Mazda2 received in New York the world Prize of the car of the year. Audi R8 and BMW 118d also distinguished themselves.

Mazda 2, baptized Demio in Japan, gained the prize World Car of the Year. At first, they were 39 models of car of the whole world sold at least on two continents. At the end of February, there were no more than three automobiles still in the run: Mazda 2, Ford Mondeo and the Mercedes Classe C. The Japanese thus takes away this trophy further to the notices emitted by 47 automotive journalists stemming from 24 countries through the planet. Furthermore, the girl Mazda was also the second, behind Fiat 500, for the European car of the year. A rather exceptional balance assessment.

Two other categories of the WCOTY also emphasized Audi R8 as 2008 World Performance Car in front of Audi S5 and BMW M3, and BMW 118d in conformance with 2008 World Green Car in front of Smart Fortwo cdi and Volkswagen Passat 1.9 TDI. Chosen cars, her too, by the journalistic jury. Finally, a jury of four experts chose Audi R8, still her, as 2008 World Car Design of the Year, category in which would also compete Mazda 2 and Volvo C30.