IN a world where cars are getting bigger and heavier, the Mazda2 is a refreshing deviation from the norm.

Compact and bijou, it also makes a compelling case for anyone considering a hybrid  before it gets taken away from the buying option on your shopping list.

The latest Mazda2 comes with a new front bumper and grille design which makes it look a bit different from the Toyota Yaris with which it shares much.

Part of the long-standing link up between Mazda and Toyota, there’s now a more Mazda-esque exterior design but it keeps the same drivetrain.

The self charging full hybrid technology proves to be a model of efficiency in use, with one particular road trip – and mix of dual carriageway, country roads and urban streets – completed by the Mazda using 52 per cent of electric impetus. Quite a swift trip into the bargain.

The official fuel consumption figure of 67.3mpg gives a fair indication of a thrifty little runaround, especially when turning petrol into motion is an expensive business these days.
Push the power button and it automatically runs in EV mode, so it’s mainly smooth and quiet on around town trips, with zero CO2, NOx and particulate emissions.

Step it up a bit and the power is adjusted between the petrol engine and electric motor for the best performance and the best fuel efficiency. During deceleration and under braking, kinetic energy is recovered as electrical energy and stored in the high-performance battery.

The battery power level is constantly managed via an engine-driven generator and that takes away any need to recharge the system from an external source, so no fears there.

Although it is a compact B-segment vehicle, the Hybrid’s 2.6 metre wheelbase offers a decent level of comfortable accommodation for up to four adults, as well as 286 litres of boot space.
Legroom for the driver and front seat passenger creates no issues, even for those with longer limbs than average, but the cabin is rather sombre with its black headlining and black dash area.

Seats offer good support and comfort, and with the lack of body roll and a decent level of grip, it’s easy to get the best of both worlds – an efficient and effortless run round town, or the occasional blast of hoonery when the traffic dies down and the roads get twisty.

In the UK, it’s available in four specs: Centre-Line, Exclusive-Line, Homura and Homura Plus. Alongside the specific updates to the exterior, the Hybrid features connectivity and entertainment upgrades across the range, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a new colour touch screen central display. But no sat nav unless you’re in Homura Plus spec – you have to connect your smartphone for that in any other version.

It has a combined power output of 114bhp driven via a CVT automatic transmission, and the Hybrid Homura accelerates from 0-62mph in 9.7 seconds and returns combined fuel economy of 67.3 mpg and CO2 emissions of just 97g/km.

With the latest Mazda2 Hybrid sold alongside the Mazda2, customers in the supermini segment get the choice of two distinct models, depending on their needs.

Mazda2 Homura hybrid

Price: £27,290 (£27,890 as tested)
Engine: 1.5 litre, three cylinder, hybrid petrol
Power: 114bhp
Torque: 88lb/ft
Transmission: e-CVT automatic
Top speed: 109mph
0-62mph: 9.7 seconds
Economy: 67.3mpg
CO2 emissions: 97g/km

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