Mazda has not long released info on the all-new Mazda3 sedan, which goes with last month’s debut of the hatchback model. So here’s a mega photo gallery for you featuring over 80 images of the sedan and hatch. The third-gen Mazda3 is sure to become another worldwide sales success for the independent manufacturer.
If the photos aren’t enough, then perhaps you might like to sink your teeth into the full press kit (13.5mb PDF), which tells you everything you need to know about the new Mazda3.
For example, the A-pillars have been pushed back by 100mm in a bid to improve forward visibility. Even the shape of the pillars was fine-tuned as a result of “eye point” studies carried out by Mazda.
The Mazda3 is a global product, so here’s the thoughts of three journos from three different continents who’ve driven pre-production models in the last week or so:
Autoblog (Steven Ewing): No one will confuse the steering for anything than an electronically assisted rack, but again, Mazda knows what it’s doing here. Every compliment we’ve ever given to the Mazda6 or CX-5 about its fantastic helm can be carried over here, with a rack that weights up nicely as you carry more speed and turn the wheels harder to the left or right, while still feeling effortless and light during slow-speed maneuvering.
Autocar (Matt Burt): There’s an overall sensation of lightness about the Mazda 3. That feeling is enhanced not only by the all-round slimming that comes with the SkyActiv tech, but also by the light touch to both the pedals and steering, and the slick precision of the short-throw six-speed manual gearbox.
Drive.com.au (Stephen Ottley): The suspension is well sorted. Although the ride felt soft at times – making it comfortable to drive around town – it still felt well balanced and taut in the switchback roads we encountered. We’ll reserve final judgement until we get it onto Australia’s less-than-perfect roads, but the initial impression is the new 3 is one of the most dynamically capable small cars.
Mazda Confirms Hi-Tech Advances as All-New Mazda3 Countdown Continues
July 15 2013
Mazda Australia has confirmed further details on the eagerly anticipated All-New Mazda3 following on from the recent unveilings of both hatchback and sedan body styles.
All-New Mazda3 has been re-designed from the ground-up with KODO: Soul of Motion design and SKYACTIV Technology giving engineers the opportunity to deliver a new car that is not only more stylish and more engaging to drive but more fuel efficient, safer and more connected than ever before.
Built using the full suite of SKYACTIV Technologies, All-New Mazda3 will be available at launch with a choice of the SKYACTIV-G 2.0 litre or SKYACTIV-G 2.5 litre petrol engines that deliver significant improvements in fuel efficiency.
All-New Mazda3s equipped with the SKYACTIV-G 2.0 litre petrol engine and SKYACTIV-Drive automatic transmission will use just 5.7 litres per 100km (combined cycle) while those with the larger SKYACTIV-G 2.5 litre petrol engine and SKYACTIV-Drive transmission will achieve an impressive 6.0 litres per 100km.
Mazda is firmly focussed on achieving fuel economy improvements while making cars that are fun-to-drive and the All-New Mazda3’s impressive fuel figures are achieved using regular unleaded fuel while still delivering strong engine performance.
The SKYACTIV-G 2.0-litre petrol engine produces maximum power of 114kW and 200Nm of torque while the larger 2.5-litre alternative has an output of 138kW and 250Nm.
Mazda has also confirmed that a number of i-ACTIVSENSE safety technologies including Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) and Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) will be made available on All-New Mazda3.
Blind Spot Monitoring assists drivers by highlighting objects in blind-spot areas to the sides and rear of the car and Smart City Brake Support assists in the prevention of front end collisions by reducing the speed of the car when it detects a slowing or stopped vehicle and automatically applying the brakes if necessary.
To complement an exhilarating driving experience and further improve safety, All-New Mazda3 also introduces a new Human Machine Interface (HMI) featuring a number of new features including the heads-up Active Driving Display.
In order to minimise distraction and keep the driver looking ahead, the heads-up Active Driving Display is mounted on a clear panel above the meter hood and presents vehicle speed, turn-by-turn directions from the navigation system and other important driving information.
A further HMI improvement to be introduced on All-New Mazda3 is a new connectivity system allowing the driver more intuitive access to a number of features including phone, navigation, audio and social media.
Information is clearly displayed on the centrally located seven-inch touchscreen and the driver can interact with the system using the HMI Commander located in the central console or by Bluetooth voice command.
Phone, email, SMS and social media will be easier to access, navigation is further improved and thousands of digital radio stations will be made available through Pandora® and Aha®.
Both sedan and hatchback body styles of the All-New Mazda3 have been re-designed from the ground up adopting Mazda’s signature ‘KODO – Soul of Motion’ design theme.
Focusing on the strength, beauty and tension found in the instantaneous movement seen in animals, Mazda’s designers have created a car that expresses movement with forceful vitality and speed.
Like the new Mazda3 hatch, the new sedan has a wheelbase that is 60mm longer, 40mm wider and 15mm lower than the existing model.
Mazda3 is sold in over 120 countries with global sales exceeding 3.5 million. In Australia, Mazda3 sales are approaching 340,000 and it has been the country’s most popular car for the last two years. All-New Mazda3 arrives in Australian showrooms in early 2014.
One reply on “2014 Mazda3 in detail”
Hmm .. I do like the overall package, however I am not sold on the placement of the number plate across the front. It takes away from the new design language. You’d have to get the smallest plate you could across the front.