practical feel. The tight and compact proportions aid in manoeuvrability. The wheels are placed close to the body’s extremities. The gently swooping roofline lends the 2026 Mazda 2 Hatchback a sporty profile. It doesn’t compromise on the rear-seat headroom. Power-adjustable, body-coloured mirrors with integrated signals and a shark-fin antenna add practical sophistication. The rear spoiler enhances aerodynamics. The 2026 Mazda 2 Hatchback runs on 16-inch alloy wheels. Gloss black elements like grille surrounds, side mirrors, and shark-fin antenna lend a more premium, upscale contrast. The tail of the Mazda 2 Hatchback is compact and sculpted. The LED rear combination lamps enhance the car’s low stance. 

The overall suspension setup of the Mazda 2 is quite simple in technical terms, with the car getting MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam at the rear. However, thanks to the presence of Mazda’s famous G-Vectoring control, the hatch feels spirited and active in diverse driving conditions. The car gets a turning radius of 4.85 meters, making it tight city traffic condition friendly.

The Mazda 2 has been blessed with only one engine and transmission combination. The car is powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine which produces 114 bhp of power and 148 Nm of torque. The engine comes coupled to a 6-speed automatic transmission which thanks to the additional assistance of paddle shifters, adds up to the overall driving dynamics. The fuel efficiency is also quite appreciable at 18.79 kmpl, thanks to Mazda’s innovative i-stop idling technology.

Despite the fact that Mazda 2 hatch is the company’s most affordable offering, the car doesn’t miss out on safety features. with The car gets all the basics gears with dual front airbags, ABS, EBD, brake assist, dynamic stability control, traction control system, hill launch assist, emergency stop signal, ISOFIX mounts, and seatbelt pre-tensioners with force limiters.

Given its size, the Mazda 2 hatch might be confused with a cheap entry level car, but make no mistake, as this affordable car from Mazda is premium by all means. Whether its the extrovert design, funky cabin layout, ample amount of features, or a punchy petrol engine which feels refined and sufficiently powerful, the Mazda 2 impresses one gradually and grows on with its maturity in every department. Also, the ride quality and handling are the best in class. Keeping a couple of small and ignorable shortcomings aside, the Mazda 2 hatchback ranks itself as one of the most desirable entry-level cars in the country.