MIMS 2009 – Mazda

It was all about the Mazda 3 at this display. The first Australian public reveal of Mazda’s best selling model surprised me somewhat. In picture form the 3 can look a bit awkward with its huge smiling face, however, in the metal the car looks more cohesive and one would be extremely surprised if the sales success doesn’t continue for Mazda. The new model goes on local sale in April.

Mazda broke the ice, and the not-another-speech monotony with a performance from the Scared Weird Little Guys. It was a so-so performance from the comedy duo, but a welcome relief all the same.

Don’t forget, the worldwide public debut of the new Mazda 3 MPS will take place at the Melbourne International Motor Show on Wednesday 4 March. The new MPS will make its media debut in Geneva, but with time zone differences Mazda has been able to secure the coup of the first public showing taking place down under. Pretty cool, huh.

Mazda’s iconic MX-5 has also had a facelift recently, and this was shown for the first time in Melbourne, too.

Mazda at 2009 MIMS – New-generation Mazda3

The new-generation Mazda3 team faced two major challenges:

• Deliver a second-generation Mazda3 that outperforms the highly-acclaimed, successful first-generation Mazda3
• Deliver a small car range that would meet the needs of future Mazda owners in more than 100 countries around the world

The team came up with four overriding principles that would guide the development of the new-generation Mazda3:

1. The ultimate exhilarating ride in an exciting sport compact

• The bold face and dynamic body express Mazda’s sporty, spirited character. Flowing body lines and a beautiful interior highlight graceful refinement and high-quality craftsmanship. Expressive and emotional, even at a glance, this car is designed to excite any driver.

2. Driving excitement and high quality that stirs the driver’s passion

• Agile driving performance strengthens the sense of oneness between the driver and car, and provides an enhanced sense of control.
• Whether cruising round town or flying along the highway, the car responds precisely to the driver’s intentions at any speed, providing a wonderful sense of oneness and safety.
• The driver-oriented cockpit enables the driver to relax and concentrate on the road ahead.
• A well-refined ride ensures every day driving is enjoyable.

3. A more expressive and emotional design that emphasises dynamism

• For the new-generation Mazda3, the team identified the keywords “Tension” and “Transition” to achieve this fresh new look.
• The flow of the Mazda3’s lines runs toward the centre of the body in what the development team called a “centre focus.”
• The concept employs three-dimensional “transitions” that connect one line to another, giving the body a lively and deeply expressive look, and an overall image that expresses dynamism.

4. Environmentally friendly

• Progressive environmental and safety features embody the Sustainable Zoom-Zoom concept.
• Mazda is committed to making cars that always provide exhilarating driving by enhancing the environmental and safety performance. The new-generation Mazda3 boasts top class aerodynamics and weight reduction achieved through Mazda’s detailed weight management process. The improved powertrains offer greater dynamic performance and fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions, helped by cutting edge technologies such as clean diesel.

At a Glance

First-generation Mazda3

• Global sales of the first-generation Mazda3 have grown year-on-year since launch in 2003
• Total production has passed two million vehicles, making it the most successful Mazda model
• Mazda3 accounts for one-third of Mazda’s global sales
• The first-generation Mazda3 has won more than 90 awards around the globe, including:

1. Wheels Active Safety Program – 2008
2. People’s Choice Awards, Small Car – 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
3. Drive Best Small Car over $20,000 – 2006, 2007, 2008

• Australians have bought 158,321 first-generation Mazda3 models to the end of January 2009
• Mazda3 became the first Mazda to reach number one in Australia, a feat it achieved in January 2009
• The Mazda3 and 323 small cars have notched up 397,013 sales to end of January 2009

New-Generation Mazda3

• New-generation Mazda3 launches in Australia in April 2009
• New-generation Mazda3 blends sporty driving and dynamic design, with strong environmental and safety performance
• Every new-generation Mazda3 model will come standard with Dynamic Stability Control
• More than 50 per cent of all Mazda3s will have satellite navigation and Bluetooth standard
• Mazda3 range includes Neo, Maxx, Maxx Sport and SP25
• New-generation Mazda3 will continue Mazda’s commitment to delivering the best value for money in the small-car class

Exterior

• Powerful and emotional design with a richer expression and more dynamic stance
• Two distinct body styles – five-door hatchback and four-door sedan
• A purposeful new face that integrates the front grille’s lower section into the five-point grille to further distinguish the unique character of the Mazda brand
• Aerodynamics improved with drag coefficient (Cd) of only 0.31 (sedan) and 0.33 (hatchback), down 0.01 for each body-style and among the leaders in its class
• The bold curve and low centre of gravity of the protruding rear shoulders on the five-door hatchback inherit the distinctive ‘Mazda3 look’ established by the previous model
• Sedan has the refined flowing lines of a coupe silhouette
• Minimal gaps between body panels a testament to solid quality

