The Toyota-Mazda hybrid supermini collaboration picks up a more cohesive design
Mazda has revealed an updated version of its hybrid supermini, featuring refreshed styling front and rear. Based closely (no, entirely) on the Toyota Yaris, the Mazda 2 Hybrid has until now only had the Mazda badging to distinguish it. This update changes that.
The two still share their basic body and lights, but new bumpers, plus some fresh wheels, have made a substantial difference to the car’s look. This helps the hybrid sit much more cohesively in Mazda’s stylish range, and helps create some distance between the 2 and its Toyota Yaris sister car.
Inside, the simple and hard wearing interior has been left largely intact, with only minor changes to the trim and interior colours, but the tech package has been updated. This includes a larger 10.5-inch touchscreen now sitting atop the dash, with slicker smartphone connection and higher screen resolution. The interface is still Toyota’s basic system, though, rather than Mazda’s click-wheel MZD-Connect setup found in other models. There’s also a new 12.3-inch digital dial pack on high-spec models, plus high-end options like a head-up display and a glass roof.
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Top 10 best hybrid cars to buy 2023
Top 10 best hybrid cars to buy 2023Of course, the key reason for this collaboration is Mazda’s desire to offer a hybrid supermini powertrain, something which this new model continues to do. Under the bonnet sits the same 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated to a small but effective self-charging hybrid system. It produces 114bhp, but more importantly is capable of a very impressive 74.3mpg on the combined WLTP cycle and only produces 87g/km of CO2.
UK prices and specifications have yet to be confirmed, but the existing model’s price point and range structure should remain largely the same. As it stands, the three-model line up starts at £23,730, but the new model will probably mimic the four-trim range structure available elsewhere in the Mazda range.
Not to confuse things, the mild-hybrid Mazda 2 supermini is also still available. That is Mazda’s own model and a completely different car to this Mazda 2 Hybrid. It has also recently undergone a tidy facelift and starts at £18,615.
Now read our in-depth review of the Mazda 2…
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