GENEVA — Mazda said on Wednesday that it will take the wraps off a new Mazda2 three-door variant at the upcoming 2008 Geneva Auto Show. The Japanese automaker says while it has no immediate plans to bring such a vehicle to the U.S., it is currently studying the "business case" for a B-segment car here.
"There are no plans at this point," said Jeremy Barnes, Mazda North American Operations spokesman, when asked by Inside Line if the Mazda2 three-door will end up in U.S. showrooms. "We are looking at the concept of a B-car in North America, however. It's a segment we're looking at."
Barnes said he would not guess whether such a vehicle will be feasible here in the long run. The Mazda2 three-door is slated for European customers at this point.
In a formal statement, Mazda said the Mazda2 three-door will come "with the same powertrain lineup" as the Mazda2 five-door hatchback. They include 1.3-liter and 1.5-liter gas engines, as well as the MZ-CD 1.4-liter turbodiesel engine.
Mazda said the five- and three-door Mazda2 models "share the same overall dimensions."
The Mazda2 three-door makes its world debut on March 4. Mazda will also show off its Taiki concept equipped with a next-generation rotary engine, as well as the Mazda5 Hydrogen RE Hybrid and the upgraded Mazda RX-8.
What this means to you: We're keeping our fingers crossed that the bean counters at Mazda will think the Mazda2 — in its various forms — makes sense for us. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
"There are no plans at this point," said Jeremy Barnes, Mazda North American Operations spokesman, when asked by Inside Line if the Mazda2 three-door will end up in U.S. showrooms. "We are looking at the concept of a B-car in North America, however. It's a segment we're looking at."
Barnes said he would not guess whether such a vehicle will be feasible here in the long run. The Mazda2 three-door is slated for European customers at this point.
In a formal statement, Mazda said the Mazda2 three-door will come "with the same powertrain lineup" as the Mazda2 five-door hatchback. They include 1.3-liter and 1.5-liter gas engines, as well as the MZ-CD 1.4-liter turbodiesel engine.
Mazda said the five- and three-door Mazda2 models "share the same overall dimensions."
The Mazda2 three-door makes its world debut on March 4. Mazda will also show off its Taiki concept equipped with a next-generation rotary engine, as well as the Mazda5 Hydrogen RE Hybrid and the upgraded Mazda RX-8.
What this means to you: We're keeping our fingers crossed that the bean counters at Mazda will think the Mazda2 — in its various forms — makes sense for us. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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