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Dynamic Stability Control now available across the Mazda3 range

1. Overview

Mazda’s most popular car ever, the Mazda3 sedan and hatch, has been significantly upgraded, offering more safety, more refinement, improved on-road performance, better fuel consumption and even more value.

The updates and new features will further strengthen its appeal, which has seen it average 2200 sales a month since launch. That sales success comes despite the car being in short supply for more than a year after its January 2004 introduction.

Year-to-date Mazda3 is the second best-seller in the sub $40,000 Small segment with 14.9 per cent share, according to VFACTS figures. This segment is the country’s most popular with 105,305 so called small cars sold to the end of June.

Safety is significantly upgraded with Mazda3 becoming the first volume-selling car in its class to offer Dynamic Stability Control across all models.

DSC is a state-of-the art accident avoidance anti-skid system that automatically corrects front or rear-wheel slides without driver intervention. The DSC system automatically brakes individual wheels and reduces engine torque to correct slides. Overseas research claims that stability systems, such as DSC, can reduce single vehicle accidents by as much as 30 per cent.

DSC is standard on the SP23 Luxury Pack model and optional across the rest of the range.

DSC, which also incorporates traction control, works with ABS anti-lock brakes, a safety feature that is now standard on all Mazda3 models.

Other safety upgrades include a seatbelt warning system for front and rear seat passengers, while the addition of a collapsible brake pedal and a redesigned steering wheel adjustment lever have reduced the likelihood of lower leg injury.

The new Mazda3 range offers more value.

Apart from standard ABS anti-lock brakes and the seatbelt warning system, the entry Neo models also get an MP3 compatible CD player and new trim among other updates. Priced from $20,990, the Neo sedan and hatch are just $200 more than the superseded model.

Mazda3’s typical younger than industry average buyer will also appreciate that it comes with an auxiliary jack to plug in your iPod and a 12 Volt outlet. This feature is standard on Maxx models and above and is available on Neo models with the optional power pack.

The power pack, which is now just $610 (compared with $960 previously), includes power windows and mirrors and the centre console-mounted iPod connection and power outlet.

Cruise control is now standard on Maxx, Maxx Sport and SP23 models, which with manual transmission are priced at $25,500, $26,500 and $29,600 respectively.

The managing director of Mazda Australia, Doug Dickson, said: “The significant updates, sharp pricing and the subtle style enhancements made to the class leading Mazda3 sedan and hatch will ensure that it remains one of the Small segment’s best performers and Mazda’s most successful model.

“Offering DSC stability control across all models is an important step as it brings this cutting-edge, life-saving technology to one of Australia’s favorite cars in the country’s most popular market segment. We anticipate that about 25 per cent of all Mazda3’s will be sold with DSC”.

The updated Mazda3 has a host of significant mechanical updates which have reduced fuel consumption across the range, improved the car’s class leading ride and handling and significantly reduced unwanted noise, vibration and harshness.

The 2.0-litre powered Neo, Maxx and Maxx Sport models benefit from the addition of Sequential Valve Timing, which improves power from 104kW to 108kW at 6500rpm using regular unleaded fuel.

The 2.0-litre engine produces 182Nm of torque, up one Newton metre on the previous car, while torque delivery is boosted between 2000rpm and 4000rpm. An electronic throttle further improves accelerator pedal response and acceleration.

Mazda3 customers will also welcome improved fuel consumption with manual models returning 8.2L/100km on the ADR 81/01 cycle, down from 8.6L/100km previously. Automatic models now return on average 8.4L/100km, down 0.5L/100km on the superseded models.

The 2.3-litre SP23 models continue to offer one of the most powerful engines in the class with the larger powerplant producing 115kW and 203Nm of torque. This engine also adopts an electronic throttle, improving acceleration feel and the accuracy of the cruise control.

With the adoption of a six speed manual gearbox, which offer closely spaced third, fourth and fifth gear ratios, and a five-speed automatic transmission, performance and economy of SP23 models has been improved.

