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

Mazda 2

$14,500 - $26,998

2024 price

View pricing & specs

BMW i Series

$88,900 - $233,400

2026 price

View pricing & specs

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

2026 BMW i Series

By Chris Thompson

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 1.5L

Electric motor type

Electromagnetically Excited

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Fuel Efficiency

5.4L/100km (combined)

Electric range

805 km

Energy consumption

18.8 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

108.70 kWh

Seating

Likes

Still dynamically fun
Manual remains
Ergonomically sensible

Great driving range
Spacious cabin for the whole family
Excellent real-world efficiency

Dislikes

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

Optioned wheels hurt range
Fussy ride on rough roads
Missing features for flagship grade

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

2026 BMW i Series Summary

We’re in the new BMW iX3, the first production model to arrive on BMW’s Neue Klasse (new class) EV architecture. We’re testing the flagship 50 xDrive, and it begs the question: has BMW actually managed to make its next generation of EVs feel like a proper Bimmer? Buyers expect a lot from that badge when it comes to ride and handling, so does this electric SUV actually deliver?

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2024 Mazda 2 2026 BMW i 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

The BMW iX3 50 xDrive is a seriously quick electric SUV that earns points for its family practicality, while its impressive range could go a long way towards easing range anxiety. The ride isn’t always as settled as I’d like, but for the most part, this is a well-executed premium EV.

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

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

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