The all-new Mazda2 Hybrid is not entirely all-new nor is it entirely Mazda.
Mazda Motor Corporation has been strengthening their ties to Toyota over the years. Where in the past, the Toyota Yaris for the US market was essentially a rebadged Mazda2, now it looks like the tables have turned. Mazda will be introducing a new Mazda2 Hybrid model for the EU and it will be based entirely on the European/Japanese Toyota Yaris Hybrid.
This new Mazda2 Hybrid offers the same driving characteristics of the Toyota Yaris Hybrid and it will be powered by the same 1.5L 3-cylinder petrol engine with a hybrid system. This 1,490cc engine produces 93 horsepower and the electric motor supplies 59kW for a combined power output of 116 horsepower.
0-100km/h takes 9.7 seconds while the WLTP combined cycle fuel economy of the Mazda2 Hybrid is between 70.6 to 74.3 miles per gallon or around 30km/l to 31.6km/l. CO2 emissions hover around 93-87 g/km depending on which rims are specified – either 15″ or 16″.
The Mazda 2 Hybrid is able to run on pure electricity and does this by default upon startup. During normal driving, power allocation is adjusted between the petrol and electric motors for optimum performance and fuel efficiency. Kinetic energy is recovered into the high-performance battery as electrical energy during deceleration and under braking. As this is not a plug-in hybrid, there is no need for owners to recharge the system externally.
The Mazda2 Hybrid shares the Yaris Hybrid’s long 2560mm wheelbase, which comfortably seats four adults. It also has a usable 286 litre boot and a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating.
In the UK, the outgoing Mazda2 hatchback is still on sale as a refreshed 2022 model with the same 1.5-litre petrol motor we’re familiar with. However, customers there will be able to buy both that model as well as the Yaris-based Mazda2 Hybrid. Three trims levels are available for the new Mazda2 Hybrid – Pure, Agile and Select.
Here’s the press release with more information.
PRESS RELEASE
Mazda Motor Corporation today announced that it will introduce the Mazda2 Hybrid in Europe from the spring of 2022. The Mazda2 Hybrid will be an OEM model supplied by Toyota Motor Europe, a wholly owned subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation, and will be added to the Mazda2 lineup in Europe and sold as Mazda’s own brand vehicle.
The Mazda2 Hybrid offers the nimble handling of a compact car, high quality ride, a comfortable cabin and the latest safety technology. Furthermore, the model is powered by a hybrid system with an in-line three cylinder 1.5-liter engine and boasts low fuel consumption and a powerful, seamless driving experience.
Establishing a basic agreement for a business alliance in 2015, Toyota and Mazda have since been collaborating in various fields, including advanced technologies, a joint venture plant, and sales finance. The Toyota Hybrid System based model being just one of many results of the alliance. In line with our Sustainable Zoom-Zoom 2030 vision, Mazda will respond to environmental regulations and market needs via our Multi-solution approach and deliver optimal products to our customers.
Mazda aims to become a brand that creates special bonds with customers by offering the joy of driving and committing ourselves to preserve our beautiful earth, enrich people’s lives and make a bountiful society that lifts everybody’s spirits.
