Mazda 2 Overview: Generations, Specs and Which Version to Buy

A full look at Mazda 2 generations from 2003 to present: power ranges, gearboxes, notable versions and which one to pick.

The Mazda 2 is a micro-class car produced from 2003 to the present, with outputs ranging from 68 to 116 hp across seven generations and restylings. It suits drivers who want a compact, mostly front-wheel-drive car with modest engines — a good starting point for anyone comparing mazda 2 generations before buying.

Mazda 2 generations

1 generation (2003–2005)

The first Mazda 2 was built from 2003 to 2005 as a micro-class car with front-wheel drive, manual and automatic gearboxes, and 6 modifications spanning 68–101 hp. The most common version was the 1.4 MT (80 hp) with a 1388 cc engine and 0–100 km/h in 13.9 seconds, while the 1.6 MT topped the range with 101 hp from 1596 cc and acceleration of 11.4 seconds. A 1.4 AT diesel with 68 hp (1399 cc, 15.0 s to 100 km/h) was also offered.

1 generation, restyling (2005–2007)

The restyled first generation kept the micro body, FWD layout and 68–101 hp span across 6 modifications. The 1.4 MT (80 hp) remained the mass version with 13.9 seconds to 100 km/h, and the 1.6 MT stayed the strongest at 101 hp. The 1.4 AT diesel (68 hp) stood out for economy: 4.5 l/100 km, with acceleration of 16.0 seconds.

2 generation (2007–2010)

The second generation switched to a sedan body and grew to 12 modifications with 68–103 hp, all front-wheel drive with manual or automatic transmission. The 1.4 MT (86 hp, 1349 cc) was the volume choice at 12.9 seconds to 100 km/h and 5.4 l/100 km. The 1.5 MT (103 hp) led the lineup with 10.4 seconds and 5.7 l/100 km, while the 1.6 MT diesel offered 95 hp with just 4.2 l/100 km. A 1.4 MT diesel with 68 hp (4.3 l/100 km) rounded out the range.

2 generation, restyling (2010–2014)

The restyled second generation ran from 2010 to 2014 as a sedan with 10 modifications and 75–103 hp. The 1.6 MT diesel (95 hp, 1560 cc) became the mass version, combining 11.5 seconds to 100 km/h with 4.2 l/100 km. The 1.5 MT (103 hp) remained the performance pick at 10.4 seconds and 5.7 l/100 km.

3 generation (2014–2019)

The third-generation Mazda 2 sedan offered 8 modifications with 75–115 hp, FWD, and both gearbox types. The 1.5 MT diesel (105 hp, 1499 cc) was the most widespread, reaching 100 km/h in 10.1 seconds while consuming only 3.4 l/100 km — the lowest figure in the model's history. The petrol 1.5 MT (115 hp) was the quickest at 8.7 seconds with 4.9 l/100 km, and a 1.5 AT with 111 hp joined the range.

3 generation, restyling (2019–2024)

The restyling of 2019–2024 expanded to 15 modifications with 75–116 hp and, uniquely for the model, added a 4x4 option alongside FWD. The 1.5L SKYACTIVE-G AT (109 hp, 1496 cc, 4.9 l/100 km) was the volume version, and the 1.5L SKYACTIVE-G AT (116 hp) topped the range with 10.5 seconds to 100 km/h. The 1.5 AT diesel (105 hp) delivered 4.6 l/100 km, and a 1.3L SKYACTIVE-G AT with 93 hp and 4.9 l/100 km appeared as well.

3 generation, restyling 2 (2022–present)

The current version returns to a micro body with a single modification: the 1.5 AT hybrid with 116 hp (1490 cc), automatic transmission and FWD. It accelerates to 100 km/h in 9.7 seconds and consumes 4.0 l/100 km — the strongest and one of the most frugal Mazda 2 variants ever offered.

Which Mazda 2 to buy

On the used market, the second generation (2007–2014) offers the widest choice — 22 modifications across the pre- and post-restyling sedans — while the 2014–2019 third generation is the newest range still broadly represented with both petrol and diesel manuals. All versions except the 2019–2024 restyling are front-wheel drive only, which keeps the drivetrain layout simple across the lineup.

Which Mazda 2 to avoid

The 1.4 AT (68 hp) of the first generation (2003–2005) is the weakest and slowest version in the data: 68 hp and 15.0 seconds to 100 km/h, against 13.9 seconds for the 1.4 MT (80 hp) of the same years. Its 2005–2007 restyled counterpart is slower still at 16.0 seconds, though it answers with 4.5 l/100 km — so within the pre-2007 range, the 80 hp and 101 hp manuals are the stronger picks unless an automatic is essential.