Third-generation Mazda3 revealed

The Mazda3 has just celebrated its tenth birthday and what better way to build on its impressive legacy than by releasing an all-new model. And that’s just what Mazda did overnight, hosting a special preview event in Melbourne, ahead of launches to follow in New York, London, St Petersburg and Istanbul.

As you can see the third-generation Mazda3 draws heavily on the stylish Kodo design language on which the larger Mazda6 is based. The low front-end flows smoothly to a rear-end that we think Subaru probably wished adorned their Impreza. That’s to say the result is, based on the photos provided, cohesive and well resolved. It’s a nice looking car.

The all-new Mazda3 is 60mm longer, 40mm wider and 15mm lower than the old model. It boasts a new and improved interior which introduces a new Human Machine Interface; that means a big screen with all the expected connectivity and infotainment gadgets for the most part. Aside from the faux carbon fibre bits, which rarely look any good, the new interior is a nice progression for Mazda.

An Active Driving Display (read head-up display) will show speed as well as basic sat nav instructions. Althoguh it will only be available on selected models.

In Australia we’ll be offered two engine choices, both are petrol units carrying the Skyactiv-G branding; starting with a 114kW/200Nm 2.0 litre, joined by a 138kW/250Nm 2.5 litre.

Mazda has sold 3.5 million Mazda3s around the world since its initial launch, with almost one in ten going to Australian buyers. We expect its sales success will continue when the car hits local showrooms early next year.

All-New Mazda3 Breaks Cover

27 June 2013

Melbourne last night hosted the global reveal of the eagerly anticipated All-New Mazda3, ahead of launch events in New York, London, St Petersburg and Istanbul.

The all-new third-generation Mazda3 has been redesigned from the ground up and has adopted Mazda’s award winning ‘KODO – Soul of Motion’ design theme and the full-suite of SKYACTIV Technologies.

Offering a sporty, dynamic exterior look including the KODO inspired front grille and signature wing, All-New Mazda3 has been totally transformed. The low nose expresses a strong sense of forward motion while the tips of the wing merge into the headlamps which are designed to resemble the sharp eyes of a predatory animal.

Stylish undulations combined with dynamic lines express motion in a rhythmical flow that extends down the length of the car. A sense of speed is further emphasised by the roof spoiler at the rear of the hatchback along with the sleek, compact shape of the rear combination lamps.

To support the unique design language of KODO and its sportier styling, All-New Mazda3’s wheelbase is 60mm longer and it is 40mm wider and 15mm lower than its predecessor.

The exhilaration of driving is enhanced by the stunning interior. Debuting newly developed carbon-fibre look materials and equipment with high sheen satin chrome finishes, the All-New Mazda3 cockpit is driver focussed and offers a roomy, comfortable environment.

Introduced for the first time with the third generation Mazda3 is a new car connectivity system that broadens the scope of the driving experience. The system features a new Human Machine Interface (HMI) that is designed with the highest priority placed on driving safety.

Drivers will be better connected than ever before. Phone, email and SMS will be easier to access, navigation will be simpler and social media will be safer to use thanks to a seven-inch screen, improved controls and Bluetooth.

Further supporting the driver is the newly developed, heads up Active Driving Display. Available on selected models; vehicle speed, turn-by-turn directions from the navigation system, and other important driving information, are displayed on a clear panel vertically mounted above the meter hood.

In Australia, All-New Mazda3 will be offered with two engine choices at launch, the SKYACTIV-G 2.0-litre petrol engine and the new SKYACTIV-G 2.5-litre petrol engine. The 2.0-litre option produces maximum power of 114kW and 200Nm of torque while the larger 2.5-litre alternative has an output of 138kW and 250Nm.

With over 3.5 million sales world-wide and with Australian numbers approaching 340,000, Mazda3 is sold in over 120 countries and is the brand’s best-selling name plate, accounting for 30% of global sales.

Mazda Australia’s managing director, Martin Benders said: “Rarely does a manufacturer get to replace Australia’s most popular car with such an impressive new model, we are in the unique position to be able to do this with Mazda3. Mazda3 has been the top selling car in Australia for the past two years, its sales are holding up strongly in 2013 and we are confident that the All-New Mazda3, with its refined styling and sporty and dynamic looks, could again be a favourite amongst Australia’s new car buyers when it becomes available next year.”

All-New Mazda3 arrives in Australian showrooms in the first quarter of 2014.

Download

• Mazda3 design press kit (1.2mb PDF)