New Mazda 2 Hybrid: the small one that seduces

In a world of SUVs and increasingly “big” cars, one wonders whether there is still room for them city ​​car. The answer can only be yes, because we need cars that bring us back down to earth, that make us rediscover the essence of functionality and the need to have an all-round car that makes our life easier. In this sense, Mazda's new 2024 model appears (and is) a city car at a superficial glance, only to reveal what lies hidden from the eyes: a small-large concentration of technology and comfort, which winks at those who, in addition to practicality and substance, want to add a little spice to the driving package. And the 2024 Mazda 2 hybrid has plenty of spice: in addition to being more attractive than the previous model, it also adds more efficiency and more safety with options typical of “upgraded” models. To fully understand the philosophy of the new Japanese car full of panache and technology, we put it through its paces on the winding roads of the Daurada coast, not far from Barcelona.

Seeing it in person, you immediately understand how the Mazda designers have focused on a non-marked but effective restyling, thanks to the adoption of the renewed “Mazda style” grille and new bumpers, which, together with the rear, conceived in the Mazda European Design Studio, create a sporty look enhanced by the typical details of the Japanese brand. The result is a fluid and proportionate whole, in line with the other Kodo designs of the Japanese house.

As for the interior – sporty and enveloping – you can see the usual attention to the high visual and tactile quality of the brand. The new infotainment system stands out with a larger central display (up to 10.5″) with a fluid, simple and fairly complete system thanks to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Wireless support. In addition to the large display, the dashboard also houses digital instruments, 12.3″, and there is a real head-up display which projects the main information from the speedometer and navigation onto the windscreen.

The interiors of the Ex version

The Mazda 2 Hybrid starts off very well, with a five-star Euro-NCAP rating regarding crash resistance and equipped with SRS central airbags, which help prevent collisions between the driver and front passenger (something new in the B segment). The standard equipment brings safety to the highest levels thanks to i-Activsense package which includes a pre-collision system (PCS) with vehicle detection, day and night pedestrian detection, daytime cyclist detection, intelligent adaptive cruise control and traffic sign recognition and lane keeping assist. During the test we were surprised by theturning assistance at intersections, the system that detects the arrival of a pedestrian who is crossing the road into which the car is about to turn, or if there is a risk for the vehicle in entering the flow of oncoming traffic, with possible emergency braking . Also present are blind spot monitoring and intelligent parking sensors with automatic braking.

On the road, driving the Mazda 2 Hybrid is pleasant and agile thanks to the low center of gravity and an ideal weight distribution to reduce the car's roll, to the benefit of stability. The ride comfort is good, with internal noise levels that remain low when the engine is not pushing too hard (with Eco and Normal mapping). Power mapping, on the other hand, is useful when additional power is needed, especially on winding mountain roads. Good acceleration (0-100 km/h in 9.7 seconds).The 116 hp hybrid powertrain . In the city its small dimensions (3.9 meters long and 1.7 meters wide) make maneuvering and parking easier. On extra-urban roads it proves easy to handle and precise when cornering, demonstrating the temperament of a champion of efficiency: even with a heavy foot in extra-urban conditions it does not exceed 4.6 liters per 100 kilometres, going downhill a lot in the city and settling around 4 liters on average.

Mazda 2 Hybrid remains in the range only the 116 hp hybrid powertrain overall the result of the collaboration of a 1.5 liter 92 hp petrol engine together with a 59 kW electric one. It is available in five setupswith prices starting from 24,990 Euros for the Prime Line, up to 32,690 Euros for the Homura Plus version. Mazda 2 Hybrid Prime Line it offers electric front windows as standard, automatic climate control, 9″ infotainment (10.5″ is optional), Bluetooth, multifunction steering wheel, USB-C, rear view camera, the mandatory ADAS and adaptive cruise control, in addition to central locking and to the rear LED lights. With the Center Line Electric rear windows, a spoiler, automatic windshield wipers, a leather steering wheel and gear lever and a 6-speaker audio system also come as standard (there are only two on the Prime). Finally the Exclusive adds electric rear-view mirrors, complete keyless, front and rear parking sensors, 16″ alloy wheels and lumbar support. Those who want the best can choose Homura and Homura Plus: the first with 17″ wheels and full LED, fog lights included, in addition to tinted windows, electrochromic interior rearview mirror, wireless charging and sports seats. The second is the complete one which increases the digital instrumentation to 12.3″ and the infotainment screen to 10.5″ and adds a 10″ color head-up display in addition to the integrated navigator, and is the one that includes the panoramic glass roof.

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The little Mazda convinced us. Carefully designed, it is perfect for those looking for a hybrid city car that is practical, but at the same time complete with superior safety and comfort features, capable of taking you out of town with dynamism and versatility. In the version we tested, the Exclusive Homura Plus, we really appreciated the panoramic roof and wireless charging, as well as a widespread perception of convenience and general quality. The infotainment system is first-class and the ADAS safety features have proven to be an indispensable driving companion.