New hybrid gives Mazda2 supermini extra zest

MAZDA has revealed prices and specs of the new, distinctive, hybrid version of its supermini that is bound to boost the car’s popularity.

Arriving in the UK in May and available to order now, the upmarket Japanese marque’s Mazda2 Hybrid will have three trim grades – Pure, Agile and Select – and cost from £20,300.

Based on the Toyota Yaris, it is a self-charging hybrid that combines a 1.5-litre, three-cylinder, petrol engine with a 59kW electric motor and automatic gearbox for a total output of 116PS.

That allows it to get from 0-62mph in 9.7 seconds and average 70.6 to 74.3mpg and CO2 emissions of just 93-87g/km. The Pure version includes 15in steel wheels, auto lights and wipers, a black fabric seat trim, seven-inch infotainment set-up, adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assistance.

The £21,150 Agile adds 15in alloy wheels, reversing camera, eight-inch touchscreen and smart keyless entry. The top-end Select, priced from £23,610, includes privacy glass, 16in alloys, power-fold mirrors, wireless smartphone charging and blind spot monitoring with parking aid.

In terms of driving, the Mazda2 Hybrid automatically runs in EV mode at start up and then adjusts power between the petrol engine and electric motor for optimum performance and fuel efficiency.

During deceleration and braking, energy is recovered to boost the electric motor battery, which is also aided by an engine-driven generato so the car never needs to be plugged in.

The hybrid Mazda2 will be sold alongside the revamped petrol version that uses a 1.5-litre engine with three power outputs and a choice o seven trims, costing from £16,575 to £20,945.

Mazda UK boss Jeremy Thomson said: “The Mazda2 Hybrid and 2022 Mazda2 will ensure ou customers will have the widest choice of small cars in UK showrooms. The Mazda2 has at its heart the same values of style, driver involveme and quality that mark out all our vehicles.”