The SP23 manual models now return 8.6L/100km compared with 9.0L/100km previously, while the five-speed automatic averages 8.7L/100km, down from 9.3L/100km previously.

The five-speed automatic offers an Activematic mode and wheel-mounted change buttons to maximise driver involvement and driving fun.

The Mazda3’s already outstanding ride and handling have also received attention with the sedan and hatch adopting some of the body stiffening measures used on the 190kW Mazda3 MPS.

Local stiffening at various points on the chassis effectively suppress local deformation of the body when cornering and reduce vibration transmitted from the road surface, promoting sporty handling and a consistent ride quality.

The suspension has also received improvements with the front end benefiting from new steering arm mounting points, improving steering response. This change has also reduced understeer by reducing the amount of wheel toe-out on bumps by about 25 per cent.

The dampers have also been modified and feature improved damping force follow up at the switching point between compression and extension. This promotes smoother, more stable roll control and a flat ride.

To increase rear wheel grip and further improve stability, the mounting point of the lateral link was changed, increasing the amount of toe-in by about 30 per cent when driving over bumps. Additionally, monotube dampers with a larger piston diameter are now used, improving initial control and achieving a flatter ride.

Elimination of NVH was a major focus of the Mazda3 update. Driver and passenger comfort has been improved through lowering the engine and road noise in the cabin.

Specific areas targeted were general noise and vibration from the engine, noise at high engine speed, droning when cruising at high speed and road and wind noise.

Road noise was reduced by changing the internal structure of the tyres on all models and using stiffer wheels, while the addition of insulation material on the roof reduces road and high-speed wind noise.

Styling has played a significant role in the success of Mazda3 and the new range offers a subtle refreshing of sedan and hatch models.

Changes include new bumpers, new grilles, redesigned alloy wheels. Inside there are new more elegant seat trims, new cloth trims and dash panel finishes.

Other changes to the Mazda3 include a larger opening for the sedan’s boot, while the hatch can now accommodate 340 rather than 300 litres of cargo.

Mazda Australia expects to sell about 2500 Mazda3s a month with the sales split 40 per cent Neo, 15 per cent Maxx, 24 per cent Maxx Sport and 21 per cent SP23.

2. What’s New

• Dynamic Stability Control now available across the range
• ABS brakes with EBD and Brake Assist standard across the range
• Enhanced front and rear bumper design
• New black-out rear lamp design for Neo, Maxx, Maxx Sport
• New front fog lamp design for SP23
• LED rear lights for SP23 sedan
• New aluminium alloy wheel designs
• Seven new exterior colours
• New trim materials
• White/silver driver meters with indirect blue lighting for better readability for Neo, Maxx, Maxx Sport
• Modified boot opening design and new boot lid recess for improved accessibility (sedan)
• Hatch now offers 340 litres of cargo space
• New sound insulation under the bonnet and in the cabin roof
• New alternator with lower operating noise
• Modifications for reduced engine drone
• Revised internal tyre structure for lower road noise
• Cruise control now standard on Maxx, Maxx Sport and SP23 models
• Lower fuel consumption on both engines
• Sequential valve timing (S-VT) new for 2.0-litre petrol for improved engine torque
• Electronic throttle control for 2.0 and 2.3-litre engine gives better acceleration feel
• Six-speed manual transmission and five-speed Activematic for SP23 models
• Modified front suspension housings and tunnel cross member for a stiffer body shell
• New front dampers
• New steering knuckle arm position for reduced wheel toe-out on bumps
• New monotube rear dampers with larger diameter
• New rear suspension lateral link positioning for increased toe-in on bumps
• Rear stabiliser performance optimized with new mounting position
• Seatbelt reminder and indicator now includes passenger seat and rear seats
• New steering wheel adjustment lever design and energy absorbing padding added to steering column to reduce risk of knee injury

