Mazda2 vs Mazda Demio Comparison

The Mazda2 is an entry-level subcompact hatchback built by the Japanese automotive company Mazda and unveiled in 2002. It had three generations: 2002 – 2004, 2007 – 2014, and 2014 – 2019. Similarly, the Mazda Demio is a subcompact hatchback built by Mazda and unveiled in 1996. There are four generations of the Demio, 1996 – 2002 and 2002 – 2019, where it ran similarly to its successor, the Mazda2. The Demio retained the Demio name for the Japanese local market up until 2019 while Mazda2 kept its name in the international markets.

What is the difference between Mazda2 and Demio?

The Mazda Demio is the entry-level car in Mazda’s car lineup that has been produced since 1996. The Demio was well received and cemented its place in the subcompact hatchback segment as a comfortable, efficient, reliable, and trusted car. As the years passed by, Mazda saw the need to reposition, restructure, rebrand, and adopt a new model naming structure for their cars, and in 2002, it was the Demio’s turn, as it adopted the Mazda2 name in international markets while retaining the name in the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) until 2019, when it was also used in the JDM.

To answer the question ‘What is the difference between the Mazda2 and Demio?’. It’s the same car from 2002 when the second-generation Demio sold in Japan, and the first generation Mazda2 sold globally, were unveiled.

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(*Prices are reflective of average BE FORWARD pricings as of October 2024.)

	Mazda Mazda2 1996 - 2002	Mazda Demio 2002 - 2007
Length x Width x Height	3295 x 1680 x 1530	3815 x 1670 x 1535
Capacity/Doors	3/5-doors	5-doors
Torque	80 - 94 lb-ft	80 - 94 lb-ft
Top Speed	160 kph	151 kph
0-100 km/h	15 secs	14 secs
Max Power	67 - 110 hp	82 - 100 hp
Engine	1300 cc -1600 cc	1300 cc -1500 cc
Fuel Consumption	15 km/L	14 km/L
Fuel Tank Capacity	45 liters	43 liters
Key Features	Power windows, power steering, A/C, Airbag, Central lock, ABS, power mirror, radio, and CD player (LAS)	Power steering, A/C, power window, airbag, and cloth upholstery.
BE FORWARD PRICE	USD 1,450 – USD 5,060	USD 1,700 – USD 5,450

Size and Exterior

Mazda Mazda2

The first generation Mazda2 is a crossover between a light SUV and a small car, resulting in a compact 5-door hatchback with high ground clearance. Its fascia features a large bumper with a large air vent at the center and fog lights on either end. Above is a small grille with a chrome accent, flanked by headlights on each side. On the sides, it features body-colored wing mirrors and a bland-looking beltline; on the roof, there are roof rails, and an antenna positioned at the front; and at the rear, its flat design with a lift-up tailgate and horizontally aligned taillights.
The second-generation model was built in collaboration with Ford, utilizing Ford’s global B platform, which employs lightweight materials, and reduces the car’s overall dimensions. From this generation on, the high-roof styling was dropped for a more conventional hatchback styling.
The third-generation model adopted Mazda’s KODO-Soul of Motion design in three- or five-doors, giving it the looks of a living creature and imparting a presence unmatched in the class. The front end features a large wing grille, redesigned front bumper, and headlights.

Its exterior dimensions are 3925 mm in length, 1680 mm in width, 1530 mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2490 mm for the first generation and 3950 mm in length, 1695 mm in width, 1475 mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2492 mm for the second generation.

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Mazda Demio

The first-generation Demio is a compact 5-door hatchback with a high ground clearance. Its facia features a large bumper with an air vent at the center and fog lights on either end. Above is a small mesh grille with a Mazda logo at the center flanked by signal and headlights on each side. On the sides, it features wing mirrors of the same color as the front bumper and a bland-looking beltline; on the roof, there are standard roof rails; and at the rear, its flat rear end features a lift-up tailgate.
The second-generation Demio (first generation Mazda2) is a crossover between a light SUV and a small car resulting in a compact 5-door hatchback with a high ground clearance. Its facia features a large bumper with a large air vent at the center and fog lights on either end. Above is a small grille with a chrome accent flanked by the headlights on each side. On the sides, it features body-colored wing mirrors and a bland-looking beltline, on the roof there are roof rails and an antenna at the front, and at the rear, its flat rear end features a lift-up tailgate and horizontally aligned taillights.

