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Mazda Motor Corporation today announced the launch of its new global brand visual identity which will be rolled out progressively around the world. Following a successful pilot in Australia, the first major region to introduce this new visual identity direction will be Japan, commencing on June 20, 2008, when Mazda updates its Japan websites with distinctive new features. This will be followed by its full adoption in advertising, commencing on July 8 with the launch of the new mid-size Mazda Biante high-roof minivan in Japan.

The new global visual identity was created to evoke strong emotional connections between Mazda and its customers across all touchpoints, and convey the brand’s unique personality and distinctive profile. Mazda’s brand symbol and the brand essence will not change. The new visual identity is intended to express the new direction the Mazda brand is taking, its evolution and the innovation that lies at its core. This fresh new way of articulating the Mazda brand will be integrated into every facet of Mazda’s future brand communications.

The new global brand visual identity uses distinctive visual cues to express Mazda’s brand personality. These include the use of dynamic angles to convey a sense of movement; a new Mazda typeface to complement the other elements of the new visual identity; and a new ‘dynamic wing’ graphic which contains the Mazda brand symbol and captures Mazda’s confident, bold spirit. In addition, launching the new visual identity will ensure clarity and consistency in all Mazda communications across the globe.

“The launch of Mazda’s new global visual identity will enable us to communicate Mazda’s core brand values and attributes more clearly and with greater energy than ever before,” says Dan Morris, Mazda’s senior executive officer in charge of marketing and overseas sales. “We want to connect more powerfully with our customers around the world in a consistent manner with this newly refined element of the Zoom-Zoom brand.”

Mazda introduced its existing corporate identity (CI) in 1975 and developed its corporate mark as an easy-to-read standard for use in its global communications. The brand symbol was created in 1997 as one element of Mazda’s efforts to strengthen its brand image. Since the launch of the original Mazda6 in 2002, Mazda’s Zoom-Zoom brand message has gained currency all over the world.

Looking to the future, Mazda will continue to pursue harmony between driving pleasure and environmental and safety features, and delight its customers with exciting vehicles that ‘look inviting to drive, are fun to drive, and make you want to drive them again.’ With the introduction of its new global visual identity, the Hiroshima-based company will aim for continued improvements in its brand value.

Mazda will present an all-new show car at this year’s Moscow International Automobile Salon. The concept is a sporty, compact crossover SUV designed especially for the Russian market.

The Moscow show car is the latest concept to be developed using the new design direction called Nagare – following in the footsteps of Nagare, Ryuga, Hakaze, Taiki and Furai. Nagare, which means “flow” in Japanese, represents a new approach to expressing movement in car design, taking as inspiration the flow patterns of natural elements, such as the wind. The design theme of Mazda’s concept for the 2008 Moscow motor show is “crosswinds”.

Russia is one of Europe’s fastest-growing markets and is rapidly becoming the region’s largest automobile market. SUVs are particularly popular in Russia, with a segment share of about 20 percent. Mazda’s latest concept car is designed to appeal particularly to younger SUV owners who have a strong sense of style. The Moscow show car, the name of which will be announced in due course, again showcases the depth of creativity within Mazda design. In February 2008, the Mazda Design team received the coveted Grand Prix du Design of the Festival International Automobile in Paris.

The Moscow International Automobile Salon media days are on 26 and 27 August, whereas 28 August caters for industry and trade specialists. The show is open to the public from 29 August through 7 September. The new show car will be unveiled at the Mazda press conference at 10:15 on 26 August at the Mazda stand.

Mazda Furai Unveiled Detail & Info

One of the keys to Mazda’s continuing growth in Europe and around the world has been a strategy of expanding the line-up with exciting vehicles that appeal to an ever-wider group of customers. In less than two years, Mazda introduced several vehicles that were never in its portfolio before, like the high-performance Mazda3 MPS, the unique power retractable hardtop MX-5 Roadster Coupe and the sports crossover SUV Mazda CX-7. This strategy is now set to continue with the European launch of the first Mazda2 three-door version.

