2023 Mazda2 facelift brings new trims with unique grilles

• Renamed trim levels
• New grille design
• On sale spring 2023 from £17,750

Following an update in 2022, the Mazda2 supermini has once again received changes for 2023. This minor facelift includes a new look for the front end of the car as well as a renamed trim structure.

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The updated Mazda2 will be available to order in spring, with prices starting from £17,750. With the Ford Fiesta set to leave the supermini segment later this year following Ford’s decision to cancel it, competition between small hatchbacks is set to intensify, with the Mazda2 facing rivals such as the Vauxhall Corsa, Renault Clio and Volkswagen Polo.

Before we get into the visual changes, it’s important to first go through the 2023 Mazda2’s revised trim levels. Replacing the outgoing SE-L, Sport, GT Sport and GT Sport Tech are Centre-Line, Homura, Exclusive-Line and Homura Aka. While exact specifications are yet to be announced, Mazda has explained that Centre-Line and Exclusive-Line models will have a more subdued exterior, while the Homura and Homura Aka trims will look a bit sportier.

The most striking visual difference between the two sets of trim levels will be the revised front grille, which features a blanked-off body-coloured trim piece on Centre-Line and Exclusive-Line cars. Homura and Homura Aka models instead get a more traditional honeycomb grille, with all 2023 Mazda2 examples getting a redesigned lower bumper and a small ‘colour accent tab’ on the grille – similar to that seen on the Mazda CX-5 Newground.

On the inside, very little has changed for this update, with built-in sat nav and wireless Apple CarPlay still coming as standard on the Mazda2’s seven-inch touchscreen. Centre-Line and Exclusive-Line models now feature contrasting colour panels on the dashboard, while Homura and Homura Aka cars get cloth and part-leather upholstery respectively – both with sporty red stitching. 

Mazda only offers the ‘2’ with a 1.5-litre petrol engine; however, this is available in three outputs: 74bhp, 89bhp and 113bhp – the latter only available with the top-spec Homura Aka model. While a six-speed automatic is available as an option for the 89bhp engine, all manual versions of the Mazda2 (bar the entry-level 74bhp model) come equipped with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology for better fuel efficiency.

What does this mean for car buyers?

Not to be confused with the Mazda2 Hybrid – a rebadged clone of the Toyota Yaris – the Mazda2 is beginning to feel a little long in the tooth when compared to rivals – despite the multitude of recent updates. The supermini segment is ultra-competitive and Mazda is hoping these changes will be enough to boost the ‘2’s popularity in order to fill the inevitable void left by the Ford Fiesta. 

Looking to keep running costs low? Check out our list of the top 10 best small hybrid cars