Mazda 3 Facelift for UK Revealed

Press Release

• Enhancements bring ‘matured quality’ to many aspects of the car
• 15-strong model range with saloon and hatchback body styles
• Choice of three petrol and two diesel engines – all Euro 4 compliant
• 6-speed manual for 2.0 Sport models, new 1.6 and 90ps diesel for hatchbacks
• Four equipment levels – S, TS, TS² and Sport

The ‘upgraded’ Mazda3 model range benefits from much more than a mere facelift and builds on the many virtues that have made the original Mazda3 the Mazda brand’s top-selling model globally, with more than 21,000 delivered since launch in the UK.

Beneath the stylish exteriors of the upgraded Mazda3’s immensely popular hatchback and saloon, are a host of technical innovations and numerous improvements include higher levels of standard specification, enhanced cabin comfort, improved NVH and significant reductions in cabin noise.

The upgraded Mazda3 range now on sale in the UK will offer customers a 15-strong model line-up with a choice of five powertrains and four equipment levels. Most petrol and diesel engined models, including the new 90ps diesel version, are arriving at dealer showrooms this month.

On-the road prices start at £11,400 (Mazda3 1.4 S hatchback) and rise to £16,330 for the range-topping Mazda3 2.0 Sport. Sales of Mazda3 in the UK are expected to reach around 13,000 units during 2006 and to maintain a similar level next year. The dramatic new range-topping 250ps Mazda3 MPS ‘super hatch’, delivering 0-62mph acceleration in just 6.1 seconds, will join the UK line-up during the first quarter of 2007.

Mazda3 upgrade is available in four new body colours – Carbon Grey Mica, Phantom Blue Mica, Aurora Blue Mica and Icy Blue Metallic – with three existing colours, Black Mica, Sunlight Silver Metallic and Arctic White solid.

All models feature a re-styled front bumper, front grille and rear bumper with more modern lines to convey a fresher, smarter image. Sport models have a simplified two-bar grille and new angular front fog lamps. Stylish new designs of 15-inch, 16-inch and 17-inch diameter alloy wheels are available – depending on model.

All models benefit from Mazda engineers developing new measures to counteract engine and road noise and to significantly improve NVH. Inside, there are higher quality seat materials and colours across the range, with a dark toned silver centre stack on all but S models, which have piano black, and upgraded upholstery in wine-red tone on a pure black base for both the TS and TS² versions.

Aerodynamic drag reductions, together with engine improvements, have resulted in significantly improved fuel consumption and reduced CO₂ emissions for most models, with many vehicles moving into a lower Road Fund Licence Band.

CHANGES AT A GLANCE

Exterior and Interior Design

• Enhanced front grille design
• Enhanced front and rear bumper design
• New angular front fog lamp design for the Sport
• LED rear lights (standard on Sport)
• New alloy wheel designs (16, 17 and 18-inch diameter)
• Four new exterior colours
• New seat and trim materials
• Instrument panel with new piano black trim for the S model
• Silver accents added to AC dial and gearshift knob

Functionality, Equipment and Comfort

• New white meters with indirect blue lighting for better readability (for S, TS and TS² derivatives)
• Cruise control standard on Sport
• Climate control air-conditioning standard on TS
• Modified boot opening design and new boot lid recess for improved accessibility (saloon)
• New sound insulation under the bonnet and in body cavities
• New alternator with lower noise at high speeds
• Modifications for reduced engine drone
• Revised internal tyre structure for lower road noise

Powertrain

• Lower fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions on all engines
• Sequential valve timing (S-VT) for 2.0-litre petrol, improves low-end torque
• Electronic throttle control for 2.0-litre petrol for better acceleration feel
• Six-speed manual transmission for 2.0-litre petrol

Chassis and Safety

• Modified front suspension housings and tunnel cross member stiffen body shell
• New full-displaced valve (FDV) front dampers
• New steering knuckle arm position for reduced wheel toe-out on bumps
• New monotube rear dampers with larger diameter
• New rear suspension lateral link positioning for increased toe-in on bumps
• Rear stabiliser performance optimised with new mounting position
• New underbody front and rear tyre deflector shapes and floor cover for improved aerodynamics
• Front and rear seatbelt reminder system with audible ‘unbuckle’ warning
• New steering wheel adjustment lever design and energy absorbing padding added to steering column to reduce risk of knee injury

STANDARD EQUIPMENT

Mazda3 S

• Driver and passenger front and side airbags
• ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
• EBA (Emergency Brake Assist )
• Remote central locking with dead locks
• Thatcham Category 1 alarm and immobiliser
• Folding jack-knife key
• 15-inch steel wheels
• Electric front windows
• Electric/heated door mirrors
• Height and reach adjustable steering wheel
• Height adjustable driver’s seat
• Radio/single CD audio system with four speakers
• Manual air-conditioning (£500 option)

Mazda3 TS

• Additional equipment over S model:
• Curtain airbags
• Steering wheel-mounted audio controls
• Adjustable lumbar support (driver’s seat)
• Reading lamp
• 15-inch alloy wheels
• Climate control air conditioning
• Black / Red trim

Mazda3 TS²

• Additional equipment over TS model:
• Leather steering wheel and gearknob
• Electric rear windows (global closure)
• Trip computer
• DSC (Dynamic Stability Control)
• TCS (Traction Control System)
• 6-CD autochanger
• 16-inch alloy wheels

Mazda3 Sport

• Additional equipment over TS² model.
• 6-speed manual transmission
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Xenon headlights with auto levelling
• Bose audio system
• Two additional audio speakers (total six)
• Rain sensor wipers and auto lights on
• Cruise control
• Black-out instrument cluster
• Sports body styling, including sports front and rear bumpers, side skirts, rear spoiler and front fog lights
• Black Sports interior trim