Mazda 3 MPS: In Depth

Mazda3 MPS

Mazda's Best-selling Vehicle in Europe

June 19, 2006 7:48 PM
Filed Under: Mazda

Press Release

Introduction

Mazda has a long tradition of compact car production with the Mazda 323, which is Mazda’s best-selling model to date with over 1.9 million units sold in Europe alone. When its successor, the Mazda3, was launched in September 2003, it was Mazda Motor Corporation’s fourth new-generation vehicle and had all of the strengths of its three predecessors built into a single outstanding compact. And it would need them to compete in Europe’s large, highly competitive and important C-segment, which in 2005 accounted for around 3.3 million cars, more than 20 % of the entire passenger car market. With its collection of outstanding attributes – a fun to drive character with emotional styling and high levels of craftsmanship – Mazda3 promised to be much more than just a worthy successor to the Mazda 323. But nobody could have 6 known at the time just how worthy it would turn out to be.

Mazda3 – the child prodigy

In March 2005 – only 17 months after launch – Mazda3 broke the best single month record for volume of its very successful predecessor, and did it much earlier in its life cycle than the 323 had in Europe. But this was only the beginning. By mid-2005 Mazda3 had become Mazda’s best-selling vehicle in Europe and for that year almost 96,000 units had been registered and it had captured 2.5 % of the compact segment. So far a total of around 222,000 Mazda3s have found owners since launch. The popularity of Mazda’s child prodigy is not just a European phenomenon. Since its arrival on the world stage – August 2003 to April 2006 – more than 920,000 Mazda3s were produced worldwide and demand so strong that production at Mazda’s Ujina No. 2 plant in Hiroshima had to be increased at the end of June 2005.

Mazda3 hatchback + MZR 1.6-litre petrol – the combination of choice

When you see a Mazda3 on the road in Europe today, it will probably be a hatchback with a 1.6-litre petrol under the bonnet. Of Mazda3’s two distinct body styles – a racy five- door hatchback and an elegant yet athletic sedan – the five- door is by far the most popular in Europe. In Italy, for instance, 98 % of all Mazda3 registrations in 2005 were for hatchbacks. In France it was 96 %, in the UK 90 %, in Germany 84 % and in Spain this figure was 69 %. In all, nearly 80 % of all Mazda3s sold in 2005 were hatchbacks. Under the bonnet, petrol led the way in 2005 with 70 % of all customers choosing an MZR power unit. Of these, 71 % were an MZR 1.6-litre petrol – not surprising, as this spirited 105 PS engine delivers high levels of Zoom-Zoom driving fun.

Global automotive awards – 65 and still counting

Customers have not been the only people on the planet to find the Mazda3 appealing. The car, like the Mazda6, has also been very popular among automotive experts the world over. In 2004, Mazda3 proved it could compete with the big boys in its segment by placing second in the European Car of the Year award, tied with the VW Golf. Mazda3 has won many national titles including Car of the Year in Denmark, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Canada and Turkey. It has also won several prestigious automobile publication and consumer awards, including Auto Week’s America’s Best Economy Car 2004 award in the USA. Through April 2006, Mazda3 had won a total of 65 automobile or consumer awards globally.

Design – Improved Quality Feel

The key to Mazda3’s successful run up the compact segment sales charts in Europe has been its emotional appeal. In fact, exterior design is most frequently mentioned as an important reason for purchase. There are two highly distinctive body styles to choose from – an elegant and athletic sedan and a youthful and aggressively designed five-door hatchback.

For the upgraded version, designers made discreet changes to enhance the emotional appeal that Mazda3 has always possessed. The front and rear bumpers get press line adjust- ments. At the front, for example, the press line on the inside of the headlamps no longer extends down into the upper bumper sections as before, but now ends at the top of the bumper line (running from fender to fender). This results in a clearer separation of bonnet and bumper and gives the Mazda3 facelift – both sedan and hatchback – a slightly more powerful frontal stance. At the back, the bumper reflectors are now placed a bit closer to the license plate holder and new black lamp bezels are introduced. Added to this are new alloy wheel designs for all wheel sizes and seven new body colours, bringing the total to 12. To enhance the distinct look of both body styles even further, the sedan now has a chrome moulding at the top edge of the five-point grille to support its elegant image, while the hatchback’s upper grille section is body coloured to support its sportier appeal.

Updated Sports Appearance Package (SAP)

As with the outgoing model, an SAP package is available for both the sedan and hatchback versions of the Mazda3 facelift. It too has design updates that include new 17-inch wheels, a new angular fog lamp design very similar to the sportier MPS model, side skirts and a rear spoiler. For the sedan with and without SAP, LED rear lamps are also introduced for an even higher quality look.

