Mazda is introducing three-door versions of its all-new Mazda2 small car this month, with a starting price of just £7,999 on-the-road – making the Mazda2 TS 3dr 1.3 petrol one of the most price-competitive small cars in the UK.

This is the first time that Mazda has offered a three-door variant in its popular Mazda2 model range.  The newcomer features all the technology and attributes of the five-door hatchback, while delivering the same sporty feel to its dynamic drive at an even more affordable price.  Since launch, the new Mazda2 has attracted almost 7,000 buyers and raised Mazda’s share of the small car market in 2008 to 2.4 per cent.

The Mazda2 5dr, which was introduced in September 2007, 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.

“Demand for the new Mazda2 5dr has been greater than we anticipated and the arrival of the new three-door model, with its special appeal to a different group of consumers, will accelerate sales to a much higher level,” comments Mark Cameron, Mazda UK marketing director.

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. 

“Mazda hasn't had a three-door model in the small car segment since the 1990s and certainly not with the appeal of the new Mazda2, so in some ways we are moving into unknown territory,” observes Cameron.  “The advertising for the three-door will build on the momentum established by the successful campaign featuring the ‘Spirited Green’ five-door.  We will continue to highlight the Mazda2’s athletic performance, agility and light weight, but will feature a Pearlescent White car and also spotlight the lower entry level price.” 

Lively Performance and Excellent Economy
The new Mazda2 3dr models weigh just 5-to-10kg less than the Mazda2 5dr models, so the lively performance (0 to 62mph from 10.4 seconds, top speed up to 117mph), excellent fuel economy (up to 65.7mpg), low exhaust emissions and modest CO₂ levels (from just 114g/km) of the two versions are identical. 

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 86ps), and a 1.4-litre 68ps diesel.  The 1.5-litre 103ps petrol engine will be available from the end of July.