Mazda Considering Upmarket Light Car To Rival Cooper, DS3: Report

Mazda is reportedly considering a new upmarket option in the light car segment, where it would rival the likes of the Citroen DS3, MINI's Cooper Hatch and the new Opel Adam.

According to Britain's Autocar, Mazda of Europe's Ichiro Hirose has confirmed interest in introducing a premium light hatch in the coming years.

"[Mazda is] interested in the premium sub-B class, and we could have a car launched within the next two or three years," the magazine quotes Hirose. 

The new model would likely enter alongside the more affordable Mazda2, which is due for replacement in the next two years. 

As with Citroen's DS3 and C3 platform mates, the premium light Mazda could share its platform with the new 2. 

The report follows comments in 2010 from Mazda of Europe's design boss Peter Birtwhistle, who described the carmaker's future direction as "a Japanese Alfa Romeo, with the right premium feel."