Mazda 2 VS Mazda 3: A Buyer’s Guide For Compact Cars
Watching the two-shiny bodies competing on a busy street, differentiating them is a hard task. Mazda 3 is more powerful but ridding it leads to only one judgment-Mazda 3 sedan is an improved version of Mazda 2 hatchback. Much of its design is a daylight theft.
Their powertrain and interiors may be different but the dimensions and wheelbase almost fall in the same class. Truly, Mazda 2 is a subcompact hatchback hidden in the B-segment while Mazda 3 a compact sedan car lies in the B-segment. They are meant for different market segments and shouldn’t go head to head.
Another surprising distinction is pricing. But as we discuss this guide, many are headed to Honda sellers not knowing whether to buy Mazda 2 or Mazda 3.
Which Makes the Deal: Mazda 2 or Mazda 3?
In this guide, we'll see the five seater Mazda 2 hatchback carrying a 1.5 L engine against the 2019 five-seater Mazda 3 sedan powered by a 2.0 L naturally aspirated engine.
Mazda 2 vs Mazda 3 Exterior
Mazda 2 hatch
Not much science is required to know Mazda 2 has a smaller dimension but the height is a bit higher to shame the slow snug impression given by Mazda 3. More certainly, the hatch has lured large masses due to its large car appeal. Both cargo space and elbowroom are bigger giving Mazda 3 a sportier look.
Mazda 2 hatch has an aerodynamic and curvy design with the tampered edges to magnify the sleek looks. While the fog lamps on the front pamper are nicely garnished by shiny chrome, the sweptback headlamps are less generic.
From the sides, Mazda 2 hatch has curved bulges on the bonnet while the alloy wheels look sporty. At the rear, the rounded roofline with a raked windscreen and spoiler above makes the curved design noteworthy.
Mazda 3 Sedan
By standing to its application of Kodo design, Mazda 3 sedan has reserved the traditional design but not entirely. Elegance is term Mazda uses to describe this sedan. More than before, the 2020 Mazda 3 sedan is attractive, luxurious and athletic.
It comes in many rich colours and extra creases themed to make people turn their heads. The exterior design is distinctive curves and characterized by lines running on both sides from the front to the rear. Unlike the 2 hatch, the sedan features LED headlamps and taillamps.
Mazda 2 vs Mazda 3 Interior
Mazda 2 Interior
Getting into the cabin, the philosophy of minimalistic yet classy is evident. The leather upholstery is well aligned and more beauty is added by the chrome finish witnessed on the dashboard. A rectangular style touchscreen infotainment system is complemented by rounded AC vents.
With features like a climatic control button, the lower centre console, keyless push-button start button and an auto cruise control option, Mazda 2 sedan is well balanced around its market label.
Mazda 3 Interior
The cabin is aligned with premium materials. A clever balance between the leather and cloth upholstery leaves the interior with a slightly impressive outlook. To take your eyes off the sides, the front seats have a huge leg and headroom. Just forget the stingy back seats or better said, reserve the seats for the children.
Despite being best suited for 4 people, it can accommodate 5. People love touchscreen infotainment sadly missing in this model. However, the 8.8-inch infotainment screen available is easy to use. The extra coins go to the Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, proximity keyless entry, eight-speaker stereo, HD Radio and Bluetooth connection system.
Mazda 2 vs Mazda 3 Engine and Transmission
Mazda 2 Engine and Transmission
Under the bonnet of the Mazda 2 is a conventional 1.5 L naturally aspirated engine with four cylinders mounted to a 6-speed automatic transmission system. The Skyactiv-X petrol engine feels ordinary and good for everyday use.
Sprinting from 0-60mph in 9.1sec is a proof the Sedan isn’t such a lazy car. Ridding at 6,000 rpm the engine produces 116 horsepower and 149 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm.
Mazda 3 Engine and Transmission
This hatchback offers two types of engines - 2.0 L naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that powers 162 horsepower and 213 Nm of torque and 1.5 L naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder petrol engine capable of producing 118 horsepower and 152 Nm of torque.
Pulling by the front wheels, the engine power is transmitted by a six-speed automatic transmission.
Both the Mazda 2 hatchback and Mazda 3 sedan feature reliable safety systems like Smart Brake system, Mazda Radar Cruise Control, Adaptive Front-Lighting and Traction Control System (TCS). The Mazda 2 is equipped with only 2 airbags while the hatch has 7 airbags.
Conclusion
Other than the slight difference in engine power and the infotainment systems, these two shinny bodies are generally good for their prices. If you opt for the costlier Mazda 3 sedan more goodies like extra airbags will be availed to you. But if you are more restrained, Mazda 2 hatchback is cheap to go for.