All-New Mazda3 on Sale from May 2009

DARTFORD, UNITED KINGDOM – March 25, 2009: The all-new Mazda3 range for 2009, with a 15-strong model line-up will go on sale in the UK during May. Both the hatchback and saloon bodystyles portray a more powerful and emotional design, with a richer expression and a more dynamic stance. In many ways the new Mazda3 is a ‘baby Mazda6’ bringing the elegant excitement of that model’s distinctive lines to the C-segment. Mazda3’s fresh face harmonises with the upgraded Mazda MX-5 and Mazda RX-8 R3, while lowering aerodynamic drag to just Cd 0.28 (saloon) and 0.30 (hatchback). The improved aerodynamics and retuned powertrains, plus the reduced weight of the new model, result in significant reductions in CO2 and fuel consumption.

“The all-new Mazda3 is going to be even more popular than its best-selling predecessor,” comments Mark Cameron, Sales & Marketing Director Mazda Motors UK. “The new Mazda3 brings the sophistication, style, technology and refinement of the new Mazda6 to the compact family car market. The new model is improved visually, technically and in terms of comfort, with even more generous specification at each equipment level and safety-boosting DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) fitted as standard on every model, while continuing to deliver excellent value for money.

“Both retail and fleet customers will benefit from the dramatic CO2 reductions Mazda’s engineers have achieved to bring models below the 120 g/km and 160 g/km tax thresholds. The CO2 output of the 1.6 petrol model has been cut to 149 g/km, from 162 g/km on the current model, the 2.0 petrol is down to 159 g/km from 189 g/km due in part to the new i-stop technology and the 1.6 diesel is now just 119 g/km, down from 128 g/km, and benefits from only £35 per year road tax,” highlights Cameron.

For 2009, Mazda3 customers will have a choice of three petrol and three diesel powertrains, all fine-tuned to use less fuel. On the combined cycle, fuel consumption* ranges from 41.5 to 44.8 mpg (manual transmission, petrol models) and from 50.4 to 62.8 mpg (diesels). The 2.0 Automatic delivers fuel economy of 37.2 mpg.

Significant improvements to noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels are also apparent thanks to meticulous changes to the shape of the intake system, improvements in the rigidity of the subframe and more substantial plate thickness to the engine mount brackets amongst other things. Tuning improvements to the engine characteristics bring the engine note to a level on-par with premium C-segment competitors.

Technical innovations featured on all-new Mazda3 include the fuel-stretching ‘i-stop’ (Smart Idling Stop System) technology on the Mazda3 2.0 Sport – which can deliver fuel consumption savings of up to 14 percent on the combined cycle – and the new five-speed automatic transmission (already proving popular on the Mazda6) on the Mazda3 2.0 TS2 AT model.

Safety is paramount on all-new Mazda3 with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and an Emergency Stop Signalling (ESS) System standard on all models. This system automatically activates the hazard warning lights at cruising speeds when the ABS sensors detect emergency braking. The system automatically cancels the emergency signal when either the demand for ABS relaxes or when the brake pedal is released.

Customers who prefer a petrol engine can choose from 1.6-litre 105ps and 2.0-litre 150ps powertrains for the eight regular Mazda3 models or the 2.3-litre 260ps turbocharged engine in the Mazda3 MPS. The choice of diesel engines for six Mazda3 models is expanded with the new model to encompass 1.6-litre 109ps, 2.2-litre 150ps and 2.2-litre 185ps engines.

The 2009 new Mazda3 range starts with the 1.6 S model. Even this entry-model is well specified with a host of equipment that includes DSC and TCS (Traction Control System), six airbags, remote central locking, manual air-conditioning, welcome mode lighting and an MP3 compatible audio system with four speakers.

The TS model brings customer benefits that include 15-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control air-conditioning, leather steering wheel with audio controls and two additional audio speakers, as well as power folding mirrors and electric rear windows.

The TS2 models feature front fog lights, larger 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic lights and wipers, a heated windscreen, heated front seats, a 6-CD autochanger, cruise control and Bluetooth technology.

Sport models gain a Sports Styling Kit – including new front and rear bumpers, side skirts and a rear spoiler – plus 17-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, LED rear lights, a premium BOSE audio system with four additional speakers, and black sports trim. Sport models also feature smart keyless entry and a push button start. Mazda3 2.2D Sport (150ps) models also feature a 6-speed gearbox for refined cruising ability.

At the top of the regular range, the 2.0 Sport (petrol) and 2.2 Sport (diesel 185ps), come with a six-speed manual transmission, Mazda’s new MID Navigation system, rear parking sensors and metallic paint at no extra charge – these items are optional on 1.6 and 2.2D (150ps) Sport models. Meanwhile, the all-new Mazda3 MPS will shortly be available to head-up the range.

The MID (multi information display) is a new, compact navigation system developed especially for this model. It uses a high-resolution 11 cm (4.1 inch) screen mounted in the dashboard’s upper section, where it can be seen easily, and it can be operated using a control switch on the steering wheel. The system’s navigational information, which comes from compact SD cards, was optimised using Mazda HMI techniques to be as easy to use as it is to view.

A choice of nine body colours will be available – including two new metallics (Aluminium Silver Metallic and Olympic Gold Metallic). Aluminium Silver Metallic contains aluminium particles that diffuse light and cause diverse kinds of reflections and shadow, depending on light conditions. The four new Mica colours are Celestial Blue Mica, Graphite Mica, Indigo Lights Mica and Velocity Red Mica. Carried over colours are Black Mica and Crystal White Pearlescent. Arctic White will be available as a solid colour.