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Mazda 2 Vs Mazda 3 - How to Choose? Let's Break It Down
Table of Contents
- How the Mazda 3 and Mazda 2 differ from each other
- Mazda 2 vs Mazda 3 - Size and Dimensions
- Mazda 2 vs Mazda 3 - Engine specs
- Mazda 2 vs Mazda 3 - In-car Entertainment & Extras
- Financials - how much do the Mazda 3 models cost, and which one is worth the money?
Even though the Mazda 2 and Mazda 3 belong to entirely different automobile classes, many people still compare the two when shopping for a new Mazda. It comes down to a few key points when deciding which is suitable for you, as both vary widely. So how can you choose between the two? In this article, we’ll break down each model through a detailed car comparison and explain some of their differences to assist you in deciding which small car will suit you and your lifestyle.
How the Mazda 3 and Mazda 2 differ from each other
The main variations that come to mind when comparing these two models are the price, size, and body type of each small car. The Mazda 2 belongs to the subcompact segment, making it smaller, cheaper, and more fuel-efficient, whereas the Mazda 3 comes in at a higher price point, but also with a greater number of extras and features.
Mazda 2 vs Mazda 3 - Size and Dimensions
First thing’s first - size. The Mazda 3 is a bit larger than the Mazda 2, coming in at around 4.6 metres in length compared to the Mazda 2, which is 4.06 metres. This gives the Mazda 3 more elbow room and a larger cargo capacity, with 358 litres of boot space compared to the Mazda 2’s 280 litres. However, although the Mazda 2 is smaller in size, it makes up for it with a higher ride height over it’s sportier sibling. The Mazda 3 is classified as a Sportback compact, which essentially means a coupe with a roof-mounted liftgate.
Mazda 2 vs Mazda 3 - Engine specs
The Mazda hatchback 3 is a larger variant with more horsepower and torque, and the ability to go further on a larger fuel tank capacity. Both models come equipped with G-Vectoring control, which allows for incredible handling around tricky bends and rough road conditions. This feature shifts weight and adjusts torque whenever the car is turning, which makes for great stability in either vehicle.
While the Mazda 3 has more safety features, the Mazda 2 is one of the better-equipped small cars in the subcompact segment.
Specs change depending on the model you choose, as well as whether you go with a hatchback or sedan. The Mazda sedan is equipped with compression ignition and, because of this combustion efficiency, the Mazda sedan engine uses considerably less fuel-to-air combination, producing greater power and torque with less fuel, and even less lost fuel in the exhaust. Mazda defines it as having diesel-like torque and fuel economy while having the power, responsiveness, and refinement of a petrol engine.
Mazda 2 |
Mazda 3 | |
Engine |
4 cylinders |
4 cylinders |
Power |
82kW |
114kW |
Torque |
144Nm |
200Nm |
Fuel consumption |
4.9L/100km |
6.2L/100km |
Tank capacity |
44L |
51L |
*Based on the G20 Pure models.
Mazda 2 vs Mazda 3 - In-car Entertainment & Extras
It shouldn’t be a major surprise that the more expensive Mazda 3 offers more in-car entertainment. It comes with a bigger touchscreen, more speakers, and more connection choices than the Mazda 2. The Mazda 3 sedan also boasts a sunroof, front parking sensors, and cruise control, which are handy for lengthy highway drives.
But the Mazda Sedan 2 Premium is not lightweight when it comes to comfort, with a 7-inch touchscreen display with USB, AUX, and Bluetooth connection. Despite the fact that the Mazda 3 has more amenities, with push-button start, keyless entry, and high-quality leather seats, the Mazda 2 still stands out against other contenders.
Financials - how much do the Mazda 3 models cost, and which one is worth the money?
The price tag on each Mazda is reasonable for the amount of value in each model, but more specifically the financials are as follows.
Mazda 2: G15 Pure | Hatch driveaway from – $21,990
Mazda 3: G20 Pure | Hatch or Sedan driveaway from – $29,014
Verdict
We'd like to again highlight that the Mazda 2 and Mazda 3 belong to completely separate vehicle classifications, with the Mazda 3 at a higher price point but with more features, while the subcompact Mazda 2 is a perfect choice for someone with a more modest budget looking to get a reliable and trustworthy vehicle they can depend on to get them where they are looking to go.
If you can't decide which is right for you, come on in to Melville Mazda and take them both for a test drive.