Mazda Mazda2 vs Nissan Pulsar
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Hatchbacks compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Mazda Mazda2
From $22,990
Hatchback
Petrol
Petrol
81kW
5 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
250L
Nissan Pulsar
Price TBC
Hatchback
Petrol
Petrol
96kW
6.7 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
—
Nissan Pulsar: we're still completing price, 0-100km/h and braked towing.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Mazda Mazda2 stands out with Apple CarPlay — features our data doesn't list for the Nissan Pulsar. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mazda Mazda2 uses a Petrol producing 81kW and 142Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.5 seconds.
The Nissan Pulsar responds with a Petrol making 96kW and 174Nm, paired to a xtronic continuously variable transmission (cvt) driving the front wheels.
The Nissan Pulsar has the clear power advantage at 96kW vs 81kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mazda Mazda2 measures 4,085mm long on a 2,570mm wheelbase, 210mm shorter than the Nissan Pulsar at 4,295mm (2,700mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Nissan Pulsar generally means more rear legroom.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.8m to 10.7m
Based on 9.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.7m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,425/year for the Mazda Mazda2 and $1,910/year for the Nissan Pulsar. That is a $485 annual difference in favour of the Mazda Mazda2.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda Mazda2) vs 3 years / 100,000km (Nissan Pulsar). The Mazda Mazda2 has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: —6yr (Nissan Pulsar).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda Mazda2 if: You want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Nissan Pulsar if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Nissan's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mazda Mazda2 takes 2 of 3 key spec categories. The Mazda Mazda2 will save you roughly $485 a year in fuel. The Mazda Mazda2 adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mazda Mazda2 and Nissan Pulsar?
The Mazda Mazda2 is the cheapest at $22,990 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda Mazda2 uses the least fuel at 5L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Nissan Pulsar holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for Mazda Mazda2, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which has the best warranty?
The Mazda Mazda2 has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Nissan Pulsar makes the most power at 96kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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