Reducing vehicle emissions is vital for all car makers these days to meet legislative requirements, but doing so comes at a significant cost. Adding hybrid technology to the existing Mazda2 wouldn't have been financially viable, especially at this stage in the model's life cycle, so the Japanese company has partnered with Toyota to produce its own version of the Yaris Hybrid. The result is an off-the-shelf hybrid hatchback with proven credentials that complement Mazda's existing model range.
In the metal
For 2024, the Mazda2 Hybrid receives some exterior changes to make it look slightly different to the Toyota Yaris - though there's no disguising that fact. The front bumper now has a version of Mazda's signature grille design and at the rear there is a colour-coded garnish across the centre of the tailgate.
The five-door Mazda2 Hybrid hatchback measures 3,940mm in length and it's 1,745mm wide. Given the compact dimensions, it feels roomy inside and is practical enough when it comes to how much it fits in. Boot space might only be 286 litres, but it's a usable shape, and the rear seats can also fold down to increase cargo volume to 935 litres for bulkier items. Rear passenger space is decent for the segment, though not hugely generous. Two adults of average height can fit in, though three would be 'cosy'. The outer rear seats have ISOFIX points, though, and the back doors open to a reasonable angle.
Mazda includes a nine-inch central touchscreen with DAB radio and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay on all versions, with the top-spec Homura Plus model getting a slightly larger 10.5-inch display. The Homura Plus version also adds a 12.3-inch digital instrument screen, navigation, a colour head-up display and voice recognition. A seven-inch digital speedometer is standard on the Homura grade. There is a good spread of physical controls inside the car, such as for the climate settings and the various driver assistance functions on the steering wheel.
Driving it
You'll get the most from Mazda's hybrid powertrain in city or urban environments. The 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine has a bit of character, with a distinctive note. The most impressive aspect is how the engine interacts with the electric motor. They alternate in a way that often goes unnoticed and it's very refined. At slower driving speeds, the Mazda will spend quite a high proportion of the time zipping along using only the electric motor. Its battery might not be massive in capacity, but it certainly makes the most of what it has to work with.
The Toyota-developed hybrid system is by far one of the best on the market, with more than two decades of expertise and development making it what it is today. The CVT automatic is significantly better than before, overcoming the elasticity that befouled older hybrids. It is much more reactive to driver inputs than before, giving greater confidence to the driver - when needing to perform a quick overtake, for example, or exiting a busy junction.
You don't have to drive like a saint to see respectable fuel economy figures, either. It will officially use 4.2 litres/100km on the largest 17-inch wheels, and even with some quicker driving we still recorded 4.4 litres/100km over a lengthy test route that included a fair chunk of high-speed motorway. The 15- or 16-inch wheels on the Centre-Line and Exclusive-Line versions, respectively, result in even lower fuel consumption figures.
Besides the fuel consumption or relative lack thereof, the Mazda2 Hybrid does perform well beyond the city limits. At higher speeds the Mazda remains surefooted and stable for a car of its size. Road and wind noise aren't an issue, and lifting off the accelerator pedal, even momentarily, will see a green EV light appear on the dashboard as the car switches off its engine to save fuel. The display can show a percentage of the overall journey that was completed using electric power alone, too.
What you get for your money
Irish pricing for the 2024 Mazda2 Hybrid has yet to be confirmed as the model is switching to a new grade structure. The existing Mazda2 Hybrid starts at €27,800 and rises to €32,400 for the top spec. The new grade structure will have four versions: Centre-Line, Exclusive-Line, Homura and Homura Plus.
The Mazda2 Hybrid Centre-Line version has 15-inch alloy wheels and halogen headlights, black door mirrors, air conditioning, a reversing camera, a nine-inch touchscreen and an analogue speedometer. The Exclusive-Line has more appeal, as it adds 16-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry and start, parking sensors at either end, dual-zone air conditioning and blind-spot monitoring.
Homura adds some nicer touches, including a seven-inch digital speedo, wireless phone charging, LED headlights and 17-inch alloy wheels. But if you're looking for all the trimmings, you'll need to choose the Homura Plus version. That gives you a panoramic sunroof, a 10.5-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, navigation, voice recognition and a colour head-up display.
All versions of the Mazda2 Hybrid come standard with a comprehensive suite of safety systems. These include lane departure warning and lane keep assist, driver attention alert, adaptive cruise control, intelligent speed assistance, automatic high beam, hill launch assist, emergency steering assist and traffic sign recognition, along with front, side, and curtain airbags.
Summary
The Mazda2 Hybrid is a well-rounded, well-equipped package, notably so in terms of safety and assistance features. Its hybrid system is a known quantity and is one of the best in the business, making it an affordable car to run and maintain.
