Launched: Face-lifted 2023 Mazda 2 – From RM108,670

Bermaz have opened bookings for the face-lifted 2023MY Mazda 2 sedan and hatch. Both are available solely in 1.5 High guises.

Mazda brand custodians Bermaz has introduced the refreshed 2023MY version of the Mazda 2 (Mazda2) sedan and hatchback. Announced earlier today, the updated B-segment fighter is available solely across both bodystyles in ‘1.5 High’ trimline only.

Visually, the exterior has been given a rather sporty update led by a distinctive new front grille featuring black honeycomb insert plus subtle red accent. This gets matched with a sleek new bumper design, new 16-inch dual-tone (black and chrome) wheels, and an added rear spoiler for the hatch.

The new Airstream Blue hue (left) is exclusive to the hatch along with Polymetal Gray. The sedan gets Aero Grey (right) as its exclusive paint option. Aside from which, both Snowflake White Pearl and Sour Red Crystal hues remain available across both.

Updated too are the paintjob options as the hatch gains two exclusive hues – Polymetal Gray and Airstream Blue. Exclusive to its booted twin is a distinct new Aero Grey option. Apart from which, both also continue to offer the familiar Snowflake White Pearl and Soul Red Crystal choices.

On board, the cabin sees a switchover to a combination of black leatherette and suede seat upholstery with red contrast stitching, as well as black-finished dash and trims. Key equipment primed include automatic headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, auto-folding mirrors, and auto-dimming rear-view mirror.

On board, a combination of black leatherette and suede with contrast red stitching dons the seats. The dash and other trims now come dressed in black too.

Unchanged is the 7-inch capacitive touchscreen display and its offer of both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity – albeit wired. Standard-equipped too is a passive cruise control, single-zone automatic climate control, as well as a reverse camera – pretty much business as usual from before.

Powertrain also remains unchanged. This 2023MY model continues harnessing the direct-injected 1.5-litre Skyactiv-G 4-cyl petrol mill that powers the front wheels with 114 HP and 149 NM via a 6-speed Skyactiv-Drive 6-speed automatic box, the latter also boasting steering-mounted paddle-shifters.

Fully imported (CBU) from Thailand, bookings are now open for the refreshed 2023 Mazda 2 sedan and hatch duo priced from RM108,670 sans insurance. Want either dressed in Mazda’s signature Soul Red Crystal hue? Then the price reads at a slightly higher RM109,610 sans insurance.

As usual, Bermaz offers a 5-year or 100,000 KM warranty and free service package included in said prices.

Both the sedan and hatch share the same price of RM108,670 sans insurance, or RM109,610 if you wished to dress either in Soul Red Crystal.

If neither of these tickles your fancy and you seek a crossover instead, fret not as Bermaz has also announced the availability of the updated 2023 Mazda CX-3 crossover too. We’ll have more details on which in a separate report.

In the meantime, are you digging the refreshed 2023 Mazda 2? Which would be your preferred style – sedan or hatch? Is there enough style and substance here to sway you away from rivals like the Honda City/City Hatchback, Toyota Vios/Yaris, or even the Nissan Almera?

As always, hit the comments below – and our social media platforms – with your take on things…