On sale from 3 January 2014, the 36-strong all-new third-generation Mazda3 line-up is priced from £16,695 to £23,345 on-the-road (OTR). Infused with lightweight and advanced SKYACTIV technologies, the range comprises 21 five-door hatchback models – including eight with diesel power – and 15 four-door Fastback models, five with diesel engines.
The range is powered by a choice of three naturally-aspirated SKYACTIV-G petrol engines – the new 1.5-litre unit that develops 100ps and 150Nm, and the now familiar 2.0-litre powerplant with two different outputs – 120ps and 210Nm, or 165ps and 210Nm. All SKYACTIV-G petrol engines comply with Euro V legislation.
Diesel variants are powered by Mazda’s award-winning 2.2-litre 150ps 380Nm SKYACTIV-D turbo diesel engine, which meets advanced Euro VI regulations. Buyers will have a choice of six-speed SKYACTIV-MT manual or six-speed SKYACTIV-Drive automatic transmissions. The all-new Mazda3 offers British motorists its biggest-ever choice of automatic models, with a total of 13 available, priced from £18,195.
With its combination of sleek rear-drive proportions and low-slung stance, the all-new Mazda3 propels Mazda’s award-wining KODO – Soul of Motion design theme on to a dynamic new level. Curvaceously distinctive, the all-new Mazda3 sets new design standards in its class, while creating a powerful visual link with its new Mazda6 and Mazda CX-5 counterparts.
Like the new Mazda6 and Mazda CX-5 before it, the all-new Mazda3 is infused with the company’s ground-breaking suite of SKYACTIV technologies that focus on advanced engines with world-beating compression ratios, highly efficient transmissions, and sophisticated lightweight body and chassis technology to deliver an outstanding basis for both engaging driving dynamics and excellent crash safety performance.
With kerb weights starting at 1,347kg – that’s for the petrol-powered 2.0-litre 120ps SKYACTIV-G Fastback with SKYACTIV-MT Manual transmission – it’s one of the lightest members of the C-segment.
Much of this dramatic weight-saving is attributable to the increase in the proportion of high-tensile and ultra-high tensile steels in the all-new Mazda3’s bodyshell from 50 to 60 per cent to create a strong and impact resistant structure.
The result is a 31 per cent increase in torsional rigidity for the hatchback and 28 per cent for the Fastback, an exceptionally stable platform for the car’s steering, suspension and brakes which have all been engineered for optimal driving engagement.
The all-new Mazda3 posts some exceptionally competitive combined economy and CO2 emission figures. The diesel-powered SKYACTIV-D 150ps four-door Fastback with manual transmission returns 72.4mpg and emissions of just 104g/km, while the SKYACTIV-G 120ps petrol-powered five-door hatchback with manual gearbox, returns 55.4mpg and 119g/km.
The all-new Mazda3 raises the company’s generous equipment levels to a new high, outperforming many established C-segment rivals in terms of innovation, specification and price. Buyers will have the choice of five specification levels – SE, SE Nav, SE-L, SE-L Nav and the flagship Sport Nav.
Every all-new Mazda3 will come with Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) which helps to reduce or prevent low-speed collisions by automatically applying the brakes if the driver fails to act, i-stop idle-stop system, and Hill Hold Assist (HHA) to prevent roll back on inclines.
The all-new Mazda3 is officially one of the safest cars on the road in Britain after receiving a 5-Star safety rating in the latest Euro NCAP tests. The result endorses Mazda’s strategy of enhancing the safety of all its new vehicles.
Further standard equipment also includes 16-inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning, power-folding heated mirrors, leather steering wheel, trip computer, radio/CD with six speaker audio system, 7 inch colour touch screen, USB/iPod connectivity and Bluetooth® hands-free system.
Further extending its technology lead over its rivals, the all-new Mazda3 ushers in an unprecedented level of connectivity with its sophisticated new connectivity system. This advanced new mobile connectivity system seamlessly integrates online social media and internet radio using Aha™, a cloud-based automotive internet connectivity platform that brings a wide range of free web-based infotainment content safely into the vehicle.
Owned and developed by automotive audio and electronic experts Harman, Aha™ brings free web-based infotainment content into the car, accessible* via a free smartphone app. Using a Bluetooth® tethered smartphone, the Aha™ system delivers safe and intuitive real-time access to infotainment services from Aha™ via the 7-inch dash-top display.
Connectivity in the all-new Mazda3 is further enhanced by the integration of Stitcher™, the on-demand internet radio service app*. This innovative and award-winning system provides free online streaming, collating content from thousands of providers and then organising this content into virtual ‘stations’ for occupants to browse and listen to. Stitcher’s software means content is continually updated, ensuring those on board the all-new Mazda3 have access to fresh content while on the go.
Seamlessly integrating social media, infotainment resources, internet radio and existing Bluetooth®, text messaging and navigation technologies, Mazda’s advanced connectivity system will effectively future-proof the all-new Mazda3 in today’s fast-moving technology world.
All-new Mazda3 will be available in a range of nine striking exterior colours, including the sensational ‘Soul Red’ metallic first seen on the larger, new-generation Mazda6 (a £660 option). This shade is complemented by two new launch colours – Titanium Flash Mica and Deep Crystal Blue Mica.
*Internet application integration requires compatible Apple® or Android® device. Aha™ / Stitcher™ apps need to be downloaded to mobile device and app registration completed before connection. Data usage and costs will vary, please contact your network provider for more information. Data usage relies on a valid data signal being available. These functions may not operate in areas of low signal strength. Please refer to www.mazdahandsfree.co.uk for the latest information regarding compatibility and functionality of mobile devices.
