Upgraded Mazda3 range now on sale
The upgraded version of Mazda’s best-selling model worldwide, the Mazda3 hatchback, is now on sale from £13,495 (on-the-road), which includes a £2,300 saving (1.6 TS model).
Made exclusively in Japan, the five-door hatchback has more muscular visual appeal with a new face, new rear bumper and new twist-spoke alloy wheels. Inside, there are new materials and colours, improved ease-of-use for the driver, new equipment and a quieter cabin for all to enjoy.
Fuel economy across the range is enhanced thanks to the new model’s refined aerodynamics which cut Cd to just 0.29. Handling is improved with the upgraded Mazda3 delivering a more consistent and linear driving feel. New models include two Sport derivatives and new equipment includes a gear-shift indicator (excludes 2.3-litre MZR DISI Turbo engine).
“We anticipate that the upgraded Mazda3 will enable us to increase sales of our C-segment contender during 2012,” comments Peter Allibon, Sales Director, Mazda UK. “Mazda3 was already a great car and the changes to the upgraded model are subtle but every one makes a difference to either fuel economy or driving feel.
“The outgoing Mazda3 was the second-best selling Mazda model in the UK and took us into different segments of the retail and fleet markets. The 1.6 diesel has been hugely popular and the 2.2 diesel with 185ps is still the highest power C-segment diesel model of any brand available in the UK market place,” adds Allibon.
“The introduction of the more sporty exterior, more premium interior and two new Sport models with the 1.6 diesel powertrain for 2012, plus worthwhile fuel consumption and CO2emissions reductions, means we are confident that the upgraded Mazda3 will attract a growing number of consumers to our brand,” concludes Allibon.
When upgrading the Mazda3, the company’s engineers fine-tuned the suspension and steering to deliver more ‘Toitsukan’ – more linear steering feel for more control and assured predictability, plus a smoother ride and improved refinement. The super-efficient Mazda 1.6-litre diesel, available in six versions of Mazda3, is a lightweight, compact and extremely efficient unit.
On the inside, upgraded Mazda3 features updates to create a more stylish interior that retains its functionality and is even easier to use. Designers focused on reducing the amount of eye-movement required to use the car’s onboard systems from behind the wheel. They replaced the previous silver colour of the lower dashboard console with black, and ringed the dials and controls most used by the driver in satin-polish silver that’s easier to see.
Every upgraded Mazda3 has a generous standard specification within its price band. The entry-level S model has manual air-conditioning and electric front windows, TS models have dual-zone climate control, TS2 specification adds a heated windscreen and integrated Bluetooth hands-free system, Sport derivatives are fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels and a Bose audio system with 10 speakers, and Sport Nav models have a fully integrated, satellite navigation system.
From introduction, two Launch Edition Mazda3 Tamura models are available, representing exceptional value with a sports styling pack, front fog lights and unique 17-inch black gloss diamond cut alloy wheels. Available in a choice of four colours including: Aluminium Silver Metallic, Autumn Bronze Mica, Black Mica and Crystal White Pearlescent.
About the Author : Anthony Blascara is writing about the Mazda3 hatchback.
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