Mazda3: Second Generation

Motoring Channel Staff - 20/November/2008

Los Angeles, America — After our first glimpse of the all-new second generation Mazda3 at the Sydney Motor Show in October, the car has finally been officially unveiled at the L.A. motor show.

With an edgy new look that repeats what was achieved with the new Mazda6, the new car will come equipped with either 5-speed automatic (replacing the old 4-speeder) or 6-speed manual gearboxes.

On top of the 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engines, which have been beefed up to output more power but reduce fuel economy, the Mazda3 range will also get the 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine used on the Mazda6 for the sports models, likely to be badged Mazda3 SP25 (replacing the SP23 model) in Australia.

Like most new models the Mazda3 has grown in size: it's longer and wider and afford occupants more room to move.

Mazda claims the new model will offer a "mix of quality, styling, power, dynamics and fit and finish that hits the bulls-eye for today's customers".

With one in three new Mazdas sold being a Mazda3, the small car the Japanese company's most lucrative product and while this new model isn't ground-breaking in any particular way, the new design and improved luxury features will no doubt ensure it's success.

For instance the top shelf models will now be available with things like adaptive bi-xenon headlamps that illuminate around corners for safer night driving.

There's rain-sensing windscreen wipers, push-button engine start and keyless entry, dual zone climate control and other luxury features that will help set the new car apart from its domestic and international rivals.

Safety systems such as ABS, stability control, and traction control will be offered as options, and six airbags will be standard.

However these specifications are the U.S. market Mazda3, so there's a change some of the 'options' may be standard when the car arrives here in Australia in 2009.

Yoshiyuki Maeda, the program manager of the new Mazda3, had this to say: "We were determined to advance the Zoom-Zoom driving experience to new heights because that unique feeling lies at the very heart of Mazda."

The chassis (suspension and brakes) of the Mazda3 has been tweaked to provide more on-road feel, claims Mazda, while improving ride quality and noise dampening.

"On the heels of the original Mazda3's success, we aimed to again exceed the expectations of customers all over the world by a wide margin," said Maeda san. "This meant providing drivers with a sense of exhilaration whether they were in motion, seated in the Mazda3's cockpit, or enjoying its appearance from outside."

On what it takes to develop a true "world car," Maeda added, "The development process began with careful study and identification of what features and performance qualities would be needed. 

"That initial phase ended with my conclusion that every driving characteristic was eligible for improvement to reach our Zoom-Zoom goals. 

"Mazda engineering and R&D departments in Japan, Europe, and the US all contributed to the Mazda3's renewal effort and the development of the company's new world car," revealed Maeda san.

The two engines offered in the North American market are likely to find their way into the Australian specification Mazda3. The vital statistics are as follows:

Engine: 2.0-litre Petrol I4
Power: 110kW @ 6500rpm 
Torque: 183Nm @ 4500rpm

Engine: 2.5-litre Petrol I4
Power: 125kW @ 6000rpm 
Torque: 227Nm @ 4000rpm

The 110kW (148hp) 2.0-litre engine is more efficient than the previous model with improved fuel efficiency, while the 2.5-litre 125kW (167hp) engine is the performance oriented engine that gives the Mazda3 more sizzle.

Mazda says that both engines employ advanced electronic throttle actuation along with "torque base control technology" that is supposed to delivers highly linear acceleration response to even the slightest pressure on the accelerator pedal.

With more than 1.8 million Mazda3 cars sold in the five years since it was introduced, and recently Australia's third most popular vehicle after the Holden Commodore and Toyota Corolla, the new small car from Mazda has every chance of repeating this success.

Mazda claims the new model will have:

A richer looking, more dynamic exterior design
Added driving enjoyment with improved performance
Progressive environmental and safety features
A higher level of standard and optional equipment
A level of sophistication above that available from any other car in the segment

While the new model looks good and does feature a number of new luxury features, there doesn't appear to be any sort of innovation in the new model. There's no stop start feature on the engine, no hybrid options like on the Honda Civic and no advanced double clutch or CVT gearbox options.

Will it still be the #1 seller for Mazda? It will probably come down to price point, so if Mazda can keep the price competitive the Mazda3 has a strong chance of retaining its stellar popularity.

Related Links:
- Mazda3 (2009)
- Mazda Kiyora Concept (2008)
- Mazda RX-8 (2008)
- Mazda3: Leaked (2010)
- Mazda6 MPS (Road Test)
- Mazda CX-9 (2008)
- Mazda6 (2008)
- Mazda2 (2008)
- Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe (Road Test)