Mild hybrid as standard in the new Mazda2

But first things first: From the outside, the lifted Mazda2 is recognizable by narrower headlights, a new bumper and a snappier grille. The model thus adapts to the further developed design line, which Mazda calls "Kodo". Nothing changes in the sheet metal of the Mazda2 - and thus not in the amount of space, which has always played second fiddle to the look of this model.

More happens under the sheet metal during the model update. According to the manufacturer, passengers experience this through improved ride comfort as well as new colors and materials in the interior. The Mazda2 also finally takes an overdue step forward in infotainment. In addition, there are now new comfort features such as an automatically dimming interior mirror and heated steering wheel. Additional insulation reduces the noise level in the interior.

Mild hybrid systems in series production

Mazda will remove the diesel from its engine portfolio as early as 2018, but it will not be back for the time being. The most powerful gasoline engine to date with 115 hp now also has to give way. What remains are two variants of the 1.5-liter gasoline engine from Mazda's Skyactiv-G series. As usual with these engines, the four-cylinder does not require turbocharging, but drives with high compression. Mazda offers two power levels with 75 hp and 90 hp. The manufacturer couples both to a manual six-speed transmission, and the more powerful one to a six-speed automatic transmission for an extra charge.

Mazda equips the manual transmissions with hybrid technology as standard. The reward: a standard consumption of 4.1 liters of gasoline per 100 km. This corresponds to CO2 emissions of 94 g/km. As expected, the automatic version is a little thirstier with 5.2 liters per 100 km (118 g/km CO2) according to NEDC.

Unlike VW, for example, Mazda does not rely on a 48-volt electrical system for the hybrid components. The system, called "Mazda M Hybrid", gets by with 22.5 volts. This reduces costs. The Japanese company is pursuing a similar principle to VW: a belt-driven starter generator complements the i-Eloop regenerative braking system, which was already on Mazda's shelf. In addition, there is a capacitor as a power storage device. This means that the system not only recovers braking energy as before. It now also supports the petrol engine with additional torque when loaded.

It also starts the engine particularly quickly and comfortably and ensures smoother gear changes. This allows Mazda to retune the automatic start-stop system. The engine is now only restarted when the driver has engaged the gear and switches from the brake to the accelerator pedal. When upshifting, the belt starter generator also adjusts the speed to the expected new ratio. This also minimizes losses and increases comfort. In addition, there are internal engine saving measures: Mazda says it has been able to reduce fuel consumption by half when the engine is cold. With modified coolant management, the engine should reach its operating temperature faster.

Chassis of the lifted Mazda2

For the chassis, Mazda relies primarily on fine-tuning springs, shock absorbers and wheel suspensions. The biggest intervention: The ESP-based "G-Vectoring" control system now brakes the wheels on the outside of the curve slightly at the exit of the curve in addition to the previous function. According to Mazda, this increases stability when exiting the curve.

Easier for the occupants to feel: New seats are intended to provide the driver and front passenger with a more body-friendly seating position. The goal of the Japanese developers: an upright pelvic position to minimize head movements. To achieve this, the engineers are relying on new seat springs and new urethane foam with better cushioning and support properties.

New features: Finally modern infotainment

Mazda has been lagging behind in infotainment for some time. Until the very end, the manufacturer is reluctant to allow Apple and Google access to its on-board systems. This is now a thing of the past, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now part of the equipment range. Customers can more easily pair their smartphone with the car for telephony, navigation or music streaming. The connection is via USB.