Used Mazda 2 cars for sale

It’s not often that two same-named but completely different cars are sold next to each other, but that’s the case with the Mazda 2 so there’ll be a lot of back and forth on this page. The first is Mazda’s own attempt at a supermini, with essentially conventional petrol engines, and the second is the Mazda 2 Hybrid. Both are five-door hatchbacks with several trim levels. The Mazda 2 is likely to be cheaper to buy, but the 2 Hybrid may be cheaper to run.

Mazda’s cars aren’t usually class-leading when it comes to practicality – its cars major on swoopy styling and lots of tech – and the Mazda 2 is beaten for space by a number of rivals. Two six-footers won’t be comfortable sitting behind each other on long journeys but there’s enough space for average-sized folk. Even five people should be reasonably comfy on shorter journeys. The Mazda 2 has a 255-litre boot, which is more than you get in a Mini but short of the Renault Clio and Ford Fiesta.

The same goes for the Mazda 2 Hybrid. It’s not the most spacious supermini out there, with reasonable rear seat space and a 286-litre boot. Still, that’s the same as the Yaris, and it hasn’t stopped the Toyota from being one of the UK’s best-selling cars.

In the Mazda 2, you get a 1.5-litre petrol engine with several different power outputs. More recent ones come with mild electrical assistance. A diesel was offered in the past. In the Mazda 2 Hybrid, meanwhile, you get a different 1.5-litre petrol engine with more electrical assistance – a bigger battery and a better fuel consumption figure. Simple, huh?

We're fans of the Mazda 2 – it's a neat little hatchback with good looks and a solid report card. Some rivals are faster, some are more practical and others are better value, but the 2 is just an all-round likeable package.

The cabin is a particular standout for its style, which mimics the larger, more grown up cars in Mazda's lineup and is trimmed in nice-feeling materials.

It might not have the turbocharged punch of the Ford Fiesta or Volkswagen Polo, but the little Mazda's 1.5-litre petrol engines are smooth and zippy, especially in the top-spec 115hp version. Plus, fuel economy is strong in all versions, so your fuel bills will be low.

Across various reliability surveys, the Mazda 2 generally performs well, with few reported problems. As with all cars, keeping up with scheduled maintenance will give your 2 the best chance of lasting as long as possible.

Adding an extended warranty to your Mazda will protect you from the cost of an unexpected mechanical or electrical failure.

The Mazda 2 is a reasonably good choice for a first car, although its insurance groups are slightly higher across the board than its nearest rivals. That means an entry-level Ford Fiesta or Vauxhall Corsa will be a little cheaper to insure – which could make quite a large difference to a brand-new driver's premium.

Nevertheless, the car is efficient, easy to drive and available with active safety aids, so a first-time licence holder shouldn't struggle to get to grips with the little Mazda.

Check out our picks for the best cars for first-time drivers for more options.