Can You Spot the New MAZDA3 in this Picture?
Neither can we…but somewhere behind this gorgeous model at the Bologna Motor Show is Mazda’s latest hatchback for 2010. The vehicle is even curvier than previous models, showing off more of the “Flow” concept designed the Japanese motor company has been touting since 2005. MAZDA3’s 2.0 liter V6 pumps over 150 horse power along with the ability to comfortably fit your family, groceries and a puppy! More info after a further examination of this supposed car photograph.
All-new Mazda3
At a Glance*
* Global sales of the first-generation Mazda3 achieved year-on-year increases from launch to the present day
* Five years after the sales start, total sales have surpassed 1.8 million units, making it the top selling Mazda model
* The Mazda3 has won a total of 90 automobile awards around the globe since launch in 2003
* All-new Mazda3 to be launched in Europe in spring 2009
* All-new Mazda3 characteristics blend sporty driving and dynamic design, together with top class environmental and safety performance
Exterior
* Chief designer Kunihiko Kurisu describes the all-new Mazda3 as: “Remaining faithful to an inherited identity while evolving the design to make it more expressive.”
* Powerful emotional design with a richer expression and more dynamic stance
* Two distinct body styles – hatchback and saloon
* A new purposeful face that integrates the front grille’s lower section into the 5-point grille to further distinguish the unique character of the Mazda brand
* Aerodynamics improved with drag coefficient (Cd) of only 0.28 (sedan) and 0.30 (hatchback), some of the best in the C-segment
* All design elements focus on and flow into the centre to express power and dynamism
* Subtly curving lines along the sides and a wedge-shaped character line extending from the prominent front fenders communicate dynamism that makes the model appear to be about to run and reflect a design theme shared with the Mazda2 and Mazda6
* The bold curve and low centre of gravity of the protruding rear shoulders on the 5-door hatchback inherit the distinctive ‘Mazda3 look’ established by the previous model
* The saloon’s refined flowing lines feature a coupe-like silhouette
* Functional beauty as symbolized by the design of the airflow management system
* Minimal gaps between body panels signify solid quality
Interior
* Benefits from a 6-11 % noise reduction vs the previous generation, thanks to aerodynamic work, increased suspension rigidity, optimal positioning of vibration dampening material, increased bodyshell and panel rigidity
* Sporty and sophisticated interior design that combines a sense of roominess with a dashboard turned to the driver for sense of oneness with the car
* Use of soft grained surface material on the upper section of the dashboard combines with minimal join lines to achieve a vastly improved look of interior quality
* Practical central console with sliding armrest
* Gear shift lever placed closer to driver for easier shifting
* State of the art ergonomics and HMI with ‘zone layout’ for less distraction from the road
* New multi information display (MID)
* New interactive lighting control and illumination entry system
* New sport seats with optional 3 memory function
* 10-speaker Bose® premium surround sound system with Audiopilot2® noise compensation and centerpoint® surround system, and a hands-free system for Bluetooth-equipped cell phones and mobile audio players
Powertrains
* New MZR-CD 2.2-litre turbo diesel with high and standard power versions both reaching Euro Stage 5 emission standard. Mazda unique technology Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) offering reduced regeneration times
o High power version: 136 kW/185 PS at 3,500 rpm and 400 Nm of maximum torque at just 1,800-3,000 rpm and combined fuel consumption of 5.6 l/100 km (CO2: 149 g/km)
o Standard power version: 110 kW/150 PS at 3,500 rpm and 360 Nm at 1,800-2,600 rpm and combined fuel consumption of 5.4 l/100 km (CO2: 144 g/km)
* MZ-CD 1.6-litre turbo diesel with Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) produces 80kW/109 PS at 4000 rpm and 240 Nm of maximum torque at just 1750 rpm, and uses 0.3 litres less than the previous generation with a combined fuel consumption of 4.5 l/100 km (CO2: 119 g/km)
* MZR 2.0-litre petrol produces 110kW/150 PS at 6,500 rpm and maximum torque of 187 Nm at 4,000 rpm, with five-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift mode
* MZR 1.6-litre petrol produces 77 kW/105 PS at 6000 rpm and maximum torque of 145 Nm at 4000 rpm, and uses 0.6 litres less than the previous generation with a combined fuel consumption of 6.3 l/100 km (CO2: 149 g/km)
* New catalyst that uses single nanotechnology for both 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre petrol engines
Chassis & Safety
* Despite larger dimensions and more equipment, new Mazda3 weighs up to 15 kilos less
* Evolved C-platform running gear for better balance between the sports/comfort ratio
* 17 percent increase in use of high and ultra-high strength steels vs. outgoing model
* Double-digit increases in texural and torsional rigidity for improved handling and safety
* Newly evolved MacPherson strut front suspension
* Newly evolved multilink rear suspension
* Electro-hydraulic power assist steering introduced to all versions for a light, but stable steering feel and reduced fuel consumption
* ABS, EBD, brake assist, traction control system (TCS) DSC, front, side, and curtain airbags standard in all markets
* High-intensity Bi-xenon headlamps, pivoting Adaptative Front Lighting System, Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Rear Vehicle Monitoring (RVM) and tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and parking sensor system (available as options)
*Preliminary data, subject to homologation
Dec 29th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
[...] 2010 MAZDA3 – is that a vertical smile? [...]