Our spy photographers sent us a set of pictures showing what looks like a Toyota Yaris with camouflaged badges inside a yard full of Mazda models. This leads us to believe that the pictured model isn’t actually a Yaris but its reported rebadged cousin, the 2023 Mazda2.
The Mazda2 is due for a new generation and earlier reports from last year suggested Mazda will roll out a new supermini in Europe, based on the Toyota Yaris Hybrid. What is interesting is that Toyota itself was offering a rebadged Mazda2 as the North-American Toyota Yaris between 2016 and 2020.
The pictured test car looks identical to the European Toyota Yaris Hybrid, besides the front and rear badges that are covered with tape. Upon closer inspection, it seems that the light camouflage is hiding Mazda’s logo.
If this approach is followed in the production model, then it will be the only example of badge engineering in the current Mazda range. As a reminder, Suzuki is already offering rebadged Toyota models in the European market, including the Swace (Toyota Corolla Sport Tourer) and the Across (Toyota RAV4).
Mazda has officially confirmed it was going to use the Toyota Hybrid System as “the optimum solution to respond to each region’s needs and requirements. This collaboration is the result of the Toyota-Mazda partnership with Mazda recently confirming that an “OEM-supplied model based on Yaris THS” will be offered in Europe within the next two years.
Toyota’s hybrid system consists of a naturally aspirated 1.5-liter three-cylinder petrol engine, two electric motors/generators, and a lithium-ion battery pack. The combined power output is 114 hp (85 kW / 116 PS) and 120 Nm (88.5 lb-ft) of torque, transmitted to the front wheels through an eCVT gearbox. The low CO2 emissions will help Mazda meet the strict emission targets set by European Union.
The Mazda-badged Yaris will be produced at the Toyota factory in Valenciennes, Northern France, alongside its sister model. Since the badges are the only difference we expect it to share the same interior, with the exception of a Mazda branded steering wheel.
The rebadged supermini is expected to be revealed in 2022. Initially, it will be offered alongside the current Mazda2 and we are not sure which name it is going to use.
As a reminder, the third-generation Mazda2 was introduced in 2014 and received a facelift in 2019 introducing mid-hybrid technology. Last month, Mazda announced subtle updates for the 2022 model year keeping their supermini relevant in the crowded B-Segment market. Japanese media have speculated about an all-new fourth-generation Mazda2 that could appear in the following years which could be different from the Toyota-based model offered in Europe.
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