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Mazda 3 sedan hits Australia

Mazda has had a taste of being number one in sales in Australia, and likes it -- which is hardly a surprise.
Mazda has had a taste of being number one in sales in Australia, and likes it -- which is hardly a surprise.
Knowing an all-new Mazda3 was due in 2014 Mazda Australia retaliated by persuading its head office that the global unveiling of the Mazda3 should rightly be held in Australia.
Knowing an all-new Mazda3 was due in 2014 Mazda Australia retaliated by persuading its head office that the global unveiling of the Mazda3 should rightly be held in Australia.
New 3 ushers in what Mazda calls i-Active Sense -- code for driver assist features like smart city brake support, auto brake function, blind spot monitoring, pedestrian safety system and a host of other technology designed to either avoid a crash or minim
New 3 ushers in what Mazda calls i-Active Sense -- code for driver assist features like smart city brake support, auto brake function, blind spot monitoring, pedestrian safety system and a host of other technology designed to either avoid a crash or minim
A five star crash rating is assured.
A five star crash rating is assured.
The Mazda 3 arrives with a choice of two naturally aspirated four cylinder petrol engines and two transmissions.
The Mazda 3 arrives with a choice of two naturally aspirated four cylinder petrol engines and two transmissions.
The 2.0-litre is capable of an impressive 5.7-litres/100km fuel economy (a 25 per cent improvement) while the 2.5 consumes 6.0.
The 2.0-litre is capable of an impressive 5.7-litres/100km fuel economy (a 25 per cent improvement) while the 2.5 consumes 6.0.
There's MZD-Connect, with a driver info-zone featuring the latest generation connectivity system for entertainment and information. The audio has digital radio as well as internet streaming, Aha and Stitcher internet radio, Facebook and Twitter.
There's MZD-Connect, with a driver info-zone featuring the latest generation connectivity system for entertainment and information. The audio has digital radio as well as internet streaming, Aha and Stitcher internet radio, Facebook and Twitter.
Power outputs are 114kW/200Nm for the smaller capacity engine and 138/250Nm for the larger.
Power outputs are 114kW/200Nm for the smaller capacity engine and 138/250Nm for the larger.
Fuel saving i-Stop is fitted as is push button start on some models. Both transmissions are six speed, both optimised for efficiency and compact size.
Fuel saving i-Stop is fitted as is push button start on some models. Both transmissions are six speed, both optimised for efficiency and compact size.
The suspension geometry is calibrated for local driving - the "rest of the world" setting from the factory which translates into sporty, linear, controlled and responsive. Other dynamics are similarly selected for local consumption.
The suspension geometry is calibrated for local driving - the "rest of the world" setting from the factory which translates into sporty, linear, controlled and responsive. Other dynamics are similarly selected for local consumption.
All models share the same calibration and both engines run on 91 octane fuel.
All models share the same calibration and both engines run on 91 octane fuel.
The 2.5 has excellent performance and feels more planted than the smaller engined car for some reason.
The 2.5 has excellent performance and feels more planted than the smaller engined car for some reason.
It's smoother and quieter and looks striking in the metal, inside and out.
It's smoother and quieter and looks striking in the metal, inside and out.
Noise and vibration is minimal even at high engine revs thanks in part to aerodynamics rated as low as 0.26Cd.
Noise and vibration is minimal even at high engine revs thanks in part to aerodynamics rated as low as 0.26Cd.
The small car segment had better look out because there's a new Mazda3 just around the corner that will likely show them all up.
The small car segment had better look out because there's a new Mazda3 just around the corner that will likely show them all up.
Looking similar to a slightly scaled-down Mazda6 in sedan form and a bit Alfa-ish around the tail on the hatch, the new Mazda3 brings with it a rash of advanced technology including one of the better multi-media systems in a car in this price bracket.
Looking similar to a slightly scaled-down Mazda6 in sedan form and a bit Alfa-ish around the tail on the hatch, the new Mazda3 brings with it a rash of advanced technology including one of the better multi-media systems in a car in this price bracket.
This is a ground up new model from Mazda with the full gamut of efficiency optimised SkyActiv technology.
This is a ground up new model from Mazda with the full gamut of efficiency optimised SkyActiv technology.
Not one part is shared with the current model. The car is the same length as the current model but has a longer wheelbase, is lower and wider.
Not one part is shared with the current model. The car is the same length as the current model but has a longer wheelbase, is lower and wider.
Gallery image 19
Gallery image 20
Contributing Journalist
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Mazda has brought a pre-production version into the country for its local reveal and predicts the car will follow the existing trend in matching the hatch for overall sales.

A more aggressive styling and a vastly improved standard of interior fit and finish should ensure the 3 stays at the head of the small car pack. The front end is the most impressive, with a wing-shaped design flowing from the bottom of the grille to the top of the headlights and then on to the heavily contoured front guards that gives the impression the arches have been flared.

The length is the same as the current model but the front and rear overhangs have been trimmed and the car is lower and wider. Exterior looks are subjective but there’s no doubt Mazda has made a concerted effort to lift the interior trim to Euro-style levels. Faux carbon-fibre and piano black highlights lift the interior and the contact points are all soft-touch.

The equipment has been upgraded to match. Top-spec versions will boast a seven-inch touchscreen with internet connectivity and a heads-up display that projects speed and satnav directions on to a plastic panel mounted between the steering wheel and dash.

It’s tilt-adjustable to compensate for different diver heights and seating positions. Blind-spot warning and a city smart brake support package highlight the new safety features. The brakes will automatically engage at speeds of 4-30km/h, which Mazda says is the first for the class.

The economical SkyActive engines have also been rolled out across the range. The base 2.0-litre four-cylinder is good for 114kW/200Nm and officially uses 5.7 litres of regular unleaded every 100km. That’s a huge cut on the 8.2L/100km in the base engine in the existing line-up. the 2.5-litre engine produces 138kW/250Nm and returns 6L/100km, down from 8.6 littres.

The cars will be sold with a six-cogs in manual and automatic guise. Marking manager Alastair Doak says 30 per cent of Mazda 3 sales are manuals, giving the company no reason to go auto-only. 

Prices have yet to be set but are expected to rise marginally from the $20,330 entry point for the current line-up. Mazda Australia head Martin Benders says negotiations are about to start with Japan but the car “will get the price it deserves”.
 

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Craig Duff

Contributing Journalist

Craig Duff is a former CarsGuide contributor and News Corp Australia journalist. An automotive expert with decades of experience, Duff specialises in performance vehicles and motorcycles.

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