MAZDA is about to proceed with the introduction of a three-door version of the Mazda2 model to compete against a similar rival from Kia.
It will be the first three-door version of the Mazda2, which will go head-to-head with the Kia Pro-cee'd from March.
Mazda says that the newcomer will have all of the attributes of the five-door hatchback but with a sportier feel for less money, which should attract new buyers to the brand.
The three-door model is the same size and weight as the five-door version and uses the same 1.3-litre and 1.5-litre petrol engines plus a 1.4-litre turbodiesel.
The newcomer will be seen for the first time at the Geneva motor show in March when it lines up alongside the Mazda Taiki concept car equipped with the next-generation rotary engine, the Mazda5 Hydrogen Hybrid and the upgraded Mazda RX-8 four-door coupe.