One of the keys to Mazda's continuing growth in Europe and around the world has been a strategy of expanding the line-up with exciting new vehicles that appeal to an ever-wider group of consumers. In less than two years, Mazda has introduced vehicles that were never in its portfolio before, like the high-performance Mazda3 MPS, the unique power retractable hardtop MX-5 Roadster Coupe and the sports crossover SUV, Mazda CX-7. This strategy continued at Geneva 2008 with the global premiere of the first-ever Mazda2 three-door hatchback. Launched in October 2007 as Mazda's first new-generation vehicle to be evolved to a new level, the all-new Mazda2 was an immediate hit with European customers, attracting more than 18,000 owners by the end of January 2008. Now, Mazda2 is about to get more popular with a new three-door hatchback model that has all the award-winning attributes of the five-door hatchback, and is even sportier and more affordable.

The new Mazda2 three-door builds on the five-door hatchback's exterior design for even more sporty appeal. Its eye-catching design is also 4% more aerodynamic than the old Mazda2 which helps reduce fuel consumption and operating costs, which are so important to young, first-time buyers. For more sporty-minded customers, a sports appearance package is available with a special front bumper design and side sills that visually lower the car's centre of gravity, and a rear roof spoiler. On the inside, a dark keynote colour contrasts with white instruments, silver accents, a three-spoke steering wheel similar to the Mazda MX-5 roadster, a silver ringed instrument cluster and a centre-console mounted shift lever, for an ambiance that is both sporty and high quality.

Mazda2 three-door comes with the same petrol and diesel powertrain line-up as the five-door hatchback with engines that are lively and responsive, yet use less fuel and produce markedly reduced CO2 compared to the engines of the outgoing model. The base MZR 1.3-litre has variable valve timing and comes in two power derivatives: a Standard Power version producing 75ps and an 86ps High Power version. Both achieve more than 50mpg on the combined cycle and produce a low 129g/km of CO2 emissions. The largest petrol engine is an MZR 1.5-litre that generates 103ps, while recording 47.9mpg (combined cycle) and producing 140g/km of CO2. For the ultimate economy, customers can order a MZ-CD 1.4-litre common-rail turbo diesel. This engine produces 68ps at 4000rpm and 160Nm of torque at a low 2000 rpm for lively acceleration and driving fun. At the same time, it achieves a remarkable 65.7mpg (combined cycle) and produces a very low 114 g/km of CO2 for low operating costs. All four engines come with Mazda's five-speed manual transmission with gear ratios that are between 3-10% higher than the outgoing five-speed, which contributes to lower fuel consumption.