New Mazda 3 aims to bring agility,
space and a line-up of efficient engines when it arrives in December
A more stylish, bigger and sharper-handling
new Mazda 3 goes on sale in December after a launch at Frankfurt this autumn.
Based on a version of the platform that
underpins the CX-5 and 6, the new 3 will feature a fresh range of SkyActiv
engines, including a new 98bhp 1.5-litre entry-level petrol and a sole diesel
unit that offers 147bhp from 2.2 litres.
New
Mazda 3 - A more stylish, bigger and sharper-handling
Mazda claims: “We have redefined the Mazda
3 by paying painstaking attention to the elements most fundamental to
customers, like performance and packaging, build quality and comfort.”
Slightly longer, wider and taller than the
old car, the new 3 rides on a 2700mm wheelbase, which is 60mm longer than the
old car’s and the same as the CX-5 soft-roader’s.
As a result, Mazda is claiming that the new
3 has a roomier cabin “in most ways” and best-in-class shoulder room.
The most obvious improvement is to the
styling, which is a significant step up on the outgoing model’s.
Centered on the bold ‘wing’ grille, this
feature feeds into a rolling beltline that dips and rises before flaring out
under a rakishly sloped rear hatch glass. This is the same ‘Kodo’ design
language that gives the 6 its distinctive lines.
New
Mazda 3 side
The A-pillars are pushed 100mm father back
and the ‘rear-leaning’ cabin is claimed to increase visibility and the driver’s
view, a welcome development.
The strut and multi-link suspension is
carried over from and antiroll bars at both ends and the set-up has been
retuned.
The electric power steering is also
reworked around a new, faster, 14:1 ratio chosen to increase agility.
“The steering is neutral, the roll is
predicable, the chassis linear and there’s none of the under-steer typical in
such layouts,” Mazda claims.
Under the SkyActiv banner, Mazda’s
engineers have also applied lightweight body design techniques, increasing the
number of parts made from high-strength steels.
A handy by-product of reviewing the design
of more than 300 individual body components is a claimed 30 per cent increase
in body stiffness, helped by a ‘dual-brace’ structure that controls body
deformation when cornering.
New
Mazda 3 back
The 2.2D looks to be the strongest
beneficiary, with a kerb weight of 1396kg, a 70kg improvement. The new 1.5 is
less impressive on that score, tipping the scales at 1265kg, just 5kg lighter
than a 1.6.
A four-door saloon, due to be revealed
soon, will also go on sale in December.
