Mazda 2 vs Skoda Scala
What's the difference?

Mazda 2

$14,500 - $26,998

2024 price

View pricing & specs

Skoda Scala

$24,990 - $39,789

2025 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

2025 Skoda Scala

By Chris Thompson

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 1.5L

Turbo 3, 1.0L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

5.4L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Still dynamically fun
Manual remains
Ergonomically sensible

Class-leading interior space
Excellent fuel efficiency
Comfortable and solid on-road

Dislikes

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

Sporadic wireless phone mirroring
Not as fun as its rivals with outputs
Older looking exterior

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

2025 Skoda Scala Summary

The new Skoda Scala brings a trim line-up of just two models and the features list for both have been reshuffled with a little pruning here and a few welcome additions there.

The Select 85TSI on test for this review replaces the former Ambition base variant and offers very competitive pricing considering its European roots.

You would be forgiven, though, if the Skoda Scala was not the first make and model that came to mind in your new hatchback hunt. But with its minor facelift and a boot capacity that rivals medium SUVs, maybe it should be on the list.

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2024 Mazda 2 2025 Skoda Scala

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 new Skoda Scala Select proves base models can be well-equipped and have a great price tag, which is not always the case at this grade level.

Its driving experience might not be as exciting as some rivals but it’s a great urban dweller nonetheless and it offers really good value overall.

Mazda 2 vs Skoda Scala What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mazda 2 vs Skoda Scala
What's the difference?