The Mazda2 suffers from dissociative identity disorder in the sense that it is also sold as a rebadged Toyota Yaris Hybrid in Europe. In Japan, the previous generation model is getting a makeover for 2023 in an attempt to spruce up an aging product given the small hatch launched in 2014. With the previous facelift introduced in the domestic market in 2019, the “Demio” name was dropped in favor of the global “Mazda2” moniker.
With its second facelift unveiled in the Land of the Rising Sun, the smallest non-kei car Mazda sells gets a range of customization options, plus new Airstream Blue Metallic and Aero Gray Metallic paint. The two-tone wheels can have body-colored accents while a forged carbon fiber roof is available for an extra cost. You’ll also notice some rather stark orange graphics and white overlays for the grille and roof. A total of no less than 198 color combinations.
Although the third generation model had a slightly longer gear, it offered a cruise control radar and a lane keeping assist system. Features include a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, automatic air conditioning and heated front seats, along with a parking brake lever and shift knob covered in leather. Customers can choose from three accent colors for the dashboard and other goodies, but like the MX-5 Miata which shares some of the interior bits, the Mazda2 shows its age on the inside.
JDM spec vehicles are available in these oddly named versions: 15C/XD, 15 BD/XD BD, 15 Sunlit Citrus, 15 Sport, XD Sport+, and 15MB. It comes with a choice between manual and automatic transmissions while all-wheel drive remains available. Depending on specs, prices vary from 1,529,000 yen to 2,541,000 yen, which is around $11,800 to $19,500 based on current exchange rates.
Since the old Mazda2 will be in the army in Europe for now, don’t be too surprised if it will receive some of the updates introduced today in Japan.
