No, your eyes are not deceiving you. The Mazda2 Hybrid is a rebadged and restyled version of Toyota’s current Yaris. How so, I hear you ask? Well, with the departure of key rivals such as the Ford Fiesta – making money out of superminis is difficult. So, what do you do if you need a more modern supermini than you have? You turn to a rival – in this case Toyota.
On sale since 2022, this Mazda-Toyota hasn’t made much of an impact with UK buyers, as prior to this facelift we haven’t seen one on our roads! It wasn’t until this year that Mazda has finally had the chance to stamp its own look on the Toyota, in the hope of more fleet and retail success.
Design and interior
To be honest, the latest Mazda2 Hybrid has had the lightest of changes to the Yaris. In fact, the changes are limited to a new grille, which fits in more with the Mazda family look, larger badge, and new front air dam. At the back, there’s a new body-coloured rear badge panel between the light clusters.
Inside, apart from the steering badge and seat trim, the 2 looks unchanged from the Yaris. The interior is plasticky – but of good quality. The space and driving position is comfortable – even for the tallest. Rear seat legroom is okay, but tall adults may struggle for headroom, but the 286-litre boot is a bit on the small side. Standard equipment on our mid-spec Exclusive-Line is all you’d need, including the 9in touchscreen, front and rear parking sensors, keyless entry and auto-folding mirrors, It’s not over specified. In fact, the similarly priced Yaris Design has more kit!
Performance and drive
Under the bonnet, unlike the Yaris Hybrid, the Mazda2 is only available with the 116hp, 1.5-litre, three-cylinder petrol unit, combined with a 59kW electric motor, equalling up to 74.3mpg depending on spec, or closer to the Yaris’s 70.6mpg figure on the 16in alloy wheels fitted to our test car. Sadly, there are no plans to introduce the more powerful 130hp hybrid engine.
On the move, the Mazda2 Hybrid feels the same as the Yaris, so think a relaxed and easy drive, especially around town in EV mode (although it only goes short distances!), which we’re sure will continue to win it plenty of favour. Work the 2 Hybrid harder, and the CVT transmission means the engine races noisily. In fact, that noise is the perfect antidote to working this car hard and saving your eardrums. As for handling, like the Yaris, the Mazda2 Hybrid corners very reliably, and can change direction quickly when needed, although there isn’t much sense of fun or finesse.
We certainly wouldn’t advise you not to buy the Mazda2 Hybrid, as it’s based on a car that has previously won Business Car Awards. However, the Mazda is a bit close to Toyota Yaris in terms of price. Then, when you look closer, the Toyota offers more engine choices, has better standard spec, a longer warranty, and as such would be our pick. We would also look at rivals such as the MG3 Hybrid, and the latest Suzuki Swift.
Positive: Easy to drive, efficiency
Negative: Similarly priced Yaris is better equipped and has a longer warranty, thrashy to drive if extended.
Standard equipment: Keyless entry, engine start button, 9in infotainment display, 16in alloy wheels, rear spoiler, auto-folding mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, leather-trimmed steering wheel, blind-spot monitoring, power windows front and rear.
Engines: Hybrid: 116hp 1.5
Equipment grades: Centre-Line, Exclusive-Line, Homura, Homura-Plus
Transmissions: CVT automatic
| Model | Mazda2 1.5 Hybrid Exclusive-Line |
| P11D | £28,715 |
| Residual value | 43% |
| Depreciation | £15,964 |
| Fuel | £6,047 |
| Service, maintenance and repair | £2,584 |
| Cost per mile | 40.99p |
| Fuel consumption | 65.4mpg |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 99g/km (24%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £115/£230 |
| Luggage capacity | 286 litres |
| Engine size/power | 1,490cc/116hp |
| Score | 6/10 |
