The All-New Mazda3

The all-new Mazda3 will be launched in Europe in spring 2009. Its characteristics blend sporty driving and dynamic design, together with top class environmental and safety performance.

The first-generation Mazda3 has won a total of 90 automotive awards around the globe since launch in 2003.

[B]Exterior[/B]

The design theme: "Remaining faithful to an inherited identity while evolving the design to make it more expressive."

There will be two distinct body styles - hatchback and sedan. Both variants will have a new purposeful face that integrates the front grille's lower section into the 5-point grille to further distinguish the unique character of the Mazda brand.

The Mazda3's aerodynamics are improved with drag coefficient (Cd) of only 0.28 (sedan) and 0.30 (hatchback), among the best in the segment.
All design elements focus on and flow into the centre to express power and dynamism.

The subtly curving lines along the sides and a wedge-shaped character line extending from the prominent front fenders communicate dynamism that makes the model appear to be about to run and reflect a design theme shared with the Mazda2 and Mazda6.

The bold curve and low centre of gravity of the protruding rear shoulders on the 5-door hatchback inherit the distinctive 'Mazda3 look' established by the previous model.

In addition:

- The sedan has the refined flowing lines of a coupe silhouette
- Functional beauty is embodied in the design of the airflow management system
- Minimal gaps between body panels signify solid quality
- Sedan and hatchback are longer (SDN: 4,580 mm, +90 mm / 5HB: 4,460, +45 mm, and for the Sports high grade versions 4,490 mm, +55 mm) and taller at 1,470 mm, +5 mm

[B]Interior[/B]

There is a 6-to-11% noise reduction vs. previous generation, thanks to aerodynamic work, increased suspension rigidity, optimal positioning of vibration dampening materials, increased bodyshell and panel rigidity.

The sporty and sophisticated interior design combines a sense of roominess with a dashboard turned to the driver for a 'one-with-the-car' feeling. The use of soft grained surface material on the upper section of the dashboard combines with minimal join lines to achieve a vastly improved look of interior quality.

The gear shift lever has been placed closer to driver for easier shifting. There is also a new multi-information display (MID) and a new interactive lighting control and illumination entry system.

Drivers will also enjoy new sport seats with optional 3 memory function plus a 10-speaker Bose premium surround sound system, equipped with Audiopilot2 noise compensation and Centerpoint surround system.

[B]Powertrains[/B]

The new MZR-CD 2.2-litre turbo diesel with high and standard power versions both meet Euro stage V emission standards. Mazda's unique technology diesel particulate filter (DPF) offers reduced regeneration times.

The high power version produces 182 hp at 3,500 rpm and 400 Nm of maximum torque at just 1,800-3,000 rpm and combined fuel consumption of 5.6 l/100 km (CO2: 149 g/km)

The standard power version is capable of 148 hp at 3,500 rpm and 360 Nm of maximum torque at 1,800-2,600 rpm and combined fuel consumption of 5.4 l/100 km (CO2: 144 g/km).

An available MZ-CD 1.6-litre turbo diesel with diesel particulate filter (DPF) produces 108 hp at 4,000 rpm and 240 Nm of maximum torque at just 1,750 rpm, and uses 0.3 litres less than the previous generation with a combined fuel consumption of 4.5 l/100 km (CO2: 119 g/km).

Meanwhile, the MZR 2.0-litre petrol engine produces 148 hp at 6,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 187 Nm at 4,000 rpm, with a five-speed automatic transmission and manual-shift mode. The powerplant has a combined fuel consumption of 7.7 l/100 km (CO2: 183 g/km)

The MZR 1.6-litre petrol on the other hand, produces 104 hp at 6,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 145 Nm at 4,000 rpm, and uses 0.6 litres less than the previous generation with a combined fuel consumption of 6.3 l/100 km (CO2: 149 g/km)

A new catalyst that uses single nanotechnology for 2.0-litre petrol engine is also standard.

[B]Chassis & Safety[/B]

Despite the car's larger dimensions and more equipment, the all-new Mazda3 weights up to 15 kg less.

A Major evolution of the C-platform provides more balance between the sports/comfort ratio due to the 17% increase in use of high and ultra-high strength steels vs. outgoing model.

The Mazda3 gains double-digit increases in flexural and torsional rigidity, together with a newly-evolved MacPherson strut front suspension and newly-developed multilink rear suspension, substantially increases handling and safety levels.

Electro-hydraulic power assist steering introduced to all versions gives drivers a light, but stable steering feel and reduced fuel consumption.

ABS, EBD, brake assist, traction control system (TCS) DSC, front, side, and curtain airbags are standard on all models, in all markets.

At the same time, the Mazda3 will have high-intensity Bi-xenon headlamps, pivoting adaptive front lighting system, emergency stop signal (ESS), rear vehicle monitoring (RVM), tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and optional parking sensor system.

[IMG]http://www.oneshift.com/showroom/uploadimages/resized-20090127212928434.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://www.oneshift.com/showroom/uploadimages/resized-20090127212951861.jpg[/IMG]

Credits: JRC