Launched in October 2007 as Mazda’s first new-generation vehicle to be evolved to a new level, the all-new Mazda2 was an immediate hit with European customers, finding almost 40,000 owners through April 2008. In December last year, Mazda2 five-door was awarded five stars for adult occupant protection at Euro-NCAP crash testing. It won a host of automotive awards as well, including the World Car of the Year award (see below), and many national awards such as the Car of the Year in Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark and Slovakia, Japan and South Africa. Now Mazda2 is about to get even more popular with a new three-door model that has all the award-winning attributes of the five-door, and is even more stylish, sportier and more affordable.

Mazda2 –2008 World Car of the Year Award Winner

The second-generation Mazda2 did not win the 2008 World Car of the Year Award by chance. In every respect, the new Mazda2 is a unique and ground-breaking vehicle. Not only is it dynamic and sporty looking – unusual for a B-car – it also sets a new benchmark for lightweight construction, being 100 kg lighter than its predecessor. This is a reflection of a new focus at Mazda on offering cars that have less impact on the environment. With fewer pounds on its ribs, the second-generation Mazda2 uses less fuel and produces far fewer CO2 emissions than its predecessor. Not that winning such a prestigious award was a forgone conclusion. This year’s 39 entries for World Car of the Year included some great new vehicles. A jury of 47 international automotive journalists had the difficult task of choosing a winner based on their experience with each entry as part of their professional work. The jury members represented the automotive media from Europe, Asia, North America, South America, as well as other parts of the world. Once the dust had settled, Mazda2 was crowned World Car of the Year – an award it truly deserves.

Design – Sportiness Enhanced

The new Mazda2 three-door builds on the five-door’s exterior design – that evokes movement and athleticism using unique body panel articulation and compact dimensions – for even more sporty appeal. Its rear side window has a unique shape that, when combined with the rising belt line and wedge shape of the Mazda2, communicates an even more fun-to-drive character. Fresh and dynamic-looking, its overall design communicates a calm strength achieved through formal beauty and the highest levels of build quality yet seen on a Mazda B-car. And its eye-catching design is also 4 percent more aerodynamic than the old Mazda2. A coefficient of drag (Cd) of only 0.31 and a coefficient of lift (CLF) of just 0.02 help reduce fuel consumption and operating costs, which is important to young, first-time buyers. For more sporty-minded customers, a Sports Appearance Package is available with a special front bumper design and side sills that visually lower the car’s center of gravity, and a rear roof spoiler. On the inside, a dark keynote color contrasts nicely with white instruments, silver accents, a three-spoke steering wheel similar to the Mazda MX-5 roadster, a silver ringed driver cluster and center-console mounted shift lever for an ambiance that is both sporty and high quality.

Forerunner of the Mazda2 Three-Door – Mazda Sassou Concept Car

One of the highlights at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show was the Mazda Sassou concept car. Designed and built by Mazda Motor Europe’s Design Team under the direction of Peter Birtwhistle, it gave a good indication of where Mazda was heading with its next B-car. The name “Sassou” is Japanese for having a positive state of mind, for looking to the future with optimism. This was chosen wisely, as many exterior features of the Sassou were incorporated into the new Mazda2 three-door: its sporty wedge shape, for instance, and its body articulation at the doors and fenders. In the Mazda2 three-door, these are just as eye-catching as the concept’s, but combined with smooth transitions for a dynamic yet exquisite look of sportiness and strength. Mazda2 three-door also inherited the unique rising belt line of the Sassou. This not only makes the car look like it is cutting through the wind even when standing still, it is also 40 mm lower at the front windows than that of the outgoing model. This is combined with an optimal front seat hip point height and a lower positioning of the side mirrors, for a major improvement in visibility diagonally to the front and downwards – a real safety plus in city driving. And the pointed shape of Mazda2 three-door’s rear side window – a characteristic feature of its sporty appeal – can be traced back to Sassou as well.

Comfort, Functionality and Equipment

As with the five-door version, the new Mazda2 three-door has a roomy interior, despite its compact and dynamic exterior design. For optimum access to the rear seats, the door opening is 163 mm wider than the front door opening of the five-door. The three-door version includes handy walk-in functionality, which folds the seatback of the front passenger seat and slides it forward to produce one of the segment’s widest access widths for easy entry. Once inside, passengers find themselves in a roomy and comfortable interior. A relatively long wheelbase (2,490 mm), an innovative roof header shape, reduced roof-lining thickness and a lower rear hip point height combine to deliver plenty of head, shoulder and leg room both front and back. The driver’s seat can be slide adjusted up to 250 mm and height adjusted up to 55 mm. This is combined with adjustable steering wheel height and a centre console-mounted manual shift lever for a sporty, wrap-around cockpit with room for people of nearly all shapes and sizes.

