Based on the Toyota Yaris, does Mazda’s own hybrid supermini offer a distinctive proposition for drivers? By Al Suttie.

Mazda2 Hybrid Homura

List price (BiK): £27,070 (24%)   CO2: 97g/km   Economy: 67.3mpg   Test efficiency: 65.9mpg

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Monday

I’ve always been a keen advocate of the Mazda2 supermini, so it was a bit of shock when a Toyota Yaris arrived this morning in place of the expected Mazda. Oh, hang on, my mistake, this is a Mazda2 but one almost identical to the Yaris it shares everything with except a few badges. Even the brake calipers still have the Toyota name on them…

Tuesday

Identity politics aside, the Mazda2 Hybrid is a good-looking supermini in exactly the same way its Toyota cousin is. This Homura spec model that I’m trying out has the single £600 option of metallic paint added, which is fine in my view as I’m not a massive fan of white cars – which is the default colour of the Mada 2 Hybrid. Inside, front sports seats are comfortable and decked out in fake leather.

Wednesday

Supermini hybrids are a common choice now, with the MG3 and Renault Clio lining up as direct rivals to the Mazda2. As with those two, the Mazda is not a plug-in hybrid, so its electric assistance is not going to punt you around for any meaningful distance. Instead, it does a very good job of letting the 2 pull away from a standing start in silence. When the 1.5-litre, three-cylinder motor kicks in, it’s very refined too.

Thursday

A car fitted with a CVT (continuously variable transmission) generally elicits a groan from me and too much noise when the car is asked to accelerate hard. Not so in the Mazda2 Hybrid as it behaves in the same way as its Toyota Yaris doppelganger by offering decently brisk performance and mostly relaxed cruising. It’s only when straining the motor to its upper reaches to join a motorway, for instance, does it make a bit too much noise.

Friday

Mazda could not have picked a better car than the Yaris to base its 2 Hybrid on when it comes to cabin quality. The Mazda and Toyota brands are each rightfully well-regarded for their build and comfort, and the 2 Hybrid is no exception. There’s plenty of space in the front, while the mix of round main dials and infotainment set-up, plus physical ventilation controls (yay!), all gel together tidily.

Saturday

Off to football this morning with my son, who appears to get taller with every test car I review. Still, I’m impressed that he and his chums fold into the Mazda without complaint or me being crushed up against the steering wheel. The boot is also just big enough to carry their bags, while the USB Type-C input and wireless charger keep them happy with their phones.

Sunday

Limbering up my fingers and toes to work out the Mazda2 Hybrid’s economy over the week, I’m pleased to find it’s turned in 65.9mpg against a claimed 67.3mpg. I’ve made no effort to drive the car economically, so this bodes well. It’s also been fun to drive on all roads, comfortable and feels remarkably grown-up.