Used Mazda Mazda2 for sale nearColchester

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 33.3%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.3 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 500
Average Price: Around £12,000

Mazda2 (2015-present) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Improved safety after 2020 refresh	Boot is on the small side
Low running costs	Non-turbocharged engines can feel flat
Fun to drive	No EV model offered

Quick Summary

The Mazda2 (2015-present) is an often-overlooked supermini that deserves far greater recognition. Now in its fourth generation, it combines distinctive styling with impressive driving dynamics and practical everyday usability. Available since 2015 with a minor update in 2018 and a full facelift in late 2019, the Mazda2 features a sporty appearance with Mazda's distinctive 'wing' front grille. The interior is well laid out with a neat instrument cluster and a good mix of hard and soft-touch plastics, positioning it above more budget offerings. Whilst boot space of 280 litres is modest compared to newer rivals, the Mazda2 still offers acceptable rear legroom and headroom for four adults.

The Mazda2 excels on the road, delivering engaging handling and accurate steering with plenty of grip. Its non-turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engines (75bhp, 90bhp, or 115bhp) require working fairly hard but reward drivers with a snappy manual gearbox and genuine driving enjoyment. Fuel economy is excellent, with official figures in the low 60s for most variants, whilst insurance groups remain reasonable at 13-16 out of 50. Running costs are low, and Mazda offers fixed-price maintenance for common items. Equipment levels are generous across all trim levels, with later models featuring seven-inch touchscreens, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard.

Best for: Drivers seeking an engaging, economical supermini with low running costs, those who value driving enjoyment over badge appeal, and buyers wanting a well-equipped, reliable small car. Not ideal for: Those requiring a large boot, drivers preferring turbocharged engines with more mid-range punch, or buyers seeking an electric vehicle option.
Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Mazda2 if: You seek an engaging, economical supermini with low running costs, value driving enjoyment over badge appeal, or want a well-equipped, reliable small car for everyday use. Consider alternatives if: You require a large boot, prefer turbocharged engines with more mid-range power, or need an electric vehicle option. Competitive Position: The Mazda2 is an excellent all-round supermini that often goes overlooked in a crowded market. Whilst the Volkswagen Polo offers premium badge appeal and the Ford Fiesta delivers superior handling, the Mazda2 strikes an impressive balance between driving enjoyment, practicality, and running costs. It undercuts the Polo on price whilst offering more engaging dynamics than the Vauxhall Corsa. For buyers prioritising a fun-to-drive, economical supermini with strong equipment levels, the Mazda2 represents outstanding value and deserves serious consideration. Read our full Mazda2 Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.