Mazda 2 vs BMW 1 Series
What's the difference?

Mazda 2

$14,500 - $26,998

2024 price

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BMW 1 Series

$44,997 - $89,900

2025 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz A35

Mercedes-Benz A45

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz CLA

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Summary

2024 Mazda 2

2025 BMW 1 Series

By Chris Thompson

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 1.5L

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Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

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Fuel Efficiency

5.4L/100km (combined)

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Seating

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Likes

Still dynamically fun
Manual remains
Ergonomically sensible

Driving dynamics and performance
Front-row layout
Pricing remains competitive

Dislikes

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

New face might divide opinion
Second-row amenities lacking
A tad thirsty

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?

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2025 BMW 1 Series Summary

Can you believe the 1 Series is already in its fourth generation? It might not look incredibly like it, because this new car looks a little like the third.

But it’s been more than half a decade since the F40 1 Series debuted, so BMW decided it was already time for a new kid on the block. Meet the F70.

It’s just landed in Australia and it promises new-gen tech and features compared with its predecessor. We checked out BMW’s new baby at its Australian launch to find out if it delivers.

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Deep dive comparison

2024 Mazda 2 2025 BMW 1 Series

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.

Verdict

A brief dalliance with the 1 Series has left me impressed, if wanting to spend more time with it to get a better assessment of the day-to-day liveability of BMW’s entry-level model.

It’s a compelling offering if you’re after a premium small car, and even without the performance of the M135, the 118 is feature-packed.

Keeping pricing competitive should help the 1 Series buck the trend of buyers opting for small SUVs, but ultimately it’s just refreshing to see BMW putting effort into keeping a hatchback relevant (and up-to-date).

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with meals provided.

Mazda 2 vs BMW 1 Series What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mazda 2 vs BMW 1 Series
What's the difference?