Why Lease The 2 Hybrid?
by: Fergus GrayFergus is a talented automotive writer specialising in automotive and sports content. He has a Level 3 qualification in content creation and previously worked for Boxxer and The Best of Bolton.
Mazda 2 Hybrid Review 2023
The new Mazda 2 Hybrid is an exciting addition to the hybrid car market, and it offers a compelling option for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint while enjoying a practical and stylish vehicle.
Rivals to the Mazda 2 Hybrid include the Toyota Yaris Hybrid, Skoda Fabia and Honda Jazz.
Our Mazda 2 Hybrid review covers:
Mazda 2 Hybrid Key Features
- Signature Kodo design with a sleek and eye-catching exterior
- Well-designed and comfortable cabin with quality materials
- 286-litre boot, expanding to 950 litres with rear seats down
- Powered by a 1.5-litre, three-cylinder hybrid engine
- Three trim levels are available: Pure, Agile and Select
Mazda 2 Hybrid Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Eco-Friendly
- Stylish Design
- Nimble Handling
Cons:
- Small Cargo Space
- Not Suitable for Towing
- Limited Electric-Only Range
Design, Practicality and Boot Space
The design of the new Mazda 2 Hybrid is a notable feature, as Mazda has a reputation for creating stylish and eye-catching vehicles. The Mazda 2 Hybrid continues the brand's Kodo design language, which emphasizes clean lines, a dynamic profile, and a sense of motion even when the car is stationary. The Mazda 2 Hybrid features a sleek and modern exterior design. It has a distinctive front grille that blends seamlessly with the headlights, giving the car a unified and premium look. Inside, the Mazda 2 Hybrid offers a well-designed cabin with attention to detail. Quality materials are used throughout the interior, and the layout is driver-centric for a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience.
When it comes to practicality, the Mazda 2 Hybrid is a compact car designed with urban driving in mind. Its compact size makes it easy to manoeuvre through city streets and tight parking spaces, making it a practical choice for urban commuters. The Mazda 2 Hybrid provides comfortable seating for both the driver and passengers. The seats are supportive, and there's ample headroom and legroom in the front and rear seats, ensuring a comfortable ride.
The boot space in the Mazda 2 Hybrid is adequate for everyday needs. It offers 286-litres and can accommodate a reasonable amount of groceries, luggage, or small to medium-sized items. If you require more cargo space, the rear seats can be folded down to 950 litres of space creating additional room, allowing you to transport larger items when needed. Keep in mind that some of the hybrid components, such as the battery, may take up space in the rear of the vehicle, which can slightly impact the available cargo space compared to non-hybrid versions of the Mazda 2.
Interior and Trims
The interior of the Mazda 2 Hybrid is designed with comfort, style, and functionality in mind. Mazda is known for its attention to detail and the use of quality materials, even in its smaller vehicles.
Mazda uses premium materials in the interior, giving it an upscale feel for its class. Soft-touch surfaces, tasteful trim accents, and well-padded seats contribute to a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing cabin. The seats in the Mazda 2 Hybrid are generally comfortable and supportive, both in the front and rear. The driver's seat is typically adjustable for various driving positions.
Mazda often employs a driver-centric design approach, placing essential controls within easy reach of the driver. This design enhances the driving experience and accessibility of important functions. Depending on the trim level, the Mazda 2 Hybrid may come equipped with Mazda's infotainment system. This system typically includes a touchscreen display, smartphone integration (like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), and various connectivity features.
Three trim levels are available: Pure, Agile and Select.
In the base model of the Mazda2 Hybrid, you'll find a generous array of features for your investment. This includes a user-friendly touchscreen infotainment system that seamlessly integrates with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additionally, the package encompasses adaptive cruise control to enhance your driving experience and climate control for personalized comfort.
Stepping up to the mid-range Agile trim level provides you with an upgraded experience. In addition to the offerings of the Pure trim, you'll enjoy the added benefits of 15-inch alloy wheels, a more expansive eight-inch infotainment display, convenient keyless entry, and the convenience of a reversing camera for added safety.
Opting for the top-tier model elevates your Mazda2 Hybrid experience even further. This high-end variant boasts 16-inch alloy wheels for a touch of sophistication, sports seats featuring part-leatherette upholstery for enhanced comfort, energy-efficient LED headlights, two-zone climate control for personalized temperature settings, the convenience of front and rear parking sensors, a wireless charging pad for your devices, a head-up display to keep vital information in your line of sight, and blind spot monitoring to enhance safety on the road.
Power and Performance
Mazda asserts that the 2 Hybrid can achieve an average fuel efficiency exceeding 70 miles per gallon (mpg). The 1.5-litre three-cylinder hybrid engine in the Yaris claim appears plausible, although, in typical daily driving scenarios, you can expect something in the range of 55 to 60 mpg more often.
When navigating city streets, the Mazda 2 Hybrid offers the advantage of running on electric power for a significant portion of the time. Independent studies have even demonstrated that Toyota hybrids, utilizing a similar setup, can rely on battery power for up to 80 percent of an urban journey. Therefore, there's no reason to believe that the Mazda variant, despite its badge, would perform differently in this regard.
The engine itself is agile and benefits from the instant torque provided by the electric motor, making it effortless to manoeuvre in city traffic and adept at fitting into gaps. This setup also translates well to winding country roads. Our experience with the Yaris has shown that it offers precise steering and a responsive chassis, allowing for accurate cornering and an enjoyable driving experience.
On motorways, however, cars like the Mazda 2 Hybrid face less favourable conditions as the hybrid system can't fully leverage its advantages, resulting in increased fuel consumption (although nowhere near as pronounced as early-2000s hybrids). Additionally, excessive road noise may detract from the refinement during extended highway drives.
In summary, the new Mazda 2 Hybrid is a stylish, efficient, and fun-to-drive hybrid car that appeals to those looking for a compact and eco-friendly vehicle. Whether you're navigating city streets or enjoying a weekend getaway, the Mazda 2 Hybrid is up to the task, and it aligns well with eco-conscious drivers in the UK and beyond.
Leasing vs Buying
The NAME is now available for purchase at a starting on-the-road price of £23,955.00*, or it can be leased with monthly payments starting from £243.00.
If you're considering leasing a NAME, we proudly offer excellent car leasing services in the UK. Our leasing deals include a manufacturer's warranty, road tax, breakdown insurance, and free delivery to most areas of the UK mainland (excluding specific regions).
Leasing a NAME can often be a more financially advantageous option compared to purchasing outright, thanks to the fixed monthly payments, variable mileage options, low initial rental, and flexible contract durations.
It's important to note that the 'on-the-road' price mentioned includes a year's road fund license, DVLA first registration fee, and a number plate fee. Please be aware that this price is accurate at the time of publication and is subject to change. To get the most up-to-date information, we recommend contacting your nearest retailer.