The Mazda3 made its UK debut in January 2004 replacing the uninspiring Mazda 323. It shares the same platform as the Ford Focus and Volvo's new S30 and S40 but do not be mistaken in thinking that the Mazda3 is just a re-hashed Ford Group offering, it is a distinctively different car. Available in both hatchback and saloon guises - uniquely the saloon was designed as a separate model, not the normal compromised re-design of the hatchback variant.

From mid-2006, the range was given a mild facelift which included a new front & rear bumper and different alloy wheel designs. Under-the-skin changes were more significant, making it more civilized on the move. Aerodynamic tweaks have reduced emissions outputs and improved fuel economy too.

Between 2004 to mid 2008, the UK specification Mazda 3 came in 5 variants, S, TS, TS2, Sport and MPS with engines varying from the humble 1.4L, chunky 1.6L, sporty 2.0L and the turbo charged 2.3L . Since May 2008, 2 new models were introduced to the line up to replace the TS & TS2 Models with the Takara & 1.6L Sport.

The Mazda 3 Takara

S key features:

Additional Takara features over the S:

Additional 1.6 Sport features over the Takara:

Additional 2.0 Sport featuresover the 1.6 Sport:

The 2010 Mazda 3

The next generation Mazda 3 is due for release in mid/late 2009 and will feature the following features:

Exterior

• Design theme: "Remaining faithful to an inherited identity while evolving the design to make it more expressive."
• Powerful emotional design with a richer expression and more dynamic stance
• Two distinct body styles - hatchback and sedan
• 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
• Aerodynamics 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
• 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
• 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

Interior

• 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
• Sporty and sophisticated interior design that combines a sense of roominess with a dashboard turned to the driver for a 'one-with-the-car' feeling
• 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
• Practical centre console with sliding armrest
• Gear shift lever placed closer to driver for easier shifting
• State of the art ergonomics and HMI with 'zone layout' for less distraction from the road
• New multi-information display (MID)
• New interactive lighting control and illumination entry system
• New sport seats with optional 3 memory function plus 2 integrated in the keyless entry and start system transmitter
• 10-speaker Bose® premium surround sound system, with Audiopilot2® noise compensation and Centerpoint® surround system
• Hands-free system for Bluetooth-equipped cell phones and mobile audio players

Powertrains

• New MZR-CD 2.2-litre turbo diesel with high and standard power versions both meeting Euro stage V emission standards. Mazda unique technology diesel particulate filter (DPF) offering reduced regeneration times
• High power version: 136 kW/185 PS 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)
• Standard power version: 110 kW/150 PS 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)
• MZ-CD 1.6-litre turbo diesel with diesel particulate filter (DPF) produces 80 kW/109 PS 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)
• MZR 2.0-litre petrol produces 110kW/150 PS at 6,500 rpm and maximum torque of 187 Nm at 4,000 rpm, with five-speed Automatic transmission and manual-shift mode, it has a combined fuel consumption of 7.7 l/100 km (CO2: 183 g/km)
• MZR 1.6-litre petrol produces 77 kW/105 PS at 6,000 rpm and 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)
• New catalyst that uses single nanotechnology for 2.0-litre petrol engine

Chassis & Safety

• Despite larger dimensions and more equipment, all-new Mazda3 weights up to 15 kg less
• Major evolution of the C-platform for more balance between the sports/comfort ratio
• 17% increase in use of high and ultra-high strength steels vs. outgoing model
• Double-digit increases in flexural and torsional rigidity for improved handling and safety
• Newly evolved MacPherson strut front suspension
• Newly evolved multilink rear suspension
• Electro-hydraulic power assist steering introduced to all versions for 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
• High-intensity Bi-xenon headlamps, pivoting adaptive front lighting system, emergency stop signal (ESS), rear vehicle monitoring (RVM), tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and parking sensor system (optional)

Full image gallery can be found in the Photos section

*Preliminary data, subject to final homologation

All specifications correct as at 28/01/2009 and are subject to changes without notice from Mazda motors UK

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