The Mazda 2 II (DE, facelift) 1.3i, producing 75 horsepower, was a key variant of Mazda’s subcompact offering in the European and Asian markets from 2010 to 2014. This model represented an entry point into the second generation of the Mazda 2, known as the DE series, following a mid-cycle refresh. Positioned as the most economical option in the lineup, it catered to buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency and affordability over outright performance. The facelift brought subtle styling updates and refinements to the already well-regarded chassis of the DE platform.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mazda |
| Model | 2 |
| Generation | 2 II (DE, facelift 2010) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.3i (75 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2010 |
| End of production | 2014 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 6.4 l/100 km (36.8 US mpg, 44.1 UK mpg, 15.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.3 l/100 km (54.7 US mpg, 65.7 UK mpg, 23.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.1 l/100 km (46.1 US mpg, 55.4 UK mpg, 19.6 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 119 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 14.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 14.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 14.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 168 km/h (104.39 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.8 kg/Hp, 78.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.1 kg/Nm, 124 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 75 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 55.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 119 Nm @ 3500 rpm (87.77 lb.-ft. @ 3500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | ZJ46 |
| Engine displacement | 1349 cm3 (82.32 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 74 mm (2.91 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 78.4 mm (3.09 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.9 l (4.12 US qt | 3.43 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 5.2 l (5.49 US qt | 4.58 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 960 kg (2116.44 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1485 kg (3273.86 lbs.) |
| Max load | 525 kg (1157.43 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 250 l (8.83 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 787 l (27.79 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 43 l (11.36 US gal | 9.46 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 900 kg (1984.16 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 500 kg (1102.31 lbs.) |
| Length | 3920 mm (154.33 in.) |
| Width | 1695 mm (66.73 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 1958 mm (77.09 in.) |
| Height | 1475 mm (58.07 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2490 mm (98.03 in.) |
| Front track | 1475 mm (58.07 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1465 mm (57.68 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 150 mm (5.91 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.31 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 9.8 m (32.15 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 185/55 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the 1.3i variant was the ZJ46 engine, a 1.3-liter inline-four cylinder petrol engine. This engine was a mainstay in Mazda’s smaller vehicles and was known for its simplicity and reliability. It featured a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, contributing to reasonable efficiency for its displacement. Fuel delivery was handled by a multi-port fuel injection system. The engine produced 75 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 119 Nm (87.77 lb-ft) of torque at 3500 rpm. This engine was paired with a five-speed manual transmission, which was the standard offering. While an automatic transmission was available in some markets, it wasn’t a common pairing with this specific engine due to the performance limitations.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.3i 75 hp model offered modest performance. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph took approximately 14.2 seconds, and the top speed was around 104 mph. The engine felt strained when pushed hard, particularly when fully loaded or climbing hills. The five-speed manual transmission helped to keep the engine in its optimal power band, but it still lacked the punch of the higher-output 1.5-liter or diesel variants. The focus was clearly on fuel economy and ease of driving in urban environments. The steering was light and precise, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.3i typically represented the base trim level of the Mazda 2 II. Standard equipment generally included power steering, central locking, electric front windows, and an audio system with MP3 compatibility. Air conditioning was often an optional extra. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, and the dashboard featured a simple, functional design. Higher trim levels added features like alloy wheels, fog lights, and a more sophisticated audio system. Safety features included ABS brakes and driver/passenger airbags.
Chassis & Braking
The Mazda 2 II boasted a well-regarded chassis known for its agility and responsiveness. The 1.3i variant utilized a MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension. Front brakes were ventilated discs, providing adequate stopping power, while the rear brakes were drums, a cost-saving measure common in entry-level models. The suspension was tuned for comfort, providing a reasonably smooth ride over most road surfaces. The electric power steering contributed to the car’s light and easy handling.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 1.3i variant was generally well-received as an affordable and economical city car. Critics praised its fuel efficiency and nimble handling, but noted its lack of outright performance. Compared to the 1.5-liter models, the 1.3i felt significantly slower, especially when accelerating or overtaking. The diesel variants offered better fuel economy and more torque, but at a higher purchase price. The 1.3i appealed to buyers who prioritized low running costs and ease of use over sporty driving dynamics.
Legacy
The ZJ46 engine, while not known for its power, proved to be a reliable and durable unit. The Mazda 2 II 1.3i remains a popular choice in the used car market, particularly for first-time drivers or those seeking an economical runabout. Maintenance costs are relatively low, and parts availability is generally good. While not a performance icon, this variant cemented the Mazda 2’s reputation as a practical, well-built, and fuel-efficient subcompact car.