Interior

• NVH improved 6-11 per cent through aerodynamic refinements, increased rigidity, optimal positioning of vibration dampening material
• Sporty and sophisticated interior combines a sense of roominess with a dashboard turned to the driver for one-with-the-car feel. Gearshift lever placed closer to driver for easier shifting
• Use of soft-grained surface material on the upper section of the dashboard combines with minimal parting lines to achieve a vastly improved look of interior quality
• State-of-the-art ergonomics and Human Machine Interface with “zone layout” reduces distraction from the road, as seen in Mazda6, including multi-information display (MID)
• New interactive lighting control and illumination entry system imparts refined quality

Powertrains

• Three engines will be offered in the Australian new-generation Mazda3 range:

1. MZR 2.0-litre 108kW / 182Nm four-cylinder petrol
2. MZR 2.5-litre 122kW / 227Nm four-cylinder petrol
3. MZR-CD 2.2-litre 110kW / 360Nm four-cylinder turbodiesel

• New-generation Mazda3 transmissions

1. Six-speed manual now standard on all models
2. Five-speed Activematic replaces four-speed Activematic option on all petrol models

• Refined MZR 2.0-litre petrol engine is standard on Neo, Maxx and Maxx Sport sedan and hatch

1. New catalyst uses single nanotechnology for reduced emissions

• New MZR 2.5-litre petrol engine replaces 2.3-litre in SP models

1. Power is up 7kW, torque up 24Nm

• New MZR-CD 2.2-litre turbodiesel part of the same diesel engine family as that in the Mazda6

1. Power is up 5kW, torque of 360Nm peaks 200rpm lower at 1,800rpm
2. Meets Euro stage V emission standards
3. Mazda unique Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) offers reduced regeneration times

Chassis and Safety

• Major evolution of the architecture for more balance between the sports/comfort ratio
• 17 per cent increase in use of high and ultra-high tensile steels versus outgoing model
• Double-digit increases in flexural and torsional criteria for improved handling and safety
• Despite larger dimensions and increased body strength and crash-worthiness, Mazda engineers used weight management to keep the increase to approx 40kg
• Newly-evolved MacPherson strut front suspension, multilink rear suspension
• Electro-hydraulic power assist steering introduced to all versions for a light and stable steering feel and reduced fuel consumption
• ABS, EBD, EBA, TCS, DSC, front airbags standard

Mazda at 2009 MIMS – 2009 Mazda MX-5

The Mazda MX-5, the world’s favourite roadster, is about to get even better.

An expressive and aerodynamic new Mazda five-point fascia headlines a host of cosmetic, mechanical and ergonomic upgrades that will make the 2009 Mazda MX-5 Roadster even more fun-to-drive and attract more people to this unique, pure roadster.

Jinba-Ittai, translated to mean “oneness between horse and rider” has been the MX-5’s guiding principle since the third-generation model launched in 2005. It expresses the intimate driving relationship between the MX-5 and its driver, and the immense driving exhilaration that results.

The updated Mazda MX-5 will be offered in soft-top and folding hard-top configurations arriving in showrooms mid-March.

All Mazda MX-5 models feature the free-spinning 118kW MZR 2.0-litre petrol engine, now with a 7,500rpm rev limit (on manual models), which drives the rear wheels through a six-speed manual or optional six-speed Activematic transmission with paddle shifters.

The pinnacle of the refreshed MX-5 range will be a Roadster Coupe with an optional Sports Pack that adds Recaro sports seats and distinctive BBS alloy wheels to the Roadster Coupe’s already generous equipment list that includes a six-disc, 200W, premium Bose audio system with auxiliary audio jack for MP3 connectivity, cruise control, air-conditioning, height-adjustable driver’s seat and more.

The MX-5 roadster’s importance to Mazda, and to motoring enthusiasts, should not be understated, said Mazda Australia Managing Director Doug Dickson.

“The feisty little Mazda MX-5 Roadster is the Zoom-Zoom heart and soul of Mazda. It embodies our Stylish, Insightful and Spirited brand values more than any other car we make. And that means its significance to Mazda stretches well beyond its performance on a sales chart.

“No other two-seat roadster can match the MX-5 for driving fun, excitement and value.”