The ND split into two eras. Everything from the 2019 model year onward is the ND2, and the changes go far deeper than a badge.
The headline is the engine. Mazda didn't swap the block; it revised the top end of the 2.0 Skyactiv-G (PE-VPS). Lighter pistons and con-rods, a revised crank, larger intake and exhaust ports and valves, dual-mass flywheel changes, and a higher-flow intake and exhaust let the engine breathe harder up top.
| Item | ND1 (2016-2018) | ND2 (2019+) |
|---|---|---|
| Peak power | ~155 hp | ~181 hp |
| Power peak rpm | ~6000 | ~7000 |
| Redline | ~6800 | ~7500 |
| Character | tapers early | pulls to the top |
Beyond the engine, the ND2 added a telescoping steering column (early cars only tilt), which is a genuine ergonomic fix for taller drivers. It also brought a standard backup camera, a revised HVAC, and small interior tweaks.
Trim shuffles matter for used shopping. ND2 refreshed the Club and added the GT-S (a Grand Touring with the Club's limited-slip diff and front shock-tower brace but the softer GT interior). If you want the LSD without the boy-racer Bilsteins, the GT-S is the sweet spot.
Bottom line: the ND2's extra 26 or so horses arrive exactly where the ND1 gave up, and the telescoping wheel plus standard camera make it the easier car to live with. The ND1 is not slow or broken; it just runs out of enthusiasm before the tach does.