Mazda 2 Hybrid (2024) review: don’t buy this car (but rent it privately)!

Driving the updated Mazda 2 Hybrid (2024) is like having an interview with a politician. Next to the question ‘why should you?’ he continues to twist and turn skillfully for a long time, to avoid an unequivocal answer for as long as possible. So yes: should you buy a Mazda 2 Hybrid?

1. What is known about the updated Mazda 2 Hybrid?

But that’s just one Toyota Yaris? Beats! It’s like this: a few years ago it was Mazda looking for a quick (and cheap) solution to reduce average CO2 emissions. It made a deal with Toyota, and was allowed to sell the Mazda-badged Yaris Hybrid. The 2 Hybrid is sold alongside a 2 that Mazda developed in-house and sent to a plastic surgeon last year. But the model has only mild hybrid technology, which only reduces average CO2 emissions to a small extent.

The Toyota Yaris, converted to the Mazda 2 Hybrid, has now been in the Netherlands for two years. This temporary fashion update didn’t last long. But unlike the updated Toyota Yaris Hybrid (2024), there will be no second power variant (with 130 hp). In their own words, it is a very conscious choice that Mazda leaves it with the old version with 116 hp. It emits less CO2 than Toyota’s new 130 hp powertrain.

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Mazda 2 Hybrid (2024) review: don't buy this car (but rent it privately)!

The ‘updated’ part of the Mazda 2 Hybrid is therefore limited to a few exterior modifications. It received a new front bumper, of which Mazda’s signature pentagonal grille is a prominent feature. The bar between the taillights, black on the Yaris, is painted in the chosen body color on the Mazda. A large multimedia screen, some different branding and type names on it, some brand specific wheel designs and the conversion is complete.

2. What is good about the Mazda 2 Hybrid?

Technically, the 2 Hybrid is similar to the Toyota Yaris Hybrid, so everything the car does well, the Mazda also does well. During our tests in the hills south of Barcelona, the combination of the three-cylinder 1.5 liter and the electric motor showed not only surprisingly good performance, but also very good consumption of gasoline.

We didn’t leave the accelerator pedal on the road, but thanks to the good interaction between the petrol and the electric motor we still got an average consumption of 4.2 l/100 km (1 in 23.8). Similar to the WLTP tests of the test car, which was designed as a (more expensive) Homura Plus with 17-inch alloys.

Another ‘plus’: rich (security) equipment. Starting with the basic Prime-Line version, the Mazda 2 Hybrid has navigation control and a reversing camera.

3. What can be improved about the Mazda 2 Hybrid?

However, the question of why you should prefer the Mazda 2 Hybrid over the Toyota Yaris remains unanswered. Both models also have similar disadvantages: most competitors are more spacious, the maximum towing weight ends at 450 kg and the car could use a heavier insulation mat around the wheel arches.

Priced at 26,790 euros for the entry-level Prime-Line model, the Mazda 2 Hybrid is also more expensive than the base Yaris. Without major equipment compensation, that still saves 740 euros. While Toyota also comes with a 10-year warranty. Mazda keeps it for 6 years.

4. When will the Mazda 2 Hybrid come to the Netherlands and what will it cost?

The Mazda 2 Hybrid is now available at the Dutch dealer in a new form. Now you know the starting price: 26,790 euros for Prime-Line. There are four other versions: Centre-Line (28,290 euros), Exclusive-Line (30,440 euros), Homura (32,790 euros) and Homura Plus (35,190 euros). The top model is more expensive than the expensive Yaris Hybrid with 130 hp!

Personal lease rates at Mazda start at 339 euros per month, based on a 72-month contract period and 5,000 kilometers per year. And there you have it: now the Mazda 2 Hybrid is cheaper than Toyota. Because for the Yaris Hybrid Comfort you pay at least 355 euros per month. The difference is small, but use the calculator to calculate how much the difference is over the course of the lease. What? we have found the answer to the question of why you should choose Mazda 2? Yes.

5. What do I think of the Mazda 2 Hybrid?

The Toyota Yaris is a car that has proven its worth for a long time, and the updated Mazda 2 Hybrid benefits from this. It’s a fun car to drive, with very low mileage. Just like the Yaris.

But why would you want to choose Mazda if Toyota is not only (slightly) cheaper, but (mainly) also has a long warranty? Finally, there is only one good reason for this: it is cheaper to rent privately. And that makes the car an attractive proposition for many private drivers, who pay for their new compact hatchback through private leasing.