Mazda has unveiled a new supermini, the Mazda2 Hybrid which differs from the purely petrol-powered model and looks a lot like the current Toyota Yaris.
The new Mazda2 is, in fact, a rebadged version of the Yaris and features the same "self charging" hybrid powertrain as the Toyota. That means a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine coupled to a 59kW electric motor to produce 116hp. Fuel economy is quoted as either 3.8 or 4.0 litres per 100km depending on whether 15-inch or 16-inch wheels are specified.
Although Mazda currently sells a number of mild-hybrid models, the Mazda2 Hybrid will be its first full hybrid meaning that it can, over short distances, run solely on electric power. For anyone unfamiliar with Toyota's hybrid system, that means that the vehicle automatically starts in electric mode, and, once on the road, power is shared between the petrol engine and electric motor for the optimum blend of performance and efficiency. Kinetic energy is recovered during braking and stored in the battery while the battery charge level is kept topped-up via an engine-driven generator removing the need for external charging cables.
Such a tie-up between Mazda and Toyota isn't unprecedented, both companies, in various markets, having sold each other's cars over the years. Indeed, the current non-hybrid Mazda2 was previously marketed as a Toyota Yaris in North America.
Beyond engines specs, however, Mazda hasn't yet announced any further details about the Mazda2 Hybrid such as whether it'll run Mazda's own infotainment system or which of the safety and driver assistance features found on the Yaris will make it to the Mazda model.
Neither is there any word on pricing yet for when the Mazda2 Hybrid goes on sale in Ireland next spring, though the €23,990 starting price for the hybrid Yaris is probably a useful benchmark.