One of the best in class for opening widths – 289 mm at the bottom and 414 mm at a height of 750 mm above the ground – provides easy access to the rear seats.

The higher shift lever placement makes room between the front seats for a floor console with a drink holder in the front and a storage tray in the rear large enough for a woman’s handbag, along with an AUX jack for plugging in an MP3 player to use with the car’s audio system (depending on grade) and a 12-volt power socket that can be used to power or charge electrical accessories. Other handy storage compartments include a unique magazine rack in the glove compartment, front door pockets with space for a half-litre bottle and an A4 atlas, and three compartments in the dashboard for smaller items. The luggage capacities are unchanged compared to the five-door version. Behind the rear seats is a 250 litre luggage compartment that can hold two suitcases or a baby buggy, and can be extended to 787 litres when the rear seats are folded (60/40 functionality for all grades except base) to take larger items.

Mazda2 three-door will be offered in three grades (depending on market) with a full slate of equipment for young, fun-minded drivers. Remote central locking, electric adjustable side mirrors, electric power assist steering and ABS are standard on every Mazda2 in Europe. Also onboard – depending on grade and market – are six airbags, heated and retractable door mirrors, 15 or 16-inch alloy wheels, manual or automatic air-conditioning, power front windows, rain and light sensor system, adjustable speed warning system, cruise control (1.5-litre petrol with board computer only), dynamic stability control DSC (depending on engine), keyless entry and start system, and other features.

Powertrains – Low Consumption and Low CO2 Emissions

Mazda2 three-door comes with the same petrol powertrain line-up as the five-door with engines that are lively and responsive, yet use low amounts of fuel and produce markedly less CO2 than the engines of the outgoing model. The base MZR 1.3-litre aggregate has variable valve timing and comes in two power derivatives (depending on market): a Standard Power version producing 55 kW/75 PS and a High Power version producing 63 kW/86 PS. Both use just 5.4 litres of petrol per 100 km and produce a low 129 g/km of CO2 emissions. The largest petrol engine is an MZR 1.5-litre that produces 76 kW/103 PS of power, while using just 5.9 litres of fuel per 100 km and producing 140 g/km of CO2.

1.4-litre Common-Rail Turbo Diesel Now Available

Now also available is an MZ-CD 1.4-litre common-rail turbo diesel with high fuel efficiency and low emissions. This engine is special for the European market where low operating costs are a vital criteria for B-car customers. It produces 50 kW/68 PS of maximum power at 4,000 rpm and 160 Nm of torque at a low 2,000 rpm for lively acceleration and driving fun. At the same time, it uses just 4.3 litres of fuel per 100 km (combined) and produces only 114 g/km of CO2, the lowest CO2 value ever achieved by a Mazda production car sold in Europe. All engines come with Mazda’s five-speed manual transmission with gear ratios that are between 3 to 10 percent higher than the previous five-speed, which contributes to lower fuel consumption.

Chassis and Safety – Lightweight with Safety Features Equal to the Five-door

The Mazda2 five-door was launched with a body shell that is nearly 100 kg lighter compared to the previous Mazda2. By keeping vehicle weight under the 1,000 kg threshold, the new Mazda2 reversed a general trend in the automotive industry of making each new model heavier. This outstanding result was achieved mostly by engineering solutions – like employing large amounts of strong yet light high-tensile steels and reducing weight wherever possible – but also by reducing the car’s dimensions, making it agile with low fuel consumption and lower operating costs.

Mazda took this vital attribute one step further in developing the new Mazda2 three-door. It is another 5 to 10 kg lighter than the five-door, ranging from 950 kg for the two 1.3-litre petrol derivates to 970 kg for the 1.4-litre diesel.

