Electrification is coming to all areas of the new-car market, and some manufacturers are taking innovative approaches to get there. One example is Mazda, which offers the fully electric MX-30 and plug-in hybrid CX-60, while the Mazda2 Hybrid supermini offers low emissions at the entry point to the range.

However, rather than add a costly hybrid powertrain to the existing - and somewhat long in the tooth - Mazda2, the Hybrid is an entirely separate entity. It’s a familiar looking machine, though, because Mazda has bought in tech from Toyota, and the car is in fact a rebadged Yaris. That car had a recent update with extra power and a tweaked look, and these updates have now been added to the Mazda2 Hybrid, since they’re built on the same production line in Japan. Here we’re driving the revised car on Irish roads for the first time.

How much is the Mazda2 in Ireland?

Irish prices for the Mazda2 Hybrid start from €27,700, and all cars come with the same powertrain. This comprises a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with electric motor and battery combination, plus a CVT automatic gearbox that manages power distribution between the engine, motor, battery and the road. There’s a maximum power output of 116hp, while fuel consumption of 4.2 litres per 100km is quoted.

The entry point to the range is Centre-Line trim, although this is still quite generously equipped. There are 15-inch alloy wheels, auto main beam, LED taillights, electric door mirrors, keyless opening, adaptive cruise control, reversing camera, auto lights and wipers, a leather-trimmed steering wheel with audio and cruise controls, trip computer, air conditioning and a nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Next up is Exclusive-Line for €1,850 extra. This adds 16-inch wheels, front and rear parking sensors, heated and auto-folding door mirrors, blind-spot monitoring and a start button.

Homura trim is €4,600 more than Centre-Line, and this adds black 17-inch alloy wheels, full LED headlights, privacy glass, part-synthetic leather upholstery, a seven-inch driver’s display, two-zone climate control and wireless phone charging.

Finally, Homura Plus adds €2,400 to the price of Homura, and for this you get a panoramic sunroof, larger (12.3-inch and 10.5-inch) displays for the driver and centre console, a head-up display, navigation and voice control.

By way of comparison, the standard Mazda2 in the base Centre-Line trim is €23,870. The model line-up is slightly different, with the order running Centre-Line, Homura, Exclusive-Line and Homura Aka, while the 75hp and 90hp petrol engines are offered with manual and automatic gearboxes; they’re a little more responsive than the hybrid system but are nowhere near as efficient. A closer price comparison would be with the 90hp auto, which only comes in Centre-Line trim and costs €26,120.

A look inside the Mazda2 Hybrid

If you’re familiar with the Toyota Yaris, then the Mazda2 Hybrid will be a home from home. The layout is identical, and the only differences come with the software running on their touchscreens and the way that the two companies have specced their respective models.

This means that the Mazda2 Hybrid feels well built, although there are some hard plastics on display, so it doesn’t feel quite as upmarket as some other superminis. Having said that, the harder plastics lower down should withstand plenty of abuse.

The Mazda2 Hybrid is one of the smaller cars in the sector, so space isn’t quite as generous as in some models. There are no issues with getting comfortable at the wheel, though, because there’s plenty of seat and steering wheel adjustment on offer - the driver’s seat adjusts for height, and there’s reach and rake settings for the wheel.

Where the Mazda2 Hybrid is lacking is in terms of storage. The door bins are small - the rears are only shaped to carry a bottle anyway - and there’s a shallow tray under the opening central armrest. There’s more storage ahead of that with a tray and two cup holders, which are deep enough to take bottles without them getting in the way.

At the back, the boot measures in at 286 litres in five-seat mode, which is one of the smaller capacities in the class. The floor area is small, though, and a high load lip means lifting heavy items in and out can be tricky.

How safe is the Mazda2 Hybrid?

While Euro NCAP hasn’t officially assessed the Mazda2 Hybrid for safety, technically it has, because the Toyota Yaris was rated in 2020, and its scores also apply to the Mazda2. It earned a five-star rating under those test conditions, with 70-80 per cent for its category scores. The high point is an 86 per cent rating for adult occupant protection, while an 85 per cent score for the car’s safety systems is also strong.

All models come with a full suite of safety equipment, including six airbags, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning and lane-keep assist, hill-start control, tyre pressure monitoring, traffic-sign recognition and driver attention alert. The only bit of kit that’s missing from Centre-Line trim but is offered on all other models is blind-spot detection, and there’s no option to fit it as an extra.

Driving the Mazda2 Hybrid

Given its underpinnings, it should be no surprise that the Mazda2 Hybrid is great to drive. It’s far more competent - and even fun - on the road than most people will assume such a compact car can be. It’s comfortable without having suspension so soft that there’s little body control, too, and in fact, it’s brilliant in the corners with pleasant steering and a sense of agility that makes real-world driving a joy.

Although the Mazda2 is a city car in size, it is also perfectly at home on the motorway. On one late night drive in torrential rain we found it remarkably stable and safe, even with loads of standing water on the road. In short, it’s a polished chassis by any measure, and a particularly impressive one by the standards of the small-car sector.

The hybrid system works well, too. Based on a 1.5-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine, there’s plenty of performance on tap, even without wringing the engine out to its red line. That’s thanks to the electric side of the hybrid equation and it means there are far fewer times behind the wheel where you experience the so-called ‘rubber-band effect’ of the electronically controlled, continuously variable automatic transmission. The system responds keenly and without too much unnecessary revving of the engine most of the time.

How economical is the Mazda2 Hybrid?

Despite taking to mountain roads to obtain the photographs - and enjoying the Mazda’s excellent chassis while there - the average fuel consumption wouldn’t budge from 5.0 litres/100km in our time with the car. That’s good, and we suspect most owners will do better again.

The reasons you’d buy a Mazda2 Hybrid

Why you’d choose the Mazda over the Toyota equivalent likely comes down to which dealer is nearer to you or preferred by you, or more willing to do a deal. In either case you’re getting an excellent small hatchback that manages to mix impressive efficiency with an enjoyable driving experience. Sure, there are larger cars available for the same outlay, but few are as satisfying to drive and own.

Ask us anything about the Mazda2 Hybrid

If there’s anything about the Mazda2 Hybrid we’ve not covered, or you’d like advice in choosing between it and other vehicles, you can avail of our (completely free) expert advice service via the Ask Us Anything page.