The Mazda2 supermini, a fixture of the brand's UK lineup for over a decade, has been officially discontinued, marking the end of an era for this popular compact car. While a direct successor is not forthcoming, Mazda continues to offer a small car option in the form of the Mazda2 Hybrid, a rebadged variant of the Toyota Yaris. The Mazda2, in its current generation, first debuted in 2014 and underwent two significant facelifts, one in 2019 and another in 2023. Although its presence has ceased in the UK, the model remains available in Japan, where it recently received an updated infotainment system for the 2024 model year.
The 2014 introduction of the current-generation Mazda2 was followed by the aforementioned facelifts, aimed at keeping the model fresh and competitive. However, the UK market has now seen its final Mazda2, with a Mazda UK spokesperson confirming the discontinuation to automotive publication Autocar. The spokesperson attributed the decision to the brand's ongoing shift towards increased electrification, stating that the Mazda2 Hybrid aligns with consumer demand in the B-segment and represents a step towards Mazda's goal of electrifying its entire lineup by 2030.
According to reports, Mazda has already ceased accepting new orders for the Mazda2, with only a limited number of units remaining in dealer stock. The outgoing model was available with either a standard gasoline or mild-hybrid 1.5-liter engine, with prices starting at £18,625. In contrast, the Mazda2 Hybrid, which was introduced in 2022 and received a mild facelift for 2024 to differentiate it from its Toyota Yaris counterpart, starts at £24,135 in the UK.
It's important to note that the rebadged Toyota was never intended to be a direct replacement for the Mazda2. Instead, it serves as an alternative for European and UK buyers who prioritize electrification. However, the absence of a next-generation Mazda2, eleven years after the current model's debut, raises questions about the future of the nameplate.
The decision to discontinue the Mazda2 is also influenced by regulatory pressures related to carbon emissions. Automakers operating in the UK must adhere to annual "carbon credit" allowances. By phasing out older internal combustion engine (ICE) models, Mazda aims to reduce its overall CO2 emissions and avoid potential financial penalties. Last year, the UK saw 4,400 Mazda2 units sold, with 1,700 being standard gasoline models emitting an average of 109 g/km of CO2, and 2,700 being mild hybrids emitting 107 g/km. In comparison, the Toyota-derived Mazda2 Hybrid boasts significantly lower emissions, rated at just 87 g/km.
Mazda's electrification efforts extend beyond the Mazda2 Hybrid. The fully electric Mazda 6e sedan is expected to arrive in the UK market in early 2026. Currently, the MX-30 remains the brand's sole battery electric vehicle (BEV) offering. However, its sales performance has been underwhelming, accounting for only 5% of Mazda's UK sales in 2024, far below the 22% target set by the country's zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate. The UK's ZEV mandate outlines ambitious goals, requiring ZEV sales to reach 80% of the market by 2030 and 100% by 2035. This regulatory landscape is undoubtedly shaping Mazda's product strategy and accelerating its transition towards electrification.