Mazda Australia’s Approach to Hybrid and Electric Vehicles
Mazda Australia may not have as many hybrid and electric vehicle options as some of its competitors, but the brand’s local managing director has made it clear that it won’t be following the same strategy as in Europe and the UK. In a recent conversation with CarExpert, Vinesh Bhindi, the managing director of Mazda Australia, emphasized that the company is committed to providing affordable cars in entry-level segments. However, this commitment does not extend to introducing a Mazda 2 Hybrid similar to the Toyota Yaris-based model available in Europe and the UK.
“No, we are not considering the Toyota hybrid, the partnership that’s in Europe. It’s sourced in Europe, it’s for the European market only,” Mr Bhindi stated. This approach highlights Mazda’s focus on maintaining its unique identity rather than relying on rebadged models from other manufacturers.
The Mazda 2 Hybrid in Europe and the UK
In Europe and the UK, Mazda Europe sells a rebadged version of the Toyota Yaris Hybrid under the Mazda 2 name. This model has minimal differences in exterior and interior design compared to the original Toyota Yaris, with the main distinction being the Mazda badge. The Yaris for Europe is manufactured by Toyota’s European operation in France, as is the Mazda 2 Hybrid. In contrast, Australian versions of the Yaris are sourced from Japan, while local Mazda 2 models are assembled in Thailand.
The Mazda 2 Hybrid in Europe and the UK features the same 85kW 1.5-litre three-cylinder hybrid powertrain as the Yaris. It claims fuel consumption as low as 3.7L/100km on the WLTP combined cycle. The power is sent to the front wheels via Toyota’s e-CVT.
Continued Availability of Mazda 2 and CX-3
Despite reports suggesting otherwise, Mr Bhindi assured that the Mazda 2 and CX-3 will remain in the Australian market for at least the next two years. “There are some articles floating around that [Mazda 2 and CX-3] are coming to an end, and I can confirm Mazda 2 and CX-3 will be in our portfolio this year, they’ll be in our portfolio next year, and it’s an important segment for us,” he said.
“At some stage there could be replacements, but right here right now those two cars, those two nameplates, are here to stay in our portfolio because they will comply with [Australian Design Rules], they will continue to be manufactured in our Thailand facility, and therefore we have access to [them].”
Vision X-Compact Concept and Future Models
The Vision X-Compact concept, showcased at last year’s Tokyo motor show, offers a glimpse into Mazda’s future direction. According to Manabu Osuga, general manager for global marketing and sales at Mazda Motor Corporation, the concept reflects Mazda’s commitment to a new generation of compact vehicles, although not necessarily in the short term.
“That [Vision X-Compact] is a vision model, meaning a design vision, and also a concept model to test the next generation of Mazda design,” Osuga-san said. “The feedback that we received globally was very positive, so that was a win. [However], this is not really intending to apply that design theme to the, let’s say, next generation of the Mazda 2.”
“[I’m] not necessarily naming the successor of the Mazda 2 or CX-3, [but] our commitment is we will cover the customer base and consumers’ needs in the individual market,” Osuga-san added.
Sales Performance and Pricing
In 2025, 15,429 Australians took delivery of a new Mazda CX-3, with a further 4,346 Mazda 2s registered in the country. Both figures saw a decline from 2024 levels, but the CX-3 remains Mazda’s second-best seller in Australia, behind the larger CX-5.
Once a sub-$20,000 car, the Mazda 2 now starts from $27,290 in its most attainable form, while the CX-3 range begins at $30,670 (both excluding on-road costs).
Both models have been on sale in their current generation since 2014, making them 12 years old. Despite their age, they have undergone several updates throughout their lifecycles.
Do you want to see the Yaris-based Mazda 2 Hybrid in Australia? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
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