Sydney show: Mazda3 makes global debut
BY PHILIP LORD AND TERRY MARTIN | 9th Oct 2008
Embargoes around the world were synchronised with the presentation at Darling Harbour by Mazda Motor Corporation executive vice-president Philip Spender, who flew in specifically to present the images of the new Mazda3 sedan – which is due in Australian showrooms around the middle of next year.
“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.
“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.” The new Mazda3’s first in-the-metal appearance will take place on November 19 at the Los Angeles Auto Show, where US specifications – including 2.0- and 2.5-litre engines – will be revealed.
“The rising cost of fuel is changing the automotive consumer landscape, not only in Australia but around the world,” Mr Spender said. “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.” The current Mazda3 is a crucial model for Mazda’s local stable, having risen to become one of the biggest-selling nameplates in the nation.
Its successor was created under the watch of Mazda design general manager Laurens van den Acker, who oversaw designers working in studios in Europe, Japan and the US. Mazda describes the new look as “bold and invigorating” that will stand out “in a segment cluttered with dowdy look-a-likes”.
Sharing styling cues with the recently-introduced Mazda6, the 3’s front-end grille treatment is similar to the MX-5 unveiled in Paris last week, with a large under-bumper radiator air intake and what appears to be an air intake in a cut-out in the Mazda badge ahead of the bonnet. Prominent wheelarch creases lead into a sharp hipline down the sides of the car.
According to Mazda, the new 3 will deliver a “more refined and restful ride” and include “high levels of safety equipment, clever use of emerging technology, aerodynamics improvements and greater drivetrain efficiency”. The Japanese manufacturer said this would improve real-world performance and contribute to a reduction in fuel consumption.
Also at the Sydney show this morning was Australia’s first viewing of a vital new Mazda concept car, the Taiki. The fourth in Mazda’s Nagare series of concept cars that was first shown at the Tokyo motor show last year, the Taiki is a front-engine rear-drive sportscar concept powered by a next-generation rotary engine.
Mazda also unveiled the new Mazda6 MZR-CD Diesel – fresh from its world debut at the Paris motor show last week – which will go on sale locally in December. Further details are still to be announced, but, as GoAuto reported last month, the new engine is a 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel that develops 136kW of power and 400Nm of torque, up 31kW and 40Nm respectively over the previous model.
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