A new version of the Mazda 2 shows how collaboration in the car industry works, writes James Stinson
There’s some not very good sleight of hand going on with this latest Mazda 2 hybrid. Because, at first, second and third glance it looks very much like a Toyota Yaris… and that’s because it is.
Confused? Don’t be! Mazda has its own in-house non hybrid version of the Mazda 2. It’s an entirely different car and a neat one too.
But Mazda like every other car maker is desperately scrambling around trying to introduce more hybrid (part electric) vehicles into its range. Some of that is being driven by customer demand but also because the European Union and others want it that way. If they don’t, car makers could incur significant fines.
Rebadging is nothing new. The Citroen C1 is the same car as the Peugeot 108 and the Toyota Aygo. The Suzuki Across is basically a Toyota RAV4. And there’ll probably be a lot more of this as established car makers look to fend off the super cheap Chinese competition who are looking to dominate the electric car market.
Explaining the decision, Jeremy Thomson, Managing Director Mazda UK said: “With the 2024 Mazda2 Hybrid sold alongside the recently updated Mazda2, we are giving customers in the supermini segment the choice of two distinct models, depending on their needs, ensuring Mazda has the widest customer offering in a sector that has seen several key models disappear in recent months.”
The Mazda 2 – like the Yaris – is a very good supermini. It’s a well-built, fairly practical and highly economical car thanks to Toyota’s excellent hybrid powertrain.
Externally, there are a few subtle styling tweaks to distinguish it from a Yaris, including a new front bumper and grille shape, plus a new rear boot lid design.
Power comes from a 1.5-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine that works in conjunction with an electric motor and battery with a total output of 116bhp and 120Nm of torque.
It manages 0-62mph in 9.7 seconds but feels quicker thanks to the extra shove coming from the hybrid powerplant. Official fuel economy is an impressive 74.3mpg with CO2 emissions of 87g/km.
The powertrain also features a selection of driving modes. ‘Normal mode’ provides the “optimal balance of fuel economy, quietness, and dynamic performance” according to Mazda. ‘Power mode’ is for occasions when extra power is required, ‘Eco drive mode’ is for maximising fuel efficiency, and ‘EV mode’ can let the Mazda run solely on electric power – but only for up to 0.6 miles and at speeds under 31mph.
It’s a small car though the cabin feels airy and it will carry five, though kids will be more comfortable than adults in the back. And while the 286-litre boot isn’t the biggest, drop the seats down and you get a more substantial 935 litres.
Kicking off the range is the Centre-Line trim level at £24,130. Along with the new exterior look, it gets 15-inch alloy wheels, automatic high beam headlights, rain-sensing wipers and a reversing camera. As standard, the Mazda 2 Hybrid gets a nine-inch central screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
The Exclusive-Line starts from £25,380 and adds 16-inch alloy wheels, power-folding door mirrors, front and rear parking sensors, a push button start, blind spot monitoring and keyless entry.
Homura is priced from £27,280 and you get larger 17-inch wheels, LED daytime running lights, front fog lights, tinted windows, a seven-inch customisable driver’s display and synthetic leather sport seats.
The top of the range Homura Plus costs from £29,230 and comes with a panoramic sunroof, plus an all-new 12.3-inch central driver’s display screen with a hybrid system indicator. There’s also a 10.25-inch central screen with integrated sat-nav and voice assistant. An uprated sound system and a head-up display also feature.