Design
With the Supermini class being more competitive than ever before, the Mazda 2 Hybrid’s appearance is very important and luckily for Mazda, it is a very stylish addition to the range. From the front, it is finely sculpted with design lines across the bonnet, and a contrasting black grille. Along the side and towards the rear, things get more angular, with muscular rear wheel arches and sculpted body lines helping to give the Mazda 2 Hybrid an attractive, sporty look.
Inside
Inside the Mazda 2 Hybrid, the sporty styling is continued, with comfortable sporty seats that seem to have the support in all the right places. The use of materials is very clever, there isn’t a surface that feels cheap, it all feels of a premium quality, whilst still feeling hardwearing in future. We really liked the infotainment system as it was clear and easy to read, whilst the digital driver information has all the key information front and centre, and again very easy to read and interpret. From an interior space point of view, the Mazda 2 Hybrid doesn’t feel small, it definitely feels as though four adults would be more than comfortable enough on a longer journey, with space in the boot for their luggage.
Features
The Mazda 2 Hybrid is certainly not short on features, with features Like Dynamic Radar Cruise control and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto standard affairs in the Pure trim. We tested the top Select model which has absolutely every feature you can think of available, from Reversing Cameras to heads up display and without a doubt it feels really special. The Mazda 2 Hybrid is also equipped with a plethora of safety kit which has helped it to achieve a 5-star NCAP Safety Rating under the newer more stringent testing procedures, which will give you peace of mind that if the worst happens, you will be protected.
How it Drives
The Mazda 2 Hybrid comes with one powertrain option, a 1.5 petrol engine mated to a 59kW electric motor, to give you up to 74.3mpg. This means that the Mazda 2 Hybrid is incredibly smooth and comfortable to drive, and with 116hp, it feels very nippy and competent at getting you out of tight junctions, and the steering is really accurate so you feel as though you can park pretty much anywhere. The Mazda 2 Hybrid comes with three driving modes, POWER, ECO DRIVE and EV MODE, which lets you choose how efficiently you want the car to perform. Arguably the most comfortable mode to drive in is EV MODE, as it delivers the quiet and smooth performance of a fully electric vehicle, as well as close to one pedal driving thanks to the regenerative braking that recharges the battery. All of this is without the compromise of having to find a charging station, as you can fill it with petrol and go.
Verdict
The Mazda 2 Hybrid is a very exciting proposition, offering an electrified supermini without any of the compromises of full electric. It also does all this whilst being really attractive, and feeling premium inside. Arguably this is one of the best supermini choices available right now!
Find out more about the Mazda 2 Hybrid.