3. Pricing

Mazda3 sedan and hatch

Neo	$20,990
Neo Activematic	$22,990
Maxx	$25,500
Maxx Activematic	$27,500
Maxx Sport	$26,500
Maxx Sport Activematic	$28,500
SP23	$29,600
SP23 Activematic	$31,860
SP23 Luxury Pack	$32,600
SP23 Luxury Pack Activematic	$34,860
Options:
Neo power pack	$610
Neo safety pack (four airbags, DSC)	$1,830
DSC - Maxx, Maxx Sport, SP23	$1,000

4. Powertrains

• Engines deliver improved fuel consumption
• MZR 2.0-litre now with S-VT
• Electronic throttle standard on 2.0 and 2.3-litre engines
• SP23’s get a new six-speed manual transmission and five-speed automatic

Mazda3’s emotional appeal goes deeper than good looks and easy to use practicality and comfort. Another of its most attractive features is its sporty, fun to drive characteristics. Beneath the skin of both body styles are the same engines as the outgoing model, but retuned, updated and enhanced to deliver even better acceleration feel and low-end torque, while using less fuel.

MZR 2.0-litre petrol – quicker, faster, more economical
The MZR 2.0-litre petrol engine has been updated for the Mazda3 facelift to have more power, better torque characteristics, improved acceleration feel and use less fuel.

Sequential valve timing (S-VT) is added to optimise intake valve operation according to running conditions, boosting charging efficiency. Combined with this engine’s variable induction system, S-VT helps this Mazda3 deliver powerful torque throughout the rev range for enhanced driveability.

The 2.0-litre powered Neo, Maxx and Maxx Sport models now boast 108kW at 6500rpm using regular unleaded fuel. The superseded car had 104kW.

The 2.0-litre engine produces 182Nm of torque, up one Newton metre on the previous car, however torque delivery is significantly improved in the all-important 2000rpm to 4000rpm rev range. An electronic throttle further improves accelerator pedal response and acceleration.

Mazda3 customers will welcome improved fuel consumption with manual models returning 8.2L/100km on the ADR 81/01 cycle, down from 8.6L/100km previously. Automatic models now return on average 8.4L/100km, down 0.5L/100km on the superseded models.

SP23
The 2.3-litre SP23 models continue to offer one of the most powerful engines in the class with the larger powerplant producing 115kW and 203Nm of torque and benefit from the introduction of an electronic throttle, improving acceleration feel.

With the adoption of a six speed manual gearbox, which offer closely spaced third, fourth and fifth gear ratios, and a five-speed automatic transmission, performance and economy has been improved.

The SP23 manual models now return 8.6L/100km compared with 9.0L/100km previously, while the five-speed automatic averages 8.7L/100km, down from 9.3L/100km previously.

The five-speed automatic offers an Activematic mode and wheel-mounted change buttons to maximise driver involvement and driving fun.

Benefits of an Electronic Throttle

• An improvement in overall vehicle drivability
• Faster, more precise response to accelerator pedal movements
• Smoother throttle control
• Cruise control is more responsive
• More reliable

Transmissions – new six-speed manual transmission and five-speed Activematic for MZR 2.3-litre petrol
The new six-speed manual features triple-cone synchronizers for first and second gear, and double-cone synchronizers for third and fourth gears. Wider use of double and triple-cone synchronizers gives a sporty, short-stroke feel with less shift effort. Sixth gear has a high-ratio to contribute to improved quietness at high speed as well as enhanced fuel economy.

The use of a six speed manual gearbox, which offer more closely spaced third, fourth and fifth gear ratios and a five-speed automatic transmission has also boosted performance.

The five-speed automatic offers both Activematic change and wheel-mounted change buttons.

5. Chassis and Safety

• ABS standard, DSC available across the range
• Increased body shell rigidity
• Enhanced aerodynamics improve drag coefficient and high-speed handling
• Passive safety levels improved even further

Safety is significantly upgraded with Mazda3 becoming the first volume-selling car in its class to offer Dynamic Stability Control across all models.

DSC is a state-of-the art accident avoidance anti-skid system that automatically corrects front or rear-wheel slides without driver intervention. The DSC system automatically brakes individual wheels and reduces engine torque to correct slides. Overseas research claims that stability systems, such as DSC, can reduce single vehicle accidents by as much as 30 per cent.

