Recently launched in Japan, the new model is the fifth Mazda to win the award, with the Mazda CX-5 having scooped the title in 2012-2013.

All passenger cars with expected annual sales of at least 500 units and announced or launched in Japan between 1 November 2013 and 30 September 2014 were eligible for this year's award.

‘We are both honoured and grateful that the Mazda2 has received such a prestigious award,’ commented Mazda Motor Corporation’s President and CEO Masamichi Kogai. ‘This result is thanks to the enthusiastic support of all people who love cars. Inspired by this award, we will continue our quest to build cars that add a certain sparkle to the lives of their owners, and aim to become a one-and-only brand chosen by customers again and again.’

The new Mazda2 goes on sale in Europe from early 2015, bringing emissions from 89g/km with 3.4l/100km official fuel economy.