The new Mazda 2 three-door hatchback is designed to attract new customers to further Mazda's continued growth in the European market. It comes with the same 1.3-litre and 1.5- litre petrol engines, powertrains and the same MZ-CD 1.4-litre common-rail turbo diesel, as the five-door hatchback. These engines achieve high fuel efficiency along with low CO2 emissions.

Launched in September 2007 as Mazda's new entry level vehicle, the new Mazda 2 was a hit with European customers, despite initial problems with the new model's crash testing procedures. Mazda, with the new 2 five-door hatchback, was one of just four car manufacturers found wanting in crash test results last year. The four brands were Audi, BMW, Mazda and Volvo.

In the frontal impact test of the Mazda 2, conducted by EuroNCAP, a small disturbance shortly before impact led to a delay in the firing of the airbags and protection of the front seat occupants was compromised. Although these disturbances are not part of Euro NCAP’s tests, they could occur in real life accidents. Mazda took steps to rectify the problems in the new 2 by improving the airbag control software in production cars. Mazda indicated they would contact all new model Mazda 2 owners, to ensure their cars are upgraded.

By completely redesigning the body and chassis and implementing Mazda's 'gramme' strategy, the Mazda 2 is nearly 100 kilogrammes lighter compared to the previous version, with a vehicle weight under the 1,000 kilogramme threshold. This result resists the trend to heavier and bigger cars.

Also at the Geneva Motor Show this year are three European debuts: the Mazda Taiki concept car, equipped with Mazda's rotary engine, the Mazda 5 Hydrogen RE Hybrid and the facelift version of the Mazda RX-8.