first test photos + driving demonstrations

Do you know the difference between Mazda 2 and Mazda 2 Hybrid? Please note, we are not talking about a car at all: one describes itself as a city car that has been designed in-house and Mazda, the current generation which was launched in 2015 and has undergone its second major overhaul. The other, which appeared in 2022 in the range of the Hiroshima brand, is like a restyled Toyota Yaris and uses the hybrid train of this city car, which is among the benchmarks on the European market.

Although the Toyota received a slight cosmetic overhaul and a major technical upgrade a few months ago, its Mazda counterpart is also changing and looks more like a real Mazda thanks to a redesigned front end. It continues as a Toyota inside by keeping a 9-inch touchscreen at the entry level and a 10.5-inch one from the second level “Homura”, which also provides access to a 12.3-inch digital cluster.

---

Under the hood, however, there is no change: Mazda 2 The Restyled Hybrid retains a small hybrid block of 116 horsepower in cumulative power that combines a three-cylinder gasoline unit of 92 horsepower with a small electric motor of 80 horsepower and an epicyclic gear train. Mazda is skipping the new 130-horsepower version of the facelifted Toyota Yaris, preferring to rely on a less powerful hybrid engine. And of course don’t expect to discover a Mazda equivalent of the very unique GR Yaris anytime soon as this 2nd Hybrid is only there to reduce the CO2 quota of the range in Europe!

In terms of price, finally, the entry level starts at €25,350, which puts it above its Toyota cousin or the 140 horsepower Renault Clio E-Tech hybrid. At this price, it fortunately makes some effort in terms of equipment (automatic air conditioning, adaptive cruise control, full smartphone connectivity). But should we like it more than its hybrid rivals?

First impressions behind the wheel

Without much surprise, the original Toyota mechanics still provide great smoothness in use thanks to the continuous variation of the engine speed that avoids jerks, and the total of 116 hp seems sufficient in all conditions, including fast ways. Unfortunately, the three-cylinder is still very much there, even if its sound remains much lower in revs than that of the four-cylinder Renault Clio hybrid, as is the air and ambient noise. There is no change in terms of road behavior either, and for good reason: Mazda has not touched any modifications. So we get a mildly tuned suspension here, but not too comfortable, with enough vibrations and movements felt on rough roads… For more details, see you on Thursday for the full article.