Mazda3 Facelift Interior Design – an even nicer place to be

The inside of original Mazda3 repeated the emotional appeal of the exterior by delivering functional elegance with aesthetic design, high craftsmanship and an attention to ergonomics that customers appreciate on a daily basis. For Mazda3 facelift new interior colours, new materials and aluminium accents, all executed with even better craftsmanship, are introduced for a higher quality feel to make the car even more aesthetically appealing and an even nicer place to be.

Kansei Engineering – engineering emotion into the Mazda3

To help deliver appealing exterior and interior designs for the Mazda3, Kansei Engineering was employed. Invented in the 1970s by Professor Mitsuo Nagamachi (Dean of Hiroshima International University) it measures feelings of consumers and shows the relationship of these emotions to certain product properties. Mazda was one of the first to employ this system in designing the Mazda MX-5, which has since become the best-selling roadster of all time.

Two new interior colour schemes (depending on grade and market) enhance the model: a grey interior colour for a feeling of high-class sporty refinement, and a sports-oriented black interior. New seat fabrics are also introduced that are unique to each grade, with a more pleasing texture and chosen for their higher quality feel. Both interior colour packages now have a stylish piano black decoration finish on the dashboard (depending on grade), while the dials now have a bright silver look for a touch of elegance. The power window bezels, steering wheel switch bezels and the centre panel have a new dark silver trim as well. The Sports Grade (depending on market) with black interior and blackout type meters includes a decorative insert finished with a hairline treatment in the instrument panel to communicate even more high quality and sportiness.

Functionality, Equipment and Comfort – Enhancing a Winning Formula

Great to look at inside and out, Mazda3 is also versatile, comfortable and easy to use on the inside. One of the C-segment´s larger vehicles, Mazda3 delivers good knee, shoulder and headroom front and back, a good view of the road and both vertical and telescopic steering wheel adjust- ment. The front seats are comfortable on long trips with good side support for sportier driving habits, the 60/40 split back seats fold for a large load space if necessary and there are four door pockets, a large double-bottom centre console with cupholders, and pockets behind both front seats.

New features for even more ease-of-use

In updating the Mazda3, designers enhanced this winning formula of roominess and practicality by making the interior even easier to use. They introduced an instrument cluster 18 with white driver meters with indirect blue illumination on base and mid grades, which improves readability during half- light conditions. They redesigned the sedan’s interior boot trim for easier loading of bulky items like golf bags, and they gave the boot lid a hand recess to make it easier to open. An advanced keyless entry and start system is now available as well (depending on market and grade) with global opening and closing of all windows; along with cruise control for the 2.0-litre MZR petrol and the High Power 1.6-litre MZ-CD turbo diesel with 109 PS.

No More Bulky Keys

This has got to be the easiest key system ever. Just carrying the card-type key is enough to unlock the doors (and lock them when you get out of the car). And you can start the engine without a key by turning the ignition knob. Even cooler is its “outer door handle request switch” that you can use to open and close all windows from outside the car. This is especially handy in hot weather, since you can open the windows to cool down the car. Or if you forget to close a window when leaving the car, you can close it without having to get back in.

You can convert the Mazda3 facelift into a rolling concert hall with an optional seven-speaker Bose® car audio system (depending on market). This system incorporates a high- power 222 W digital amplifier specifically tuned to the characteristics of Mazda3´s new fabrics and materials for excellent sound quality. Also available is an integrated audio system (depending on market) with CD player, AM/FM tuner and a 20 GB hard disk drive (HDD) that makes sorting through CDs a thing of the past, as it can store up to approximately 3000 tracks.

NVH updates – a quieter ride for more comfort while travelling

Mazda3 facelift´s interior is not only easier to use than its predecessor, several features are introduced for improved noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) performance, making the ride more comfortable, especially for longer periods when cruising at higher speeds on the motorway. A revised generator is now under the bonnet with flatter and smoother surfaces of the generator’s cooling fan blades, resulting in less noise during operation. Engine drone at higher engine speeds is also reduced by increasing the rigidity of the joint bracket near the right drive shaft by modifying its design and by relocating the engine mounting to make it more rigid as well. Engineers also added new insulation material at the underside of the bonnet that, in conjunction with dash panel insulation already onboard, insulates passengers more effectively from engine noise at high speeds. Steps were also taken to reduce road noise, including new tyres with a redesigned internal structure for less roll noise. Suspension vibration characteristics were improved as well by reinforcing the wheel rims and adding dynamic dampers to the rear suspension cross member, which lower pendulum resonance here. Finally, new Thinsulate TM Acoustic soundproofing material was applied to the cabin, which helps reduce the level of both road and wind noise reaching the interior of the new Mazda3 facelift. The result of these measures is a reduction of interior noise levels by up to 1.5 decibels, which places the new Mazda3 among the class-leaders for quietness.

