2012 Mazda 2 — Full Specifications
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The 2012 Mazda 2 is a hatchback powered by a 1.5L 4-cyl regular gasoline engine. Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 37 mpg (UK) / 31 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 36–37 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Mazda 2 workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2011 Mazda 2: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 37 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged.
Full Specifications
| Engine | 1.5L 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Manual 5-spd |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Hatchback |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 87 cu ft (2,464 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 13 cu ft (368 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 37 combined / 35 urban / 41 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 31 combined / 29 city / 34 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 178 g/km |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,150 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 2 configurations for the 2012 Mazda 2, all with the 1.5L 4-cyl engine. Combined fuel economy ranges from 30 to 31 mpg (US), or 36 to 37 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 36 | 30 (28/33) | 184 | $2,250 |
| 1.5L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 37 | 31 (29/34) | 178 | $2,150 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 87 cubic feet (about 2,464 litres) and luggage volume at 13 cubic feet (about 368 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2012 Mazda 2
Running Costs: 2012 Mazda 2
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2012 Mazda 2 at 37 mpg combined, expect roughly 983 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,150 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2012 Mazda 2 Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
No NHTSA crash-test rating is on record for this model year. The NHTSA rates only a subset of vehicles each year; you can browse every rated vehicle on our NHTSA Safety Ratings hub.
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists no safety recall campaigns for the 2012 Mazda 2 as of 6 October 2026. Recalls can be issued years after a model is sold, so it is still worth checking your own VIN.
Owners have filed 9 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Mazda 2. The most-reported areas are Air bags (3), Steering (2), Service brakes (2). That is close to the median of 11 complaints across the 4 Mazda 2 model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2012 Mazda 2
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Air bags (3 owner complaints) — Confirm any air bag inflator or module recalls were completed — enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Steering (2 owner complaints) — Check for play, noise or heavy steering, and ask whether any steering recall work was done.
- Brakes (2 owner complaints) — Brake firmly from speed and look for pulling, vibration or a soft pedal; ask for brake service history.
- Seats (1 owner complaint) — Check seat adjusters, head restraints and seat-mounted sensors work, and confirm seat recalls were completed.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
Mazda models in our database average about 34 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2012 Mazda 2's 37 mpg is 3 mpg above that make average. Its 178 g/km CO₂ figure is 20 g/km lower than the 198 g/km Mazda average.
Of the 10 Mazda 2 model years we cover, the 2012 ranks 7th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (37 mpg UK combined, against a high of 43 mpg). See every Mazda 2 year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2012 Mazda 2
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2012 Mazda 2 have?
It's fitted with a 1.5L 4-cyl regular gasoline engine, paired with a manual 5-spd transmission.
What is the fuel economy of the 2012 Mazda 2?
The most efficient configuration returns around 37 mpg (UK) combined, or 31 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 36 to 37 mpg.
How much does the 2012 Mazda 2 cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,150 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2012 Mazda 2 have any recalls?
NHTSA lists no safety recall campaigns for the 2012 Mazda 2 as of 6 October 2026. Recalls can be issued years after a model is sold, so it is still worth checking your own VIN.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2012 Mazda 2?
Among the 9 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Air bags (3 complaints), Steering (2 complaints), Service brakes (2 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2012 Mazda 2 have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 87 cubic feet (about 2,464 litres) and luggage volume at 13 cubic feet (about 368 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.