Geneva 2008: Mazda 2

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The three-door Mazda 2 joins its five-door counterpart on sale this summer.

It's sportier-looking than the five-door, but should remain reasonably user-friendly, with a forward-sliding front passenger seat giving easy access to the rear.

Engines for the range are the 1.3 (75bhp and 86bhp) and 1.5-litre (103bhp) petrol units, or the 1.4 (68bhp) diesel; these will also appear in the 2's sister model, the new Ford Fiesta. Both versions of the 1.3 deliver over 50mpg, and emit 129g/km of carbon dioxide; the 1.5 does 47.9mpg and 140g/km, and the diesel 65.7mpg and a low-tax 114g/km.

The red mica-painted show car displays the optional Sports Appearance package, with lowered suspension, projector-style headlamps, 16-inch wheels, rear roof spoiler, bigger front bumper and side sills, white-backed and silver-ringed instruments, red/black Recaro seats and an MX-5-style steering wheel.

Cabin storage facilities include a floor console with drink holder, a magazine rack in the glove compartment, large front door pockets, and three dashboard cubby holes; boot space is the same as for the five-door, giving up to 787 litres with the rear seats folded.

All models will come with remote central locking and electrically-adjustable side mirrors; the two higher trim grades will get six airbags, heated/retractable mirrors, 15- or 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, electric front windows, rain-sensing wipers, auto headlamps, keyless entry/ignition and stability control.