Marko Hanželic
Almost two years ago, Mazda put its badge engineering skills to the test with a model Mazda2 Hybrid, which was virtually identical Toyota Yaris. In an effort to differentiate the siblings so that people have an actual reason to choose one over the other, Mazda has updated its compact hatchback with renovated exterior, while at the same time giving it some technical updates.
The debut of the renovated Mazda2 Hybrid for Europe, it happened a few days after the completely unrelated and then slightly updated Mazda2 was launched in Japan.
V Mazda's European design studio have tried their best to change the look of the model designed by Toyota. While the doors, fenders, lights, bonnet and roof are still from the Toyota Yaris, it is Mazda2 Hybrid now got a unique front bumper and tailgate cover. The new radiator grille and intakes give the exterior design a Mazda touch, which makes us wonder why the company didn't do this in the first place. The body-colored tailgate trim is also a nice touch, though it makes the cut-out taillights look like something that was added after the fact.
It's inside Mazda2 Hybrid receiving the same updates found in the recently redesigned Toyota Yaris. This means that the Japanese toddler got a 12,3-inch digital instrument panel, a head-up display and a larger 10,5-inch infotainment touchscreen, which, in addition to the panoramic roof and dual-zone climate control, are standard on higher trim levels. Homura Plus. The entry-level Prime-line trim comes with a 9-inch infotainment system, but if you want a four-speaker audio system, you need to upgrade to the middle trim Center-line. For 16-inch alloy wheels, you must opt for the Exclusive-line, with the richer Homura and Homura Plus trim levels getting 17-inch wheels and LED lights.
Interestingly, Mazda did not have access to a more powerful version of Toyota's hybrid system, which in the revised Yaris it provides 96 kW (130 hp) and 141 Nm of torque. That means that electrified powertrain from a 1,5-liter three-cylinder engine and one electric motor, it produces the same power of 85 kW (116 hp) and a torque of 169 Nm.
Power is transmitted to the front axle via stepless CVT transmission, and the lithium-ion battery allows the model to often be driven in electric mode in urban environments. Therefore, fuel consumption in the WLTP combined cycle is still rated at 3,8-4,0 l/100 km, and CO2 emissions are limited to 87-97 g/km, depending on wheel size. In terms of performance, Mazda2 Hybrid accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 9,7 seconds and reaches a maximum speed of 175 km/h.
Mazda hasn't announced pricing for the facelifted model, but we wouldn't be surprised if it's more expensive compared to its predecessor if it follows the rest of the segment in this upward price spiral. A regular Mazda2, which was renewed earlier this year, remains available in Europe as a significantly cheaper alternative Mazda2 Hybrid. By offering two different models in this Mazda segment on the old continent lowers the average emissions of the vehicle fleet, without having to develop an electrified offer on its own. By 2030, the company plans to offer a range of electric vehicles that will cover "the most important segments of the European market".
Gallery. Mazda2 Hybrid facelift
