Mazda has launched its first ever self-charging hybrid - the pleasingly-styled new Mazda2 Hybrid.
The traditionally-fuelled Mazda2 has also recently been updated by the Japanese firm and occupies a really important place in the market, acting as a brilliantly-styled, affordable alternative to the likes of the Volkswagen Polo and the Ford Fiesta.
And now this new hybrid variant will make the overall Mazda2 package even more tempting if you’re a lease customer on a budget.
A self-charging hybrid is, as the name suggests, one that you don’t need to plug in. The battery which powers the 59kW electric motor simply charges itself by clawing back the kinetic energy that’s generated while decelerating and while under braking.
That electric motor is married to a traditional 1.4 litre petrol engine to create a combined 116 hp - and some impressive fuel economy figures.
You can expect up to 74.3mpg and CO2 emissions of just 93-87 g/km depending on the specification of 16 inch or 15 inch wheels.
Meanwhile the Mazda2 hybrid also offers sprightly performance, being able to accelerate from 0-62mph in just 9.7 seconds.
There’s some clever tech at play which seamlessly intervenes during your journey. A Mazda spokesperson explains:
“At start-up the Mazda2 Hybrid automatically runs in EV mode, offering smooth, seamless and quiet running on electric motor power in urban environments, with zero CO2, NOx and particulate emissions."
“During normal driving, power allocation is adjusted between the petrol engine and electric motor for optimum performance and the best possible fuel efficiency.”
The Mazda2 might be compact, but there’s room for four adults and there’s also 286 litres of boot space - which compares favourably with the 300 litres you get with the traditionally-fuelled Citroen C3.
It’s also important to note that the Mazda2 is the result of a long-standing relationship between Mazda and Toyota - making the Mazda2 Hybrid very much a sibling to the self-charging Toyota Yaris.
A Mazda spokesperson adds:
“The Mazda2 Hybrid is a highly significant car for Mazda in the context of the company’s commitment to fulfil the objectives laid out in ‘Sustainable Zoom-Zoom 2030’, its long-term vision for technological development."
“Specifically - in line with the Paris Agreement - its aim to reduce corporate average well-to-wheel CO2 emissions by 50% by 2030 and, by accelerating the electrification of its fleet, achieve carbon neutrality by 2050."
The Mazda2 Hybrid goes on sale in the spring of 2022
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