Are the updates enough to make it better than the Toyota Yaris?
Exterior – Front
So, the pre facelift model was basically a Toyota Yaris with a Mazda badge. They didn’t bother to change anything. On this new model however, we get a whole new bumper design with a new grill that resembles a Mazda. We also get a lower central air vent this time too than is of decent size and the side vents are also new and house the fog lights. The headlights on this model are also LED but these are only available on the high-end models. Personally, I would have liked the Mazda badge lower down in the grill, but this is being a bit pickie. The overall look us much sportier than before and cleaner looking and most importantly definitely Mazda looking.
Exterior – Side
Moving round to the side and there are no changes to report of on this facelift, but we do get Mazda style wheels which is a nice touch. Everything else is Toyota styled which is no surprise.
Exterior – Rear
Moving round to the back and this is where the big changes are. Like the front the pre facelift at the back was the same as the Toyota. On this one however the black central bar is now body colour apart for 2 parts that make up the taillight. This gives this car a much cleaner look and what the Toyota should have had in my opinion. The taillights are still Toyota, but it just feels that bit better. The rear bumper is also slightly different too giving this car a sporty look. We don’t get any fake exhausts though which is good. Let’s have a look and see what engine options you can get with the new Mazda 2 Hybrid facelift.
Car and engine specs and price
So, engine options are very simple for the Mazda 2 Hybrid. This is because there is only one option. This is a 1.5 litre with an electric motor creating 113 bhp. it is front wheel drive and power is sent though an e-CVT gearbox. 0-62 is delt within 9.7 seconds which isn’t too bad, and you can expect between 50 to 70 mpg on a good run combined. The price of the new Mazda 2 Hybrid starts at £24,135. Lets have a look at the interior of the Mazda 2 Hybrid.
Interior – Design
So, getting inside the Mazda 2 Hybrid and there is no surprise that it is still basically a Toyota Yaris inside. That is no bad thing though. The dashboard layout isn’t that bad although the big infotainment screen does feel a bit out of place like a tablet has been placed there. It is running the latest Toyota software which is a big improvement over the old model and with this infotainment system we get a fully digital instrument cluster. This replaces the older digital model which hardly anyone liked. We get the same steering wheel as the Toyota as well as all the switch gear but at least you will know everything works. The materials are ok, but we do get some hard plastics but for the type of car it is, it is to be expected. The door cards on the other hand are a bit weird in terms of design but you can get used to it. The seats though are very supportive and comfy. Let’s have a look at the rear seats.
Practicality
So, getting into the back and the door opening isn’t that wide so it will be hard to get child seats in the back. Once you are in the back though, leg room isn’t that bad for a small hatchback, headroom is good too and there is plenty of visibility. The seats are soft compared to other models, but the plastics feel quite cheap in the back. Let’s have a look at the size of the boot.
Boot Size
So, if you really want a Mazda but the Mazda 2 boot size isn’t big enough then the Mazda 2 hybrid may work as it has a bigger boot at 286 litres with the seats up. With the seats down this increases to 947 litres which is useable. Now you may get a hump in the floor to lift items over, but this can be removed if you have an adjustable boot floor. This increases the boot floor and makes it level with the opening and front seats when they are folded eliminating a lip and hump which is hard to find in the small car segment nowadays.
Summary
So, what do I think of the Mazda 2 Hybrid. Well at the end of the day it is still a Toyota Yaris, and this car will never get a way from it. Should you choose this over the Toyota. Well, I would. The looks are better, and you still get the same space and technology as the Yaris, so it is basically a win win situation. Is this better than the regular Mazda 2. Well in some areas it does feel a lot more modern and is better than the regular 2 but there is one reason that puts the 2 ahead of the 2 hybrid. That is that the 2 is the best driving car ever and you cannot get away from that. Both cars together though are very good, and it gives you a wide choice to choose from.
Exterior 4/5
Interior 4/5
Practicality 3/5
Total 11/15
Model | Mazda 2 Hybrid Homura |
Engine | 1.5l, 113bhp, 0-62 = 9.7 Seconds, Front Wheel Drive |
Transmission | e-CVT Automatic |
Price | £27,290 |
On Sale | Now |
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