Mazda has officially unveiled the US-spec Mazda2 at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Described as an "eco-friendly, fun-to-drive five-door hatchback", the Mazda2 is a small B-segment car with sleek styling and a sporty design. According to Mazda, "The basic form of the new Mazda2 is characterized by a combination of dynamic performance, sportiness and simplicity that leaves a strong visual impression."

While the company declined to release any performance data, Mazda said the car will have "...two key attributes: 1) a sense of linear acceleration and deceleration that responds crisply to how far the accelerator pedal is depressed, allowing the driver to control car speed as desired; and 2) a sense of liveliness through immediate response to the accelerator for quick off-the-line acceleration and overtaking." Ah ha, so that's how it works....

Since it was launched in 2007, the Mazda2 has won 48 awards including the prestigious World Car of the Year award (in 2008).

Look for more information to be released when the Mazda2 goes on sale in the summer of 2010.