Powertrains – Even more Driving Enjoyment

Mazda3’s emotional appeal goes deeper than good looks and easy to use practicality and comfort. Another of its most attractive features is its sporty, fun to drive nature. Beneath the skin of both body styles are the same engines as the outgoing model, but retuned, updated and enhanced to deliver even better acceleration feel and low-end torque, while using less fuel. In other words, with Mazda3 facelift it’s even more driving enjoyment.

MZR 2.0-litre petrol – quicker, faster, more fun to drive

The top of the range MZR 2.0-litre petrol engine has been updated for the Mazda3 facelift to have better torque charac- teristics, improved acceleration feel, to use less fuel and now has a new six-speed manual transmission. Sequential valve timing (S-VT) is added to optimize intake valve operation 24 according to actual running conditions, which achieves a high charging efficiency. Combined with this engine’s variable induction system, S-VT helps this Mazda3 deliver powerful torque throughout the rev range for enhanced driveability. So while this engine produces the same maximum power of 110 kW/150 PS at 6500 rpm, it reaches its maximum torque of 187 Nm at 4000 rpm, which is 500 rpm earlier than the outgoing model (4500 rpm). How the MZR 2.0-litre petrol accelerates, the so-called acceleration feel, has also been improved with a newly adopted electronic throttle, which makes this engine seem even more lively and spirited.

Transmissions – new six-speed manual transmission for MZR 2.0-litre petrol and updated automatic

And to enhance the driving fun even more, the MZR 2.0-litre petrol is now available with a newly-introduced six-speed manual transmission. This transmission features triple-cone synchronizers for first and second gear, and double-cone synchronizers for third and fourth gears. Wider use of double and triple-cone synchronizers gives a sporty, short-stroke feel with less shift effort. Sixth gear has a high-ratio to contribute to improved quietness at high speed as well as enhanced fuel economy. All other engines retain the five-speed manual transmission as standard. This gearbox has contributed to Mazda3’s fun to drive character since launch, and is now further refined with improved clutch operating feel. The MZR 1.6-litre petrol engine can still be ordered with an electronically controlled, four-speed automatic transmission (depending on market), which allows the driver to drive in automatic mode or with sequential manual shifting. It has been updated to deliver a smooth, linear and direct feel to complement engine performance.

MZR 1.6 and 1.4-litre petrols – improved acceleration feel

The most popular engine in the line up – the MZR 1.6-litre petrol engine with a maximum power output of 77 kW/105 PS at 6,000 rpm and maximum torque of 145 Nm at 4,000 rpm – retains the same S-VT and VIS as the original model. The base MZR 1.4-litre petrol engine did not escape an update either. Designed for more cost-conscious drivers, it still produces 62 kW/84 PS of maximum power at 6,000 rpm and 122 Nm of maximum torque at 4,000 rpm, but now has newly modified valve timing based on the S-VT already employed. This heightens charging efficiency at low engine speeds and 26 enhances torque at low and middle engine speeds for powerful, easy driving.

Mazda3’s MZ-CD turbo diesels

The MZ-CD 1.6-litre common-rail turbo diesel engine remains in the Mazda3 facelift line up for Europe. Two power derivatives are available (according to market), a Standard Power version with maximum power output of 66 kW/90 PS and a High Power version with 80 kW/109 PS at 4,000 rpm and maximum torque of 215 Nm and 240 Nm at just 1,750 rpm respectively. Both deliver an exceptional balance of power, low fuel consumption and emissions and low NVH. Both of these DOHC 16-valve engines feature all-aluminium construction for low weight and high rigidity, along with a 1600 bar ultra-high pressure common-rail injection system. The standard powered diesel employs a fixed geometry turbocharger and the higher powered diesel employs a variable geometry turbocharger and also a diesel particulate filter.

Merits of Electronic Throttle

Lower fuel consumption for all engines

Mazda engineers also introduced measures to improve fuel economy for all engines. These include lower tensile forces on piston rings, which helps reduce the engine's internal friction loss, and optimization of the engine control parameters. Added to this are new features to improve Mazda3 facelift´s drag coefficient (see next chapter for details), which has been lowered from 0.31 to only 0.30 (hatchback with 15-inch wheels). This results in lower fuel consumption for all engines. With today’s high fuel prices, these improvements mean a substantial lowering of operating costs over the life of the car.

