2022 Mazda 2 Hybrid revealed in Europe as Toyota Yaris-based city car

The European arm of Mazda has revealed its first ever self-charging hybrid vehicle, announcing the arrival of its Mazda 2 Hybrid.

Essentially a badge engineering effort in collaboration with Toyota, the model is a Yaris Hybrid with Mazda logos – even retaining the Toyota styling inside and out.

Just like the Yaris Hybrid, this variant of the Mazda 2 is powered by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine producing 69kW, and combining with a 59kW electric motor on the front axle to bring total system power to 87kW.

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As opposed to mild-hybrid models in Mazda’s range such as the Mazda 3 and CX-30, the system in the Mazda 2 Hybrid can run in fully-electric mode, automatically doing so at start-up and in urban areas, while the petrol engine can either act as a conventional source of drive or as a generator to the lithium-ion battery.

The hybrid system is designed with efficiency in mind, dividing power delivery between the internal combustion engine and electric motor to deliver fuel consumption ratings around 3.1-3.3L/100km, depending on whether the car is riding on the available 15- or 16-inch wheels.

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Mazda claims the hatchback’s 2560mm wheelbase and 3940mm overall length provides ample room for four adults, while the 286 litre boot can hold 16 litres more than the Australian-spec Yaris ZR Hybrid.

Retaining the Yaris Hybrid’s five-star Euro-NCAP safety rating, the carmaker will put the new hybrid model on sale next year alongside its revised, regular Mazda 2 line-up – despite both models featuring completely different styling.

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The inclusion of the new hybrid to Mazda’s range is a part of the Japanese manufacturer’s electric push, having announced earlier this year it is aiming for every model to be electrified in some form by 2030, with at least 25 per cent of those being fully-electric.

At the time of publication, Mazda Australia has not confirmed to Wheels whether we can expect the Yaris-based Mazda 2 Hybrid locally. But given the model was introduced to help the carmaker meet strict European emissions and fuel consumption laws, it’s unlikely we’ll see the vehicle any time soon.