3-door Mazda2 set for Geneva

The Mazda2 three-door hatchback will make its world premiere on Tuesday 4th March at the 78th Salon International de l'Auto de Genève (Geneva Auto Show).

This is the first three-door version of the popular Mazda2 the Japanese manufacturer has offered, and will feature some of the attributes of the five-door hatchback - but with more focus on a sportier feel at a more affordable price.

Mazda has also confirmed the three-door version will have the same engine configurations - the MZR 1.3-litre and 1.5-litre petrol engines and the MZ-CD 1.4-litre turbo diesel - as the larger five-door.

These engines achieve high fuel efficiency together with particularly low CO2 emissions.

The company hopes to attract attention for a younger market on a tighter budget with the new model and to build on the success of the car's five-star safety rating by Euro-NCAP and its 20 automotive awards.

Finally Mazda has also announced the Geneva show will also witness three further European debuts: the Mazda Taiki concept car, equipped with a next-generation rotary engine; the Mazda5 Hydrogen RE Hybrid; and the upgraded Mazda RX-8 four-seater, four-door sports car.