Mazda2 – hybrid happiness

THE small hatchback scene is populated by some impressive performers, including one or two that have slipped under the radar.

Among the latter, and without doubt a model for serious consideration, is the Mazda2 Hybrid – a cracking little car that seems to get more enjoyable the longer you drive it.

Sitting alongside its recently updated Mazda2 stablemate in the Japanese company’s line-up, the hybrid version comes in four model grades called Centre-Line, Exclusive-Line, Homura and Homura Plus, with prices from £24,130 to £29,230.

You pay an extra £600 for some of the paint options, including the Glass Blue of the test model, but there lots of attractive features, like front sports seats trimmed in black fabric with synthetic leather.

The likes of wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are on all models along with a new colour touchscreen central display while auto-folding mirrors, blind spot monitoring and front and rear parking sensors are on all bar base level.

Homura grade adds a new digital instrument binnacle and black roof lining while pushing the boat out with Homura Plus brings in integrated sat nav and a panoramic glass roof.

So the Mazda2 Hybrid isn’t short on kit, but there are other areas in which it scores highly as a small car choice.

For instance this may be a compact vehicle but there’s a surprising amount of passenger space on offer – loads up front and ample for a pair of rear passengers, even if the rear seats aren’t slid fully back.

That said, there may be a seatbelt for a centre rear passenger but it’s more a case of piggy in the middle because things are both tight and perched in that position.

But the seats are comfortable no matter how far your journey while Homura trim and above include adjustable lumber support.

Being part of a collaboration with Toyota means the Mazda2 is a clone of that brand’s popular Yaris model with a different badge, so the 286-litre boot is similarly small, though you can shoehorn in a mix of suitcases and shopping bags.

Just a single 1.5-litre three cylinder petrol engine is available, the good news being that it’s a full hybrid so the Mazda can be driven for short distances in fully electric mode.

There’s 116PS on offer which gives the hybrid a spirited feel, especially from standstill, even if 0-62mph in 9.7 seconds sounds on the sedate side.

This is a small, front-wheel drive car that gives the driver excellent visibility and feels really agile with positive steering, limpet-like grip and a comfortable ride quality. You can also switch between the EV, Eco and Power driving modes at the touch of a button.

Fuel economy is also impressive with an official Combined return of 67.3 miles per gallon, a figure we couldn’t quite match – returning 56.8mpg over 250 miles of urban, rural and motorway roads.

There’s no doubt though that the Mazda2 Hybrid is an extremely efficient car – it’s also well put together, comfortable and a hoot to drive.