Mazda will soon be offering a three-door version of the new Mazda2 to give extra versatility to the range. The newcomer has all of the technology and attributes of the five-door hatchback, at an even more affordable price. Recently, new Mazda2 5dr was declared winner of the 2008 World Car of the Year (WCOTY) title.

Mazda will soon be launching the new Mazda2 in three-door styling for the Irish market. Prices have not yet been announced.

The Mazda2 5dr, which was introduced last year, broke the industry trend for increasing weight and size with each successive replacement model. New Mazda2 is 100kg lighter than the previous model, thanks to Mazda's 'gram strategy' diet, and the use of lightweight ultra-high tensile steels and new technology – leading to excellent fuel consumption and low CO2 emissions.

Mazda anticipates that up to 50 per cent of new Mazda2 buyers will choose the three-door body style and that a large number will opt for the highly specified 'Sport' version. The unique Crystal White Pearlescent exterior paint is also expected to be a popular choice.

Both the three-door and five-door versions of new Mazda2 share common exterior and interior dimensions. The only difference between the two body styles is the rear seat shoulder room, which is 25mm larger in the five-door model.

The standard equipment on the new Mazda2 3dr model parallels the Mazda2 5dr specification closely with only four differences. The three-door model features 'tilt-and-slide' front seats to allow access to the rear seats, unique side sills in the Sports Styling Kit and the exclusive availability (for a limited period during the launch), of Crystal White Pearlescent exterior paint on all models. Unlike the five-door, the Sport three-door model is not equipped with electric rear windows.

The Mazda2 5dr achieved a 5-Star Euro NCAP crash test safety rating last year and the new three-door Mazda2 benefits from the same level of safety design, engineering and equipment. The front doors of the three-door model are 163mm longer than those on the five-door and the B-Pillar has been moved back by a similar amount.

Consequently, the three-door's structure has been redesigned to provide extra resistance to side impacts. Inside the front doors, the lower side impact bars are made of 25 per cent thicker material and also have a 17 per cent thicker cross section. The repositioned B pillars are shaped differently from those of the five-door, giving extra strength to the bodyshell at the beltline.

Ultimately, the Mazda2 3dr will be offered with the same choice of three petrol engines, and one turbo-diesel engine, as the Mazda2 5dr, each mated to a five-speed manual transmission. At launch, customers can choose from the 1.3-litre petrol engine in two power outputs (75 and 86bhp), and a 1.4-litre 68bhp diesel. The 1.5-litre 103bhp petrol engine will be available later.

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