The fourth and current generation of the Mazda2 debuted as a 2016 model, and over the years it has received several updates that have allowed it to remain highly competitive in the market. In 2020, it premiered its face and improved its security equipment, while, in 2022, the Mild Hybrid versions were added to the range and by 2023, lThe great novelty is the appearance of the Carbon Edition versionwhich is accompanied by a convenient and favorable price adjustment, as well as improvements in the security endowment.
All this context serves us to introduce just the Mazda2 Hatchback Carbon Edition 2023, which can be considered the maximum evolution of this small car made in Mexico, which, believe me, still has many followers to maintain itself as one of the protagonists of the market. Let’s get to know all the details in this test drive.
Mazda2 Hatchback Carbon Edition 2023: Design
The new top-of-the-range Carbon Edition MHEV version, which, as its name suggests, It is distinguished by an aesthetic with elements in a dark tone, such as the 16-inch wheels or the housings of the rear-view mirrors. Of course, the bodywork also has a differentiating feature, which in this case is the color “Black Celeste”. The result is positive, since, although the Mazda2 has known how to age gracefully, these details allow it to join the fashion in which everyone prefers black. By the way, an e-SKYACTIV G anagram reminds us that we are dealing with a light hybrid car.
Mazda2 Hatchback Carbon Edition 2023: Equipment, technology and safety
Unfortunately, inside the changes are not so marked, but they are the pretext to do a general recount. To begin with, we have that the plastics and assemblies are of good manufacturing, keeping this car at the top of the segment in terms of quality. For our unit, the seats were upholstered in a “blue-grey” shade.
The 7-inch color touch screen is positioned in a tablet format, although its operation is also possible through the physical controls located on the center console. It has Android Auto and Apple Carplay. The sound system is composed of 6 speakers. The front seats are heated. The characteristic Head-up display continues to have charm, but on the opposite side, technological elements such as the inductive charger are already missed.
The security section is one of the strengths of the Mazda2 Hatchback. This car is equipped with 6 airbags, electronic stability control, G-Vectoring system, tire pressure monitor, reversing sensors, windshield wipers with rain sensor, cruise control and reversing camera. But for the Carbon Edition finish, the autonomous emergency brake, lane keeping assistant and automatic high beams are added. Very good here.
Just as a reminder, the little Mazda2 is 4,070mm long and 1,695mm wide. It is approved for 5 passengers, although it must be said, space is its weak point, since in front, although driver and passenger travel comfortably. The same story is not told behind and that is that despite being approved to accommodate three people, in reality, only two will travel comfortably. Headroom and legroom, frankly, isn’t the best and is one of the biggest weaknesses of this car. The trunk, for its part, announces 280 liters, which in our test was more than enough to carry 3 backpacks and a travel suitcase. Without a doubt, it is an ideal car for singles or young couples.
2023 Mazda2 Hatchback Carbon Edition: Driving
In the mechanical section, the Mazda2 Carbon Edition uses a 1.5-liter MHEV four-cylinder engine which is capable of delivering 110 hp and 106 lb-ft of torque. Transmission is a 6-speed automatic with manual shifts. It also has Sport driving mode.
The handling of this car maintains its basic essence, only that the electric help gives it an interesting differentiating touch. It should be noted that this element acts above all in acceleration and recovery, which is where the engine works the most. By acting from the bottom, it helps to vent the engine and this results in an obvious improvement in fuel consumption, as well as a reduction in polluting emissions.
His action is perceived as a slight push. In fact, it is almost imperceptible and you have to pay attention to know when it comes into action. The negative point is that when it runs out of charge, the car will “azonza”, for a brief moment, but if you give a light touch to the accelerator the car accelerates normally.
Speaking of which, his profile is mostly urban, since this is where he is most comfortable. Don’t expect sporty performance, but yes, agile enough to take on the concrete jungle. In addition, the reduced dimensions are a great ally for slipping through traffic or finding parking spaces.
Sport mode changes the response of the transmission which now shifts at the top of the tachometer. Without a doubt, it is the ideal option to go out on the road or highways. What is laudable is the stability and security it provides behind the wheel. No doubt, that good Mazda handling is still present.
2023 Mazda2 Hatchback Carbon Edition: Actual Fuel Consumption
As is customary in Autocosmos, we put the 2023 Mazda2 Carbon Edition MHEV through a real-world fuel economy test. The rules, you already know:
It was given a use like the one you would give it on a day-to-day basis. A mixed route was drawn up that would allow us to face the heavy traffic of Mexico City, while driving on the highway, without neglecting the journey through secondary and tertiary roads.
The only determining factor was not to drive at a speed that endangered our lives or that of the other drivers around us, without this meaning refraining from overtaking. In fact, on the highway the average speed was approximately 120 km/h. The air conditioning was on most of the time.
We traveled a total of 295 km, for which 19.3 liters were necessary. This gives us an actual combined performance of 15.28 km/l. Not bad considering the good dynamic performance that it boasts. Just as a cultural fact, the brand announces up to 20.8 kilometers per liter.
Mazda2 Hatchback Carbon Edition 2023: Is it a good buy?
As a curiosity, having electrical assistance, andl Mazda2 Hatchback Carbon Edition 2023 aspires to green plates. In fact, our unit had them. With a price of $364,900 pesos, its only rival in Mexico would be the Swift Booster Green GLX, more affordable, but also with less power. Regarding price, we can also add to the SEAT Ibiza Style Y KIA Rio EX. Without a doubt, this Mazda boasts an excellent price-quality-efficiency ratio.
