Mazda Begins Production Of Fourth 'New Generation' Product
Published: 29th June 2003
Designed to blur the lines of conventional vehicle segmentation, Mazda3 offers traditional C-segment customers more in terms of design, craftsmanship and interior packaging; as well as a driving experience associated worldwide with European-built vehicles. Recent Mazda products, developed and built using these same targets, have helped the company achieve critical product acclaim from customers and media, including more than 50 international awards for the Mazda6/Atenza and the "2003 International Engine of the Year" award for the RENESIS rotary engine in the new Mazda RX-8.
The new Mazda3 embodies the design direction presented by the Mazda MX Sportif concept, which was showcased at the Geneva Motor Show this past March. Mazda’s brand DNA – stylish, insightful and spirited – is evident throughout the vehicle. Key development targets for new Mazda3 included:
- A prominent and well-defined Mazda design based on distinct, muscular proportions and dynamic athleticism
- Highest levels of craftsmanship and quality to ensure high value for customers
- Superbly balanced vehicle dynamics able to deliver class-leading Mazda driving pleasure that is often associated with European-built cars
- Optimal interior space and innovative package solutions to maximise usability
In the critical Japanese market, where the vehicle will see an
autumn debut, the name Axela was developed by combining the English
words "accelerate" and "excellent". This name
was created to communicate the youthful exhilaration of fun driving
– acceleration – with infinite possibilities, as represented
in "X".