DSC is standard on the SP23 Leather Pack model and optional across rest of the range.

DSC, which also incorporates traction control, works with ABS anti-lock brakes, a safety feature that is now standard on all Mazda3 models.

Other safety upgrades include a seatbelt warning system for front and rear seat passengers, while the addition of a collapsible brake pedal and a redesigned steering wheel adjustment lever have reduced the likelihood of lower leg injury.

Enhanced body rigidity for a more crisp steering response
New body shell reinforcements have been added to the Mazda3 with the goal of making the car’s structure even stiffer. The front suspension housings have a new bracket connecting them to the frame of the fender and the tunnel cross member that connects the transmission tunnel on the body underside has been extended to the frame side members on both sides. These two body shell updates reduce suspension housing and body deformation, and help minimise wheel camber change when cornering, for an even more linear steering response. They also help refine ride comfort by reducing transmission of road vibration from the body’s front end.

Suspension updates for more control during sporty driving
Mazda3’s acclaimed suspension system – with a MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension – has also been updated to enhance steering response and stability and delivers an even flatter ride.

For the 2006 version of Mazda3, engineers changed the mounting point of the steering knuckle arm to a more optimal position, which reduces understeer during fast cornering and decreases wheel toeout by about 25 per cent on bumps. The revised front dampers reduce damping force lag between compression and extension and make Mazda3 facelift even smoother and more stable during cornering or lane changing at high speeds.

For Mazda3´s multi-point rear suspension, engineers increased rear wheel grip and further improved high speed stability in curves. The lateral link in front of the knuckle now has a new mounting point position, which results in a 30 per cent increase in toe-in when driving over bumps.

The rear axle now employs monotube dampers with a larger piston diameter than the outgoing model’s twintube dampers, which improves short stroke damping force and gives a flatter ride. The stabiliser effect has been maximised as well by extending the gap between the rear sub-frame and the rear stabiliser mounting point.

Enhanced passenger safety technologies
Mazda3 has always been safe, controllable and predictable to drive. Its standard active safety package includes front ventilated and solid rear disc brakes are controlled by the now standard ABS with EBD and emergency brake assist. Dynamic stability control (DSC) is also available for controllable and stable handling.

For the upgraded model, the suspension updates mentioned above contribute to making the car safer to drive in the straight-ahead position and provide improved cornering stability. The Mazda3 facelift body shell is now more rigid than the outgoing model with the front suspension housings now bracketed to the fender frame and a new tunnel cross member now extended to the frame side members on both sides.

On the passive side, Mazda3 Neo comes with standard dual front airbags and a safety pack ($1830) that includes side and curtain airbags and DSC.

Maxx models and above get six airbags as standard. DSC is available as an option for $1000.

Two new updates are introduced with the Mazda3 facelift that make the car even safer. The steering column has been completely redesigned with energy absorbing padding and the shape of the steering wheel adjustment lever modified, both of which will help reduce the risk of driver knee injury in a serious frontal impact. Also new is a seatbelt reminder system that now includes passenger seat and the rear seats. A display above the rear view mirror indicates if all seatbelts are buckled and an audible buzzer sounds if someone anywhere in the car is not buckled up.

6. Design

• Discreet updates for even more emotional appeal
• Hatchback and sedan more individualistic than before
• New interior colours and fabrics and enhanced craftsmanship for improved quality feel

The key to Mazda3’s sales success has been its emotional appeal. In fact, exterior design is most frequently mentioned as an important reason for purchase. There are two highly distinctive body styles to choose from – an elegant and athletic sedan and a youthful and aggressively designed five-door hatchback. For the upgraded version, designers made discreet changes to enhance the emotional appeal that Mazda3 has always possessed.

The new front and rear bumpers get press line adjustments. At the front, for example, the press line on the inside of the headlamps no longer extends down into the upper bumper sections as before, but now ends at the top of the bumper line (running from fender to fender). This results in a clearer separation of bonnet and bumper and gives the Mazda3 facelift – both sedan and hatchback – a slightly more powerful frontal stance.

