All-new Mazda 3
Published Date: 2nd Jan 2009
Mazda has a new rival to the Ford Focus and the VW Golf. The all-new Mazda 3 is to be launched in Europe during the spring and will come in hatchback and 4 door saloon body types. See UK Car Discount for new mazda 3 offers.
The 5 door hatchback has wide rear wheel arches and the 4 door saloon has a coupe-style profile.
The new car is said to be 6 – 11% quieter than the previous Mazda 3 due to a stiffer bodyshell, increased suspension rigidity and improved aerodynamics.
There will be petrol engines available in 1.6litre 104bhp and 2.0litre 148 bhp, with the 2.0litre also available as a 5 speed automatic transmission. In the diesel range there will be a 2.2litre turbodiesel with 182bhp/295lb ft of torque or 148bhp/265lb ft. This was first seen in the recently improved Mazda 6. Also available is a 1.6litre with 1.7bhp/177lb ft of torque.
The all-new Mazda 3 has improved safety technologies including ABS, Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Emergency Stop Signalling System (ESS) as standard with bi-xenon headlights with a pivoting adaptive front lighting system as an option.
The all-new Mazda 3 will also sport a striking new colour – Celestial Blue.