The new Mazda2, a compact hatchback, was launched yesterday by Gasan Enterprises.

Ivan Grech and Etienne Mallia from the Gasan marketing team said: "It is a throw-back to a young age where whoever drives a Mazda feels like he is driving his first go-kart. But the Mazda models are far from go-kart technology."

In fact, they said, the Mazda2 and the rest of the range introduced for the first time yesterday were highly acclaimed by the international motoring press.

The newly launched car bears a strong resemblance to the rest of the brand with the typical five-point grille, the bonnet contours, integral headlights and the sporty front spoiler with large air intakes.

The rear of the car is dominated by the hatch, which extends low into the bumper area for easy loading and unloading of the boot.

Despite its compact exterior design, Mazda2's high quality and inviting interior is a "spatial miracle", the company said.

The Mazda2 comes with standard air conditioning, engine speed sensing power steering, steering wheel mounted controls for the radio/cassette, remote central locking with perimeter alarm and other features.

The car is available in 16-valve, double overhead camshaft (DOHC) petrol engine - the 1.25-litre MZI (55 kW/75 hp) and a second-generation common-rail 1.4-liter MZ CD diesel engine (50 kW/68 hp).

Prices start from Lm6,500.