All-New Mazda3 On Sale from May 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.

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.

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.