At the back, the bumper reflectors are now placed closer to the license plate holder and new black lamp bezels are introduced. Added to this are new alloy wheel designs for all wheel sizes and seven new body colors, bringing the total to 11.

SP23 models
As with the outgoing model, a body kit is standard on the 2.3-litre SP23 sedan and hatchbacks. It too has design updates that include new 17-inch wheels, a new angular fog lamp design very similar to the range-topping MPS model, side skirts and a rear spoiler. For the sedan LED rear lamps are also introduced for an even higher quality look. LED lamps have been standard on the hatch since launch.

Interior Design
The inside of the original Mazda3 repeated the emotional appeal of the exterior by delivering functional elegance with aesthetic design, high craftsmanship and an attention to ergonomics. For the updated Mazda3 facelift new interior colors, new materials and alloy-look accents, all executed with even better craftsmanship, are introduced for a higher quality feel to make the car even more aesthetically appealing and an even nicer place to be.

Two new interior color schemes enhance the model: a grey interior color for a feeling of high-class sporty refinement (Neo) and a sports-oriented black interior (Maxx models and above).

New seat fabrics are also introduced that are unique to each grade, with a more pleasing texture and chosen for their higher quality feel.

Neo, Maxx, Maxx Sport models have a stylish piano black decoration finish on the dashboard, while the dials now have a bright white/silver look for a touch of elegance.

SP23 models also feature a blackout type meters. The centre panel is now finished with a dark silver panel and this treatment is also used for the power window bezels, steering wheel switch bezels. The SP23 also get a gun metal-like dashboard decoration panel.

Automatic models get wheel-mounted gear change buttons.

Leather trim is standard on SP23 Luxury Pack models.

7. Functionality

• Noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels reduced for more comfort
• New driver instruments and illumination, new sedan boot shape

Great to look at inside and out, Mazda3 is also versatile, comfortable and easy to use on the inside. One of the Small segment´s larger vehicles, Mazda3 delivers good knee, shoulder and headroom front and back, a good view of the road and both height and reach steering wheel adjustment.

The front seats are comfortable on long trips with good side support for sportier driving, the 60/40 split back seats fold for a large load space if necessary and there are four door pockets, a large double-bottom centre console, where the new iPod jack sits and cupholders.

New features for even more ease-of-use
In updating the Mazda3, designers enhanced this winning formula of roominess and practicality by making the interior even easier to use. They introduced an instrument cluster with white/silver driver meters with indirect blue illumination on Neo, Maxx and Maxx Sport grades, which improves readability during half light conditions.

The sedan’s interior boot trim for easier loading of bulky items like golf bags, and they gave the boot lid a hand recess in the new rear bumper to make it easier to open. The hatch can now accommodate 340 rather than 300 litres of cargo.

NVH updates – a quieter ride for more comfort while travelling
The new Mazda3’s interior is not only easier to use than its predecessor, several features are introduced for improved noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) performance, making the ride more comfortable, especially for longer periods when cruising at higher speed. A revised alternator is now under the bonnet with flatter and smoother surfaces of the cooling fan blades, resulting in less noise during operation.

Engine drone at higher engine speed is also reduced by increasing the rigidity of the joint bracket near the right drive shaft by modifying its design and by relocating the engine mounting to make it more rigid.

Engineers also added new insulation material at the underside of the bonnet that, in conjunction with dash panel insulation already onboard, insulates passengers more effectively from engine noise at high speed. Steps were also taken to reduce road noise, including new tyres with a redesigned internal structure for less road noise.

Suspension vibration characteristics were improved as well by reinforcing the wheel rims and adding dynamic dampers to the rear suspension cross member, which lower pendulum resonance.

Finally, new ThinsulateTM Acoustic soundproofing material was applied to the cabin, which helps reduce the level of both road and wind noise reaching the interior of the new Mazda3 facelift. The result of these measures is a reduction of interior noise levels by up to 1.5 decibels, placing the new Mazda3 among the class-leaders for quietness.

Mazda3 Specification and Features