New life and a targeted (but non-invasive) facelift for one of the Mazda brand's flagship models. After a pit stop at the plastic surgeon la 2 Hybrid returns to the track with a renewed face and a more fluid and recognizable line. The innovations are evident in the style, updated in a more personal way with the adoption of a revised design of the bumper and grille, confirming the almond-shaped eyes, above the honeycomb grille, but with which it materializes in a decisive appearance that they accentuate its dynamic imprint. Unlike the previous version, the tailgate is now entirely in the same color as the bodywork. The result is a current look and more defined stylistic features. But there is also no shortage of upgrades in terms of safety, comfort and driving economy.
The 2024 model year of the best seller made in Japan – already available to order in dealerships – is more than ready to throw down the gauntlet to the competition, with prices starting from 24,990 euros for the Prime Line versionto get to 32,690 of the top Homura Plus variant. As standard, for all options, there is a substantial Adas equipment, which includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with automatic restart, lane keeping assistant and road sign recognition, in addition to the rear camera, climate control and light sensors for automatic headlight switching. The Lunar White pastel color is included in the price; optional, at 750 euros, the metallic Stormy Silver, Lead Grey, Opera Black and the new Glass Blue; at 950 euros the pearly Northern White Pearl and the Formal Red.
On the road test, with the test scene taking place in the area from El Prat airport to the warm spring scenery offered by the Barceloneta seafront, up to Tarragona and the hills with tortuous paths that surround it, the baby flagship of the Hiroshima company confirms many of the qualities proudly listed by its designers. Of course, the similarities with Toyota's (not too) different Yaris sister remain strong. But with this new version the desire to break the umbilical cord grows. The interior is spacious (for four: three of you have to squeeze in a lot on the sofa), pleasant and simple. While The dimensions of the trunk leave a little to be desired, even if the compartment is easy to exploit. The interiors, where geometric shapes and the black color dominate, with soft materials pleasant to the touch (with the exception of some plastic panels and the dashboard) are well-finished, except for small details, in line with the current family style. And they tell their story on their own, without needing to consult the user manual as the key word is “intuitiveness”. The 2024 version also features an updated infotainment system with a larger central display (up to 10.5”) and integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with wireless connection. The controls on the steering wheel and those on the dashboard are all easily identifiable and within reach.
At start-up, the little one that winks at the environment (the data relating to CO2 emissions is decidedly interesting: 87-97 g/km) starts off quietly. Under the hood the power unit is made up of three-cylinder petrol engine with 1490 cm³ and 93 HP coupled to an electric compartment for a total power of 116 HP which ensures good thrust (it goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.7 seconds) against consumption declared in the WLTP combined cycle of between 3.8 and 4 l/100 km; order of measurement to which our examination was pleased to provide substantial, albeit approximate, confirmation (4.3 l/100 km): it is not easy to spend less at the petrol station with a car that runs on petrol. Which translates into flexible use, without particular stress, thanks also to the good torque delivery (which reaches 144 Nm) and a perfect six-speed gear ratio system. The car moves automatically in EV mode offering, in urban and non-urban environments, progressive and silent progress with the towing of the electric motor. During normal driving, the thrust is instead shared between the petrol engine and the electric one in order to optimize the mix of performance and fuel efficiency. During deceleration and brakingthe kinetic energy is recovered as electrical “force” and stored in the battery without the driver feeling any particular “jumps” or empty passages. Obviously, it's not lightning. However, the idea is good. The progression as well.
The noise level is average, even if by accelerating hard the 1.5 rises to such a speed that it enters the ears a little, with an annoying scooter effect. But the ride, overall, is soft and pleasant; never harsh or shaky, in the city or outside. As well as the grip, good when cornering and on less grippy surfaces. Inveterate music lovers (like the writer) will also appreciate the system with six speakers, but with a 3ngk of frequencies that are a little too compressed. Even the navigation system is not the most precise: Waze and Google Maps (easily inserted) still have the upper hand.
Mazda2 Hybrid 2024 is available in five trim levels: Prime Line, Center Line, Exclusive Line, Homura and Homura Plus. In addition to the already wide range of qualifying elements of the first three, Homura adds full LED headlights, 17″ alloy wheels and tinted windows; internally it features a black covering for the headliner, sports seats covered in eco-leather, dual-zone automatic climate control, wireless charging for the smartphone and a 7″ digital dashboard. For theHomura Plusfinally, a 12.3″ digital dashboard for the driver, a larger 10.5″ multimedia display, a head-up display and a navigation system are also combined. A panoramic glass roof is also available in this top-of-the-range version. For the launch offer it is offered with an extra bonus: those who sign a purchase contract by March 31st will be able to take advantage of the Advantage financing formula, which provides a mini rate of 3.99%, up to 5,340 euros of benefits taking advantage of the company's and state incentives in the event of scrapping, e two free coupons with the scheduled maintenance service Service Plus Essence. And precisely the bonus-mini rate combination, combined with the traditional capacity for customer loyalty, is the lever on which Mazda uses to attack the competition, including the “internal” one of the friendly brand Toyota.
by SERGIO BRACCINI
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