New 2022 Mazda2 Hybrid undercuts Toyota Yaris

• First Mazda to feature a full hybrid powertrain
• Based on the Toyota Yaris Hybrid
• Prices start at £20,300

The new 2022 Mazda2 Hybrid is now available to order. The new model is a rebadged version of the latest Toyota Yaris, but it costs slightly less to buy, with prices starting from £20,300. Three trim levels are available, and the first customer cars will be delivered in May.

It will be sold alongside the existing Mazda2, which has recently been facelifted. Supermini rivals include the Honda Jazz, Renault Clio and Ford Fiesta.

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The Pure trim level opens the range, moving away from Mazda’s SE-L and Sport grades - presumably to differentiate it from the petrol-powered Mazda2. Standard equipment includes automatic lights and wipers, with auto high-beam, radar cruise control, climate control and a seven-inch touchscreen with DAB radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Agile is next, starting £21,150. It adds alloy wheels, a reversing camera, a larger touchscreen and keyless entry and start. Top-spec Select brings bigger wheels, LED lighting, parking sensors, wireless phone charging and two-zone air conditioning for £23,610. However, you can add some of the features from the Select trim to the Agile by adding the Comfort Pack for almost £1,000.

The 2 Hybrid looks almost identical to the Toyota Yaris, with a silver trim piece across the lower part of the front bumper, a new set of alloy wheels and Mazda badges on the nose and rear hatch the only big differences. The interior is shared between the two cars too.

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Unsurprisingly, the Mazda2 Hybrid gets the same full five-star Euro NCAP rating as the Yaris. It’s likely both cars have the same safety technology. As standard, the Mazda2 Hybrid features a host of airbags, lane-keeping assistance, autonomous emergency braking and road-sign assist. Choosing the Select model means you also get blind-spot monitoring and rear automatic braking.

Boot space for the new car is 286 litres, putting it slightly behind the Honda Jazz hybrid, which offers 304 litres. 

Power comes from a 1.5-litre petrol engine mated to an electric motor fed by a small battery, producing a total of 114bhp. A CVT automatic gearbox is standard and 0-62mph takes 9.7 seconds, which is the same as the Yaris. The Mazda2 Hybrid automatically runs in hybrid mode, with the petrol engine automatically switching on when required. The car can manage up to 74.3mpg when equipped with 15-inch wheels, with CO2 emissions of 87-93g/km - figures that’ll make it one of the most efficient models in the supermini class. 

Read our list of the best small hybrid cars to buy now.