Mazda3 Facelift Fuel Consumption Improvements by Engine

MZR 1.4L Petrol

MZR 1.6L Petrol

MZR 2.0L Petrol

Fuel consumption (Combined)

7.1 / 6.7

7.2 / 6.9

8.2 / 7.9

Fuel consumption

lowered by

5.6 %

4.2 %

3.6 %


MZ-CD 1.6L Diesel Standard Power

MZ-CD 1.6L Diesel High Power

Outgoing engine / upgraded engine

Fuel consumption (Combined)

5.0 / 4.7

5.0 / 4.8

Fuel consumption lowered by

6 %

4 %

Chassis and Safety – Better Control at High Speeds

Another important factor contributing to the original Mazda3’s success was its outstanding handling and safety. Adding a firm yet comfortable ride, excellent controllability and responsive steering feel – and a long list of active and passive safety features – to its emotionally appealing design and functionality made Mazda3 a truly fun car to look at, be in and drive on a daily basis.

Enhanced body rigidity for a more crisp steering response

New body shell reinforcements have been added to the Mazda3 with the goal of making the car’s structure even stiffer. The front suspension housings have a new bracket connecting them to the frame of the fender and the tunnel cross member that connects the transmission tunnel on the body underside has been extended to the frame side 32 members on both sides. These two body shell updates reduce suspension housing and body deformation, and help minimize wheel camber change when cornering, for an even more linear steering response. They also help refine ride comfort by reducing transmission of road vibration from the body’s front end.

Suspension updates for more control during sporty driving

Mazda3’s acclaimed suspension system – with a MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension – has also been updated to enhance steering response, stability and to deliver an even flatter ride. For the 2006 version of Mazda3, engineers changed the mounting point of the steer- ing knuckle arm to a more optimal position, which reduces understeer during fast cornering and decreases wheel toe-out by about 25 % on bumps. The revised front dampers reduce damping force lag between compression and extension and make Mazda3 facelift even smoother and more stable during cornering or lane changing at high speeds. For Mazda3 facelift´s multi-point rear suspension, gineers increased rear wheel grip and further improved high speed stability in curves. The lateral link in front of the knuckle now has a new mounting point position, which results in a 30 % increase in toe-in when driving over bumps. The rear axle now employs monotube dampers with a larger piston diameter than the outgoing model’s twintube dampers, which improves short stroke damping force and gives a flatter ride. The stabilizer effect has been maximized as well by extending the gap between the rear sub-frame and the rear stabilizer mounting point.

Improved aerodynamics

Engineers also improved Mazda3’s drag coefficient from 0.31 to 0.30 (hatchback with 15–inch wheels), by optimizing airflow characteristics under the car’s body. This reduction 34 in drag enhances sporty driving and stability even further. To achieve this, engineers introduced a centre floor cover (hatchback only) and tyre deflectors, which contribute to even more exceptional handling stability, with predictable straight line driving and high-speed lane changing.

Advanced aerodynamics

Developers of the Mazda3 facelift used advanced aerodynamic simulation technology to test and identify the most suitable underbody shapes to control wind turbulence and eddies under the car at high speeds. The upgraded underbody has been smoothed out at the front, which reduces turbulence under and along the side of the car. This not only makes the Mazda3 facelift more stable during high-speed, straight ahead driving, but lowers overall fuel consumption by reducing aerodynamic drag and allows better acceleration at high speeds.

Enhanced passenger safety technologies

Mazda3 has always been safe, controllable and predictable to drive under normal conditions. Its standard active safety package includes ventilated 278 mm disc breaks at the front and solid 265 mm discs at rear (for the MZR 2.0-litre, 300 mm at the front and 280 mm at the rear), ABS, EBD and emergency brake assist. Dynamic stability control (DSC) is also available for controllable and stable handling, along with auto light and rain-sensing wiper systems for clear visibility of the road in bad weather and during night driving. For the upgraded model, the suspension updates mentioned above contribute to making the car safer to drive in the straight-ahead position and to provide improved cornering stability. The Mazda3 facelift body shell is now more rigid than the outgoing model with the front suspension housings 36 now bracketed to the fender frame and a new tunnel cross member now extended to the frame side members on both sides.

On the passive side, Mazda3 has front airbags, front side airbags, optional curtain airbags (depending on market), seatbelt pretensioners with load-limiters and a collapsible brake pedal. Two new updates are introduced with the Mazda3 facelift that make the car even safer. The steering column has been completely redesigned with energy- absorbing padding and the shape of the steering wheel adjustment lever modified, both of which will help reduce the risk of driver knee injury in a serious frontal impact. Also new is a seatbelt reminder system that now includes passenger seat and the rear seats. A display above the rear view mirror indicates if all seatbelts are buckled and an audible buzzer sounds if someone anywhere in the car is not buckled up.