BMW I3 vs Mazda 2
What's the difference?

BMW I3

—

2020 price

View pricing & specs

Mazda 2

$14,500 - $26,998

2024 price

View pricing & specs

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz A35

Mercedes-Benz A45

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Summary

2020 BMW I3

2024 Mazda 2

By James Cleary

By Chris Thompson

Safety Rating

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Inline 4, 1.5L

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Unleaded Petrol

Electric range

270 km

5.4L/100km (combined)

Energy consumption

14.6 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

42.00 kWh

Seating

Likes

Design
Dynamics
Tech

Still dynamically fun
Manual remains
Ergonomically sensible

Dislikes

Pricey
Tight rear room
Short warranty

Interior is dating
Engine noise under load
Pricing not quite 'first-car'

2020 BMW I3 Summary

It’s easy to forget BMW was paddling into the growing electric vehicle wave when it was only a gentle swell. It took off early with the i3 city car, which believe it or not has been in the Aussie new car market for six years.

While the German maker has long been developing the concept of electrified powertrains in existing models, the i3 was the result of a dramatically different approach, showcasing the use of exotic materials and innovative packaging.

Like its i8 supercar sibling, the i3 won’t be replaced with a new-generation version, but BMW says it will continue to develop this high-tech hatch before it departs, and we spent a week in the sporty i3s to see how it stands up in 2020.

View full pricing & specs

2024 Mazda 2 Summary

The entry-point into one of Australia's most popular brands has been around for almost 10 years in its current generation, but the Mazda2 has had a refresh.

Possibly for the last time in its current lifespan, the small hatchback gets a facelift to remain appealing, Mazda hopes, to first-car-buyers.

Mazda's up against not only direct rivals, like the Suzuki Swift and Toyota Yaris, but also the shifting market.

Mazda has sold just over 3500 Mazda2s so far this year, but almost 11,000 CX-3 small SUVs, the latter based on our friend here's platform.

It's a name with a little over two decades behind it, but can it be a first-car-favourite in an increasingly difficult small car market?

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2020 BMW I3 2024 Mazda 2

Verdict

Yes, it’s pricey for a small hatch, but this little BMW is a city car like no other. The i3s is tailor made for the urban environment, and six years on retains the quirkiness and charisma that stood it apart at launch, and it can still hold its head high among the current EV crop.

Verdict

While Mazda's insistence that the Mazda2 is a 'first-car' could be very limited by the incomes of most teenagers or early-20s city-dwellers, the starting price being close enough to $20,000 for a dynamically enjoyable and convenient small car isn't to be scoffed at.

The new styling of the Mazda2 is well executed, and as an alternative to small SUVs (which continue to become more popular) it's a sensible option, especially considering its efficiency and ease of use.

The lower specifications in the range are probably the best in terms of value, as even the features on the higher grades aren't groundbreaking, and the Pure SP definitely exudes the most style cred.

BMW I3 vs Mazda 2 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

BMW I3 vs Mazda 2
What's the difference?