Since launch last year, the second-generation Mazda3 has proven to be one of the C-segment’s most attractive cars.  It’s line-up of two different body styles – a sporty hatchback and an athletic saloon – along with a sports version, and three diesel engineshas been a big hit with European customers looking for stylish driving fun in a compact car.

Mazda is strengthening its second-generation compact line-up even further in Paris with the premiere of an updated, Euro5 compliant, 1.6-litre MZ-CD common-rail diesel engine now matched to a new compact six-speed manual transmission.  The new engine produces 113bhp at 3,600rpm, and 199lb ft of torque from 1,750-to-2,700rpm, an increase of 12.5 percent over the previous version.  The new version uses just 4.4 litres of fuel per 100 km (combined) and produces 117g/km of CO₂ (combined).  Its new low friction two-valve SOHC layout and its aluminium block and smaller-displacement cylinders make this engine lightweight, compact and extremely efficient.

The second-generation Mazda3 boasts an expressive exterior design that is sporty and dynamic with deeply etched character lines for a look of solid build quality.  It is very aerodynamic with one of the segment’s lowest drag coefficients (Cd 0.28 for the saloon and 0.30 for the hatchback).  Sporty and roomy on the inside, it has a refined human-machine interface for exemplary ease-of-use, and is 11 percent quieter in the cabin than its predecessor.

As well as the new MZ-CD 1.6 diesel engine, two derivatives of the range-topping MZR 2.2 turbo diesel are also available, with a crisp-shifting six-speed manual transmission. The whole engine line-up is now Euro5 compliant for emissions.  Lighter than its predecessor, the Mazda3 is quicker off the line, agile and predictable in the curves.  It has a complete safety package that delivered the highest score, with a 5-Star EuroNCAP rating during crash tests in 2009.

At a Glance

Upgraded Diesel Powertrain

• New updated version of the MZ-CD 1.6 common-rail diesel engine
• Produces 113bhp at 3,600rpm, and 199lb ft of torque at 1,750 – 2,700 rpm for driving fun coupled to low fuel consumption
• 2.2 percent reduction in fuel consumption vs. first-generation diesel, at 4.4 litres per 100 km (combined)
• 1.7 percent reduction in CO₂ emissions vs. first generation diesel, at 117g/km (combined) and Euro5 compliance

Exterior

• Powerful emotional design with a richer expression and more dynamic stance
• Mazda family face that integrates the front grille’s lower section into the 5-point grille
• Two distinct body styles – hatchback and saloon – and available sports high grade versions
• Excellent aerodynamics with low drag coefficient (Cd 0.28, saloon and 0.30, hatchback), among the best in the segment

Interior

• Sporty and sophisticated interior design that combines a sense of roominess with a dashboard turned to the driver for an ‘at one-with-the-car’ feeling
• Use of soft grained surface material on the upper section of the dashboard combines with minimal parting lines to achieve a vastly improved look of interior quality
• Practical central console with sliding armrest*
• State of the art ergonomics and HMI (human machine interface) with ‘zone layout’ for less distraction from the road
• Interactive lighting control and illumination entry system
• Sport seats with (optional) 3 memory function plus 2 integrated in the keyless entry and start system transmitter*
• Available 10-speaker Bose^® premium surround sound system, with Audiopilot2^® noise compensation and Centerpoint^® surround system*
• Available hands-free system for Bluetooth^®-equipped mobile phones and mobile audio players*

Safety

• ABS, EBD, brake assist, traction control system (TCS), DSC, front, side, and curtain airbags are standard in all markets
• High-intensity Bi-xenon headlamps, pivoting adaptive front lighting system*
• Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) that warns cars behind of a sudden braking manoeuvre by automatically flashing the hazard lights rapidly
• Rear vehicle monitoring system*
• Tyre pressure monitoring system*
• Parking sensor system*
• Scored the maximum of 5-Star rating on EuroNCAP crash testing in November 2009