The executive-laden ceremonial kickoff of Mazda2 production has taken place at the automaker's Ujina Plant No. 1 in Hiroshima. The Mazda2 was one of our favorites at the Geneva Motor Show, where it made its worldwide debut at the beginning of March. The small car is destined for Japan, Europe, Australia, China, and other markets, none of which uses the initials "U.S." Its architecture will also spawn the next Ford Fiesta, which we actually should see in late '09. Thank God for timeliness.

Mazda will back up Ujina 1 by starting production of the car at the Ujina No. 2 facility in June, as well, and the Mazda2 will arrive in Japanese dealers later this summer badged as the Demio. Exports to Europe and the others will follow, and the Chinese-market edition will be built in Nanjing. That the spiffy little ride isn't expected here at all sucks, frankly. But what do we know. Who wants/needs another stylish, economical, and practical little hatchback today, anyway?

The first ever three-door Mazda2 hatchback will debut in March at the Geneva auto show. Up until now, the Mazda2 has only ever been offered as a five-door hatch or four-door sedan, both of which were redesigned for the 2008 model year.

It's not known if any of the Mazda2 variants will be sold in the United States. That said, it's more likely the three-door hatchback will be sold here than the five-door variant. The next-generation Ford Fiesta, which is based on the Mazda2, is already expected to come to America.

Like the five-door, this latest Mazda2 model is offered with 1.3-liter and 1.5-liter gasoline engines, or a 1.4-liter turbo diesel. The three-door Mazda2 shares the same overall dimensions as the five-door and achieves a similarly modest curb weight.