2009 Mazda3 Breakes Cover In Sydney

Motoring Channel Staff - 10/October/2008

Sydney, Australia — Mazda displayed the all-new second generation Mazda3 at the 2008 Australian Motor Show, a world first.

Images of the next generation Mazda3 were shown, ahead of its public debut at the Los Angeles Motor Show in November 2008.

Mazda also showed off the Taiki Concept car and it's new diesel powered Mazda6.

Mazda3

Looking like a compact version of the Mazda6, the new Mazda3 looks set to re-ingite sales of the Japanese small car in this country.

The Mazda3 is one of the highest selling cars in Australia at the moment and the new model, which promises even more in the safety, handling, and comfort departments, has the potential to blow the competition out of the water.

It is scheduled for a mid-2009 launch in Australia.

Mazda didn't give away many details on the new '3', such as the possible engine types or whether it would develop a hybrid module for the car, but at least we now know what it looks like.

The vehicle has a cleaner, more modern look than its precursor with strong features at the front and rear. 

But at the same time it's proportions and silhouette appear similar to the first generation model, which suggest that Mazda didn't want to stray too far from the original design which has proved to be wildly popular.

Designed with input from Mazda's European, Japanese, and North American studios, under the directorship of Mazda's chief of design Laurens van den Acker. 

Embargoes right across the world were synchronised with Mazda's executive vice president Philip Spender's speech at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney, where he revealed the crucial second generation Mazda3.

"Today is a very important day for new car buyers, both in Australia and around the world," said Mr. Spender.

"Today is the world's first look at the new-generation Mazda3, a compact car that will build further on the stylish, insightful and spirited foundations laid by its predecessor.

"We chose Sydney to give the world its first look at the new Mazda3's striking design. Following that, North America will host the world debut of the Mazda3 sedan in late November. Shortly after that the new-generation Mazda3 five-door hatchback will debut on the European continent," said Mr Spender, confirming the cars early 2009 launch into Europe.

"I think it's only fitting that a car that accounts for one-third of Mazda's global sales should have a truly global reveal," said Spender.

Mr. Spender said the Mazda3, and small cars in general, are increasingly significant in markets around the world.

"The rising cost of fuel is changing the automotive consumer landscape not only in Australia but around the world. That, and the increasingly high cost of living is driving consumers towards smaller, more affordable, more economical vehicles.

"As a result we're seeing increased levels of equipment, prestige, performance and refinement in small cars, making them even greater value.

"We've developed the new-generation Mazda3 to be a small-car leader around the world. The Mazda3's expressive and emotional styling, heightened driving dynamics, quality and refinement will propel it to even greater heights than the very successful model it replaces," said Philip Spender Mazda's executive vice president.

To date, more than 1.5 million first-generation Mazda3s have been sold in more than 100 countries around the world according to Mazda's calculations, about one tenth of those are in Australia with almost 150,000 Mazda3s sitting in garages and on streets in Australia.

Mazda6 Diesel

Along with the Mazda Taiki concept car, the other big exhibit at the Mazda stand was the Mazda6 Diesel which will "shake up Australian consumers' perception of diesel engines," according to the company.

Available in Australia from December this year, the Mazda6 is powered by a new-generation 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine that belts out 136kW of power and 400Nm of torque via a 6-speed manual transmission.

Mazda's Philip Spender had this to say about the new turbo diesel mid-sized car: "This new-generation 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel engine in the Mazda6 Diesel shows that the enthusiast and the environment can exist in harmony. This high-tech engine brings huge increases in engine performance and driving pleasure while sporting exemplary environmental credentials."

The Mazda6 Diesel model can accelerates from standstill to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds, which makes it one of the fastest vehicle in its class.

It's also very frugal: fuel economy is rated at 5.9L/100km, which is more efficient than many small cars. It also emits low levels of CO2: just 159g/km.

"This engine will change the way Australians perceive diesel engines. It is robust and refined, powerful and economical. It delivers a combination of real world performance and fuel economy unmatched for the price in Australia.

"This is a classic example of having your cake and eating it too," said Spender. "It's a clear demonstration of Mazda's Sustainable Zoom-Zoom commitment to deliver environmentally-friendly cars that are exhilarating to drive."

Though pricing has not been set in stone, it will be offered in 5-door hatchback and 5-door wagon bodystyles and is "expected to be priced comparatively with its petrol siblings".

Related Links:
- Mazda Kiyora Concept (2008)
- Mazda6 MPS (Road Test)
- Mazda Kazamai Concept (2008)
- Mazda RX-8 (2008)
- Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe (Road Test)
- Mazda3: Leaked (2010)
- Mazda CX-9 (2008)
- Mazda6 (2008)
- Mazda2 (2008)