TOKYO — Mazda grabbed the headlines at the New York Auto Show last week when its new Mazda2 compact drove off with the prestigious 2008 World Car of the Year award. Call it a surprise result, in more ways than one. For those just tuning in, the Mazda2 is this smart, new-age compact launched in 2007 that’s doing great business for Mazda in Japan, Europe and many other places around the globe.Everywhere, that is, but North America. So, right there, it begs the question, of course: How is it a model like the Mazda2 can win something called World Car of the Year when it’s not sold in the U.S.? It’s a fair question, but here’s the answer. After a global, impartial vote for the ‘best’ new car conducted by a roster of internationally stationed journalists, the Mazda came out (click here for more….)