The current Mazda2 is already on its eight year on the market, and ever since its launch it was only offered with a choice of 1.5-liter gasoline or 1.5-liter diesel engines. In 2020 a mild hybrid version was also added to the lineup.

And now it looks like the third-generation Mazda2 is continuing to live on for yet another year, but with some major improvements under the hood. As a first in Mazda's lineup, the 2022 Mazda2 will be offered with a self-charging, full hybrid powertrain.

How does the 2022 Mazda2 Hybrid work?

At startup, the Mazda2 will only run in electrical mode. This will not only ensure a quiet running during urban environments, but will also offer zero emissions. After that, during normal driving, the power will adjust between the petrol engine and the electric motor. The high-performance battery will be charged during deceleration and under braking when the kinetic energy will be recovered as electrical energy. The car is equipped with an engine-driven generator that manages the battery power level.

This hybrid combination between a 1.5-liter three cylinder engine and an electric motor delivers a total of 116 horsepower: 93 horsepower from the petrol engine and 59 kW (79 horsepower) from the electric motor. Nothing to write home about, but still great numbers for city driving, especially when fuel economy is 4.0-3.8 l/100 km.

The 2022 Mazda2 Hybrid was built on a 2,560 mm (100.78 inches) wheelbase and offers comfortable accommodation for up to four adults. It also comes with a cargo space of 286 liters (10 cubic feet). To help you compare things, the Citroen C3 offers a boot space of 10.59 cubic feet, while Ford Fiesta offers 10.3 cubic feet of cargo room.

The 2022 Mazda2 Hybrid will arrive in Europe dealerships in spring 2022. There will be three different grades to choose from: Mazda2 Hybrid Pure, Mazda2 Hybrid Agile and Mazda2 Hybrid Select. Prices will be announced at a later date.