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Interior

Mazda Mazda2

(a) Cabin Storage

• The Mazda2 is a five-seat car in a 2+3 configuration. The seats are comfortable and supportive with cloth upholstery as standard.
• There is enough head, leg, knee, shoulder, and foot room for four, while the fifth passenger occupying the rear mid-seat will struggle for foot, shoulder, and knee room due to the transmission tunnel’s interference.
• Storage options include a glovebox, door pockets, cupholders, and jacket seat pockets.
• The high driving position improves outward visibility making driving comfortable.

(b) Cargo Space

• The car has a generous cargo area enough for several days of groceries.
• It has a 267-liter cargo area with rear seats in place, which can be extended to 1044 liters with the rear seats folded.

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Mazda Demio

(a) Cabin Storage

• There are five seats, enough to accommodate four passengers comfortably
• Standard features include a stereo radio cassette player, A/C, cloth upholstery, and power windows.
• Storage options include door pockets, jacket seat pockets, cupholders, door pockets, and a glove box.
• The seats are comfortable and supportive, with a high driving position for improved outward visibility.
  

(b) Cargo Space

• The Demio has a 330-liter boot capable of accommodating several carry-on bags. It can be extended to a maximum of 1298 liters by folding the rear seats if more room for cargo is required.
• The 50:50 split rear seats enable the extension of the cargo area by folding one part of the seat while leaving the other to accommodate a passenger.
• The Demio’s boot can carry medium-sized luggage such as a large suitcase with some space to spare. To create extra space the back seats can also be folded in a split format.

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Engine & Fuel Consumption

Mazda Mazda2

(a) Engine & Performance

• Engine:
  First Generation – 1.3-liter ZJ-VE or 1.5-liter ZY-VE
  Second Generation – 1.3-liter P3-VPS
• Engine Capacity:
  First Generation – 90 hp – 113 hp
  Second Generation – 84 hp
• How many CC?
  First Generation – 1348 cc – 1498 cc
  Second Generation – 1298 cc

(b) Fuel Consumption

• The Mazda2 has an average fuel consumption of 14 – 18 km/L
• The manual transmission model uses SAE90, the automatic transfer uses ATF, and the CVT uses CVT oil.

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Mazda Demio

(a) Engine & Performance

• Engine:
  First Generation – 1.3-liter B3-ME/B3E 4-cylinder and 1.5-liter B5-ME/B5E
  Second Generation – 1.3-liter ZJ-VE or 1.5-liter ZY-VE
• Engine Capacity:
  First Generation – 64 hp – 100 hp
  Second Generation – 90 hp – 113 hp
• How many CC?
  First Generation – 1324 cc – 1498 cc
  Second Generation – 1348 cc – 1498 cc

(b) Fuel Consumption

• The Demio has an average fuel consumption of 14 km/L
• The manual transmission model uses SAE90 while the automatic transfer uses ATF

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Writer’s Perspective

Mazda has come a long way in claiming its stake in the automotive industry, and has attained that in unique and special ways. Mazda has become synonymous with offering efficient and high-end-looking cars at an affordable price. The Mazda2/Demio, being its entry-level within its lineup, has come a long way, but through its journey, it has always staked its position in the compact hatchback category, and recent models have become even more significant due to their durability, striking styling, comfortability, plush interior finishing, and efficient and reliable engines.

Final Verdict

Mazda has come a long way from the days of the Wankel (rotary) engines to the present years of the Kodo design language and Skyactiv-G engines. Throughout this journey, it has made significant strides and managed to define itself as a company focused on producing cars with a good blend of style, performance, and upscale features at reasonable prices that outshine its pricier competitors, capturing the attention of budget-conscious customers.
The unique allure of Mazda2/Demio lies in its modern and distinct Kodo design language, innovative technology, upscale human-focused interiors, safety features, and guaranteed reliability. Collectively these aspects help keep this entry-level Mazda competitive, maintaining its position within the compact hatchback segment and in the minds of motor enthusiasts.

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