Mazda3 To Set New Class Standards

The Mazda3 hatchback will be launched initially in Europe with two petrol engines — a highly balanced 1.6-litre 104bhp (105ps) MZR and a more powerful 2.0-litre 148bhp (150ps) MZR — both part of a new range of quiet-running, in-line four-cylinder DOHC petrol engines that deliver ample low-end torque for spirited driving and meet all current global emission standards.

When the Mazda3 is launched in the UK in January, there will be a third member of the range, a 1.4-litre MZR petrol, while two derivatives of a new 1.6-litre common-rail diesel will enhance the engine line up in May 2004, alongside the 1.6-litre petrol Activematic.

Mounted in a highly rigid body structure with superior torsional and flexural stiffness, Mazda3’s chassis systems are carefully tuned to provide a superb balance between handling stability and ride comfort, with steering that is precise and predictable in all situations. It exhibits the same handling and control that characterise all new generation Mazda vehicles by delivering a flat ride, reassuring steering feel and superior braking performance.

A MacPherson strut-type front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, based on the Mazda6, are designed and tuned to ensure an excellent balance between handling stability and ride comfort. Mazda3’s robust braking system delivers responsive, linear braking and one of the segment’s shortest braking distances.

The 2.0-litre model features electro-hydraulic power-assisted steering (EHPAS) and the 1.6-litre features hydraulic power-assist. Both steering systems deliver optimal road feedback and precise steering control that have helped make all new-generation Mazda vehicles some of the best handling vehicles in their respective classes.

The Mazda3 hatchback continues Mazda’s determination to deliver a safety package for all its new generation vehicles that exceed expectations. Superb dynamic characteristics, steering and braking ensure safe and predictable driving under normal conditions. Supplemental to this is a full line-up of active safety systems. These include four-wheel ABS with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and built in mechanical brake assistance, along with optional dynamic stability control (DSC) with traction control (TCS) for superior vehicle stability and braking performance on slippery roads and in emergency situations.

Disc brakes, front and rear, offer superior braking effectiveness, consistency, rigidity and response. A 10-inch (255mm) single vacuum booster enhances brake effectiveness and response by ensuring linear increase in deceleration as pedal travel increases. The result is one of the segment’s shortest braking distances from 100 km/h in just 37 metres. Mazda3 also features an "intelligent" auto light system that improves headlight longevity and also helps the driver better adapt to situations where light conditions on the road ahead can suddenly change.

Mazda3’s new five-door body structure is a product of Mazda’s Advance Impact Distribution and Absorption System (MAIDAS) and features Mazda’s unique Triple-H design, which delivers a safe and strong passenger cell that resists impact deformation and disperses impact energy in all possible crash scenarios. Inside Mazda3’s rigid passenger cell are dual-stage front airbags, seatbelts with pretensioners and load-limiters, standard front side airbags and optional curtain airbags.

A collapsible steering column, collapsible brake pedal, energy absorbing pillar and roof side trim materials make Mazda3’s passive safety package one of the best in this segment. In fact, internal testing has indicated that the new Mazda3 will receive a 4-star Euro NCAP rating or better.