Actually, the Mazda2 and Ford Fiesta are competitors. The Ford Focus is the competitor to the Mazda3.
I bought my Mazda3 at Perry Ford Mazda here in Santa Barbara. I first drove a Focus (Platinum, I believe). I was very impressed. This definitely wasn't my daddy's Ford. Then I drove a Mazda3 with the 2.5l engine. As good as the Ford was, the Mazda was slightly better in every way that was important to me.
The Ford Mazda collaboration has worked well for Ford (and for Mazda). I suspect that Ford is regretting selling their 33% (and controlling) share in Mazda and then later cancelling their collaboration agreement. Mazda learned a lot about what big-time car manufacturers must do while keeping true to their "zoom zoom" philosophy. The look to be well placed for the future.