Mazda is to launch its first-ever hybrid car with the launch of new Mazda 2, which due next Spring.
Having taken a small share in Mazda about four years, it was only a matter of time before we saw the fruits of Toyota's partnership with its smaller Japanese rival. It comes in the shape of a new Mazda 2, which is powered by the same hybrid engine that powers the Toyota Yaris hybrid.
The car won’t share many looks with the Yaris though. While the rear has a touch of the Toyota model, the 2 has that rather distinctive Mazda styling has for its smaller cars. It fills an important gap for the company, introducing as it does a hybrid alternative to its petrol cars. It’s also 2.6 metres long.
The engine is a 1.5 petrol unit that Mazda says will deliver impressive fuel economy of less than 4.0 litres per 100 km’s when the car is fitted with 15" wheels. Bigger 16" wheels will achieve slightly higher consumption figures. Overall, the company says petrol consumption should be about 9% less than comparable cars and emissions figures should bring the engine in at well below 100 g/km. The engine is matched to a 59 kW battery.
The self-charging 2 will start automatically in electric mode and then alternate between battery and petrol during journeys. The battery will also benefit from regeneration when braking.
