Toyota Yaris clone “renovated”! (Video test)

If you don’t know much about the Mazda brand (and we can’t blame you since the brand has been smart in our market!), know that two “2” types coexist in the range. On the one hand: a 100% domestic gasoline or hybrid product, and on the other, from 2022, a full hybrid model that is none other than the Toyota Yaris 4 restored.

You are also aware that cloning has been a very common practice in the automotive industry for many years. There is no scandal to be seen there, therefore, especially if customers benefit from it. Of course we are considering very different models like the Citroën Saxo and Peugeot 106, or more recently the Toyota Aygo / Citroen C1 / Peugeot 107-108 trios.

Except that in terms of style, the hybrid Mazda 2 remained very close to its sponsors. Therefore, the company with the wings logo decided to give it a new design. There is no revolution, but the model takes the usual grille of the Hiroshima models, still surrounded by Yaris lights however.

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Although previously satisfied with the Mazda 2 logo, the modified version receives a grille that allows it to be more quickly distinguished from the Yaris, which was also recently replaced.

At the back, we mainly see the disappearance of the black belt between the lights for the body color element. In profile, however, it is difficult to immediately distinguish Mazda.

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The hybrid Mazda 2 also gets rid of the “Toy” at the back with the disappearance of the black strip between the lights, which remains with Toyota despite the redesign, in favor of the body tone element.

In terms of dimensions, we actually find the same dimensions as its partner, namely a length of 3.94 m, or 11 cm less than the hybrid Renault Clio, the main rival, for greater ease of parking. However, the Mazda 2 hybrid does not ignore the housing…

Like Toyota, it has enough knee room in the back, including for passengers measuring 1.80 m. In addition, the seat remains comfortable. On the other hand, the door openings remain narrow, which requires you to strain when entering or when you want to put a child in a booster seat. In addition, there are no e-readers, while the storage seems insufficient with narrow side bins, and a wallet pocket on … posh versions!

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Fortunately, the trunk compensates in terms of carrying capacity with a very accurate volume of 286 dm3, a value close to that of the Clio hybrid. Two drawbacks, however: not only is the opening narrow but the upper threshold creates an important step that requires you to arch your back when loading.

For others, we get the same presentation as the Yaris with original furniture, well-designed and solidly protected, as well as a new large screen on the top of the range (12.3” for digital instruments and 10.5 per multimedia/GPS system), fast in their calculations but unfortunately with complex menus, especially in terms of meters. On the other hand, there are no complaints about the driving position here with fully supportive sports seats in the rich “Homura” finishes.

A good financial plan?

But then, what’s the point of choosing a modified copy over the original, namely the Yaris, knowing that it will undoubtedly be more difficult to sell? To be honest, we are still looking. Because in terms of budget, we are far from a discounted model. Worse: in terms of equipment, the hybrid 2 sets the entry ticket higher, at €25,350, compared to €24,450 for the “Toy”. Indeed, it offers as a standard automatic air conditioning, reversing camera, touchless access, adaptive cruise control and a 9” touchscreen with smartphone duplication, but still…

And comparing the two base ranges (Midrange on Mazda’s side and Innovation on Toyota’s side), the Yaris seems better placed: at €26,450, or €400 less, it adds 16” rims and an advanced touchscreen with integrated navigation. The only consolation prizes on Mazda’s part: heated seats and… a six-year warranty. (€589 value on Yaris) instead of three! It’s interesting, although the equipment is of Toyota origin!

Unless he has some stealthy driving skills, it’s hard to justify Mazda’s choice at this point…