Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control technology has already been incorporated into the Mazda 6, CX-3 and 3 models, and now the Mazda 2 for the Malaysian market has received it as well. In its latest iteration, Mazda’s B-segment model joins the roster of models equipped with G-Vectoring Control (GVC), along with select cosmetic and trim updates, while prices are unchanged, according to local distributor Bermaz.

With the prior Mazda 2 equipment list as a guideline, items such as LED headlamps remain a cost option – the display car here wears the base halogen units as it did from launch. Speak of the display car, this is a new exterior colour, known as Deep Crimson Mica, which joins the existing palette of Mazda 2 exterior paint.


Exterior changes are few; the foglamp is smaller with the trim finisher now chrome instead of the previous car’s gloss black item; the grille blades are now a shade of metallic grey instead of a body-coloured accent; wing mirror-integrated indicators now use a slim horizontal aperture instead of the vertical rectangular item before, and the roof-mounted antenna is now a shark-fin unit rather than the earlier rubberised pole.

More obvious changes abound inside. Open the driver’s door first, and it is the steering wheel from Mazda’s latest range that will first meet the eye, along with updated upholstery. Gone is the Mazda 2’s red contrast stitching and red central ‘racing stripe’ on the four main seats, in their place go white stitching and a more subdued five-stripe band for a more grown-up look.


Seat upholstery has changed somewhat, with suede sections replacing the textile mesh from before in the lumbar region and on the full length of the seat cushion. Meanwhile the padded dash panel, centre console knee padding, seat backs and door cards are now a shade of maroon, like on the updated 3. The MZD Connect touchscreen swaps its brushed metal-look bezel for a gloss black surround, which now also extends to the window switch surrounds ahead of the door handles.

The faux carbon-fibre finish remains on the inside of the centre console recess beneath the HVAC rotary controls, where ports for optical discs, SD cards, USB devices and 12-volt power outlet still remain; ditto the multi-directional Commander Control unit, Sport mode toggle and mechanical handbrake. The circular air-conditioning vents also gain additional rose gold finishing, just behind the silver ring. Look a little closer, and you’ll spot a new font type within the instrument cluster.


For its 2017 model-year iteration, the Mazda 2 carries over its mechanical specification, the sole choice being the 1.5 Skyactiv-G petrol engine which has 114 hp at 6,000 rpm and 148 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm at its disposal. A six-speed automatic with manual override and steering wheel-mounted paddles channel the outputs to the front wheels, which now gain the benefit of the aformentioned G-Vectoring Control setup.

The unchanged pricing means that the GVC-equipped Mazda 2 (both hatchback and sedan) continues to start from RM 87,586.30 for the base model, up to RM 92,886.30 if you opt for the LED headlight option – both on-the-road without insurance for most colours, except Soul Red which adds a RM530 premium.

Cr : Paultan