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Mazda will introduce a new standard of design flair, driving dynamics and quality to the small car market when the all-new Mazda3 goes on sale in January 2004.
Building on the success of the critically acclaimed Mazda6, Mazda2 and rotary-powered RX-8, the Mazda3 will be the fourth all-new Mazda launched in Australia in just 18 months.
Available in two unique body styles - an aggressive and confident five-door hatch and a refined and sporty sedan - the Mazda3 brings a new level of sophistication to a market segment traditionally focused on functionality and sales volumes.
The sedan and hatch will be powered by a choice of state-of-the-art 2.0-litre or 2.3-litre MZR four-cylinder engines, which develop 104 kilowatts (ECE) and 115kW (ECE) respectively using regular unleaded fuel. They also meet the strict Euro Stage III emission standard.
The Mazda3, which is bigger in every dimension inside and out than the 323, will offer even better value than Mazda's superseded small car.
It is expected to be priced from about $22,500 and it will come standard with air conditioning.
It will boast class-leading safety features that include dual stage inflation airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners with load limiters, five lap/sash seatbelts, an intrusion minimising brake pedal, anti-whiplash front seats, a soft interior to reduce secondary head strike, rear ISOFIX and top tether child seat anchor points, tilt and reach adjustable steering and three rear headrests.
Six airbags - dual front, front-seat mounted side airbags to protect the chest and head protecting curtain airbags - and ABS anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) will be standard on some models and optional across the rest of the range.
Built around new-generation architecture and suspension systems, which include a rear multi-link arrangement based on that of the Mazda6, the Mazda3 has been engineered to set the driving benchmark in the class.
Engine power is delivered through a five-speed manual or four-speed Activematic transmission, while four-wheel disc brakes will ensure Mazda's usual high standard of braking response. A new electro-hydraulic steering system ensures quick, responsive steering.
The managing director of Mazda Australia, Malcolm Gough, said: "The Mazda3 is our fourth car to be designed and engineered to reflect our Stylish, Insightful and Spirited brand DNA.
"Building on the market success of the Mazda6, Mazda2 and RX-8, the Mazda3's combination of two stylish body styles and class-leading on-road ability makes it the perfect replacement for the much-loved 323, which has been on our roads since 1977.
"For the first time in a long time buyers can choose an exciting, high quality, great value sedan or hatch in the highly competitive but fundamentally conservative small car market".
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