THE Mazda2 has been voted the 2008 World Car of the Year. From an initial entry list of 39 new vehicles from all over the world, the 2008 WCOTY title was announced at the New York International Auto Show.

The Mazda2 edged out the Ford Mondeo and Mercedes-Benz C-Class to take the overall award.

Based on the recommendations of a design panel consisting of four highly respected world design experts, the Mazda2 was also voted by the jurors on to the short-list of top three design finalists, together with the Audi R8 and Volvo C30.

The WCOTY awards were officially launched in January 2004 and are organised and conducted by automotive journalists from all over the world. A jury of 47 international automotive journalists selected the overall winner by secret ballot, based on their experience with each candidate as part of their professional work. The jury members constitute a balance of representation from Asia, Europe, North America, South America, as well as other parts of the world.

Since it first went on sale in 2003, the Mazda2 has enjoyed widespread popularity.

The second generation all-new Mazda2 was introduced in Japan in July last year, and soon gained popularity thanks to its fun-to-drive attributes.

Dan Morris, Mazda's senior managing executive officer in charge of marketing, sales and customer service, said: "We are delighted that the 2008 World Car of the Year jury has chosen the all-new Mazda2 as their World Car of the Year."