Here’s How the Facelift Mazda 2 Compares to the Original

Last week, Bermaz Malaysia quietly launched the 2020 Mazda 2 which goes for about RM9,000 more than before. We thought we’d go a little deeper into the differences to help you understand if enough value has been added to justify the price increase to RM104K. Bare in mind, the Mazda 2 is still fully-imported from Thailand.

Improvement to Performance

Under the hood, the 2020 Mazda 2 gets a familiar Skyactiv-G 1.5-litre petrol engine. Mazda have reworked this engine over the years and here’s how it has been improved:

• piston ring and piston skirt surface has been optimised to reduce mechanical resistance
• piston head design and multistage fuel injection has been optimised to improve fuel efficiency and reduce chance of knocking
• precise crafting of the air intake port configuration and geometry optimisation result in fast flame spread after ignition, and prompt completion of combustion.
• improved atomisation of fuel by fuel injectors. High pressure (30 MPa) and a multi-hole injector enable faster atomisation over a wider area. 3 stage split fuel injection reduces the generation of particulate matter during combustion by about 80%.
• coolant system has been improved to reduce time taken to achieve optimal engine running temperature

On paper, these changes improve fuel economy, reduce particulate matter emissions and improve torque output throughout the rev range. On paper, it looks like just an increase of 1Nm of torque, but it’s the delivery of torque that has been improved dramatically.

Also worth noting is the addition of G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus). The previous Mazda 2 came with standard GVC, which reduces engine torque when the steering is turned. GVC Plus uses braking to improve this system, leading to much smoother vehicle motion, and a more comfortable ride for passengers in the car.

Tuning improvements to the transmission and suspension too have been made.

Improvements Elsewhere

The new Mazda 2 comes with a redesigned front fascia with LED headlamps. Unlike previous models, LED headlights come as standard and there is no base model with bulb type headlights.

The 7″ MZD CONNECT infotainment system returns, but this time you get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Blue-on-grey leather upholstery now replaces the black leather/suede interior of the Mazda 2.

16″ alloy wheels receive a new design without the two-tone look.

A new front grille design substantially changes the way this new 2 looks versus the previous one, with the headlights integrated much in the way the current 6’s is. The front bumper has been modified to look much cleaner and to integrate the larger grille. Front fog lamps have been deleted on this facelift.

New tail light graphics, replacement of the shark fin antenna with a bee-sting antenna, and a cleaner rear bumper are key highlights of the 2020 Mazda 2’s rear.

Unfortunately, the 2020 Mazda 2 still only comes with just 2 airbags.