Used car check: Mazda2 - reliable and "a big one among the small ones"

A Japanese subcompact in Polo format with qualities: Newer Mazda2 models, in particular, are technically well-equipped, according to the TÜV test report. Only a few flaws mar their performance.

Driving a Mazda is more exotic—at least compared to a VW. In Germany, the vastly different registration figures in the small car segment alone demonstrate this. But mass has nothing to do with class: The 2 Series from the Land of the Rising Sun is "a big one among the small," writes the "Auto Bild TÜV Report 2025." But even it isn't immune to criticism.

Model history

The Mazda2 is a model that has been part of the Japanese manufacturer's portfolio for over 20 years. The second and third series were launched in 2007 and 2014, respectively. Facelifts were introduced in 2010 and 2020.

Body and variants

With a steep rear end and always five doors, the Mazda2 has the typical shape of a modern small car. Those who want a two-door model will have to opt for earlier generations, which are not discussed here. The 2020 facelift also introduced a mild hybrid.

Dimensions

• 2nd generation: 3.89 m to 3.92 m x 1.70 m x 1.48 m (L x W x H), trunk volume: 250 l to 787 l.
• 3rd generation: 4.06 m x 1.70 m x 1.50 m to 1.52 m (L x W x H), trunk volume: 280 l to 950 l.

Strengthen

It steers precisely and, at around 1,000 kilograms, is a lightweight—in short, the Mazda2 is a small car with a sporty character. However, this doesn't matter when it comes to the MOT; reliability is what counts. According to the "Auto Bild TÜV Report 2025," the brake components in the Japanese car are the main contributors to this: The functions of the foot and parking brakes, as well as the brake hoses and discs, are rarely criticized.

Since the second MOT, the axle suspension, springs, and dampers have been top-notch, and the indicators have always been solid. Oil leaks, even in old age, are as rare as the Mazda2's emissions test failures.

Weaken

Interestingly, the axle suspension, springs, and dampers were found to be weak during the first MOT. In the lighting section, the complaint rates for the headlights are quite high for both versions, while the older Mazda also often has misaligned low beams and, as it ages, occasionally receives a reprimand for the occasional brake line failure.

Breakdown behavior

The Japanese subcompact has a mixed record in the ADAC breakdown statistics. According to the club, vehicles first registered between 2007 and 2012 and between 2015 and 2018 exhibit "high to very high reliability." Those from 2013 and 2014 rank in the middle range, while the Mazda2 has performed simply well since 2019.

The main breakdown areas include the starter motor in cars from 2014, the starter battery (2011 to 2014), the front and rear suspension springs (2007) and spark plugs (2007 to 2014).

Engines (according to ADAC)

• 2nd generation: Petrol (four-cylinder, front-wheel drive): 55 kW/75 hp to 76 kW/103 hp; Diesel (four-cylinder, front-wheel drive): 50 kW/68 hp to 70 kW/95 hp
• 3rd generation: petrol (four-cylinder, front-wheel drive): 55 kW/75 hp to 85 kW/115 hp; diesel (four-cylinder, front-wheel drive): 77 kW/105

Dealer sales value according to the German Automobile Trust (DAT) with statistically expected kilometers - three price examples

• Mazda2 1.6 CD Sport-Line (6/2013); 70 kW/95 hp (four-cylinder); 180,000 kilometers; €3,048
• Mazda2 Skyactiv-G 75 Exclusive-Line (6/2023); 55 kW/75 hp (four-cylinder); 26,000 kilometers; €16,136
• Mazda2 Skyactiv-G 90 M-Hybrid (6/2021); 66 kW/90 hp (four-cylinder; Euro 6d); 49,000 kilometers; €14,642