High tensile steel also delivers some of the B-segment’s best crash safety, as was shown when the Mazda2 five-door scored the highest possible ranking of five stars on Euro-NCAP testing with 34 points for adult occupant protection. It also received an outstanding four-star ranking for child occupant protection with 37 points, making it one of the few sub-compacts to achieve this level of child protection. And for pedestrian safety, it achieved an admirable 18 points and a two-star ranking. The body structure of the Mazda2 three-door is reinforced around the B-pillar and in the doors, including specific side impact protection bars. Its superior passive safety package includes six airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution (EBD), emergency brake assist and DSC (depending on grade and engine).

Can’t Get Enough – of the New Mazda2

In 2006 the London electro-rock band “Infadels” released their debut album “We Are Not the Infadels” on the cult label Wall of Sound. A single from this album called “Can’t Get Enough” became an underground hit in clubs and on European alternative radio stations. In 2007, Mazda chose this song as a guide track for its launch campaign of new Mazda2. The single has a unique mix of independent rock and electronic music and is the perfect match for the Mazda2 – young, sporty and urban-cool. Feedback to the TV ad was so positive that Mazda commissioned the Infadels to produce a remix album of the single. Different artists contributed to the album including the up-and-coming French producer Tepr, New York House legends Felix da Housecat and Menace, with one remix by the Infadels themselves. In January 2008 it was released to well-stocked download shops everywhere. Since then, the single and the album have been downloaded more than 10,000 times, which has contributed much to the growing popularity of the new Mazda2 with young, first-time car owners in Europe. And this chapter of the Mazda2 success story will continue, as Mazda is sponsoring the 2008 European tour of the Infadels, whose new album “Universe in Reverse” will be released on 16 June.

Mazda 2 Sedan Official Details and Photos
Mazda Demio – Winner Car of the Year in Japan

Mazda Motor Corporation began taking orders today for the newly developed Mazda Biante minivan at Mazda, Mazda Anfini and Mazda Autozam dealers throughout Japan. The sales launch is set for July 8, 2008. The Mazda Biante is only available for purchase in Japan.

The Biante is a mid-size ‘tall (high roof) minivan’ with seating for eight passengers. It will be offered with a choice of Mazda’s 2.0-liter direct injection (DISI) or 2.3-liter engine. It features distinctive, athletic styling and superior dynamic performance that provides a sense of security. The Biante also offers a clean and comfortable cabin with best-in-class interior space*1. The passenger cabin’s “clean interior” includes a ‘nanoe ion’ air purification system*2, an Alleru [Allergy] Buster*3 unit (a particulate filter to aid allergy sufferers), a deodorizer in the cabin ceiling and non-absorbent seat fabric in case of spillages.

Mazda Motor Corporation today held a commemorative ceremony to mark the production kickoff of the all-new Mazda Biante minivan at its Ujina Plant No.1 (U1) near Mazda’s headquarters in Hiroshima. Sales of the Mazda Biante are scheduled to commence in Japan on July 8, 2008.

Approximately 550 people, including Mazda’s Representative Director, Chairman of the Board, President and CEO, Hisakazu Imaki, together with executive officers, union representatives and employees, gathered at the Job#1 ceremony to celebrate the Mazda Biante’s production launch.

President Imaki greeted the attendees, saying, “The launch of the all-new Biante marks Mazda’s entry into Japan’s mid-size ‘tall’ minivan segment. In terms of sales volume, it is second only to the compact car segment, where we introduced the all-new Mazda Demio last year.

“As the latest product to embody Mazda’s Zoom-Zoom tradition, the Mazda Biante will enable us to appeal to an even wider range of customers with vehicles that ‘look inviting to drive, are fun to drive, and make you want to drive them again.’ Going forward under the banner of our ‘Sustainable Zoom-Zoom’ declaration, Mazda will continue to pursue harmony between driving pleasure and environmental and safety features. And we will work all the harder to build vehicles of even better quality for our customers.”

The eight-seat Biante minivan was developed under the concept, “Look, then experience the Zoom-Zoom Tall minivan as it expands your dreams.” The Biante offers best-in-class* cabin space, a fresh and comfortable “clean interior,” and distinctive, athletic styling. With its dynamic driving performance, the Biante offers all passengers an enticing blend of security and excitement.

All New Mazda Biante Announced For Japan

Anticipation is building over the revitalised Mazda RX-8 sports car range arriving in Australia early in the second half of 2008. The new RX-8 employs a myriad of mechanical upgrades under its sharp new clothes, all designed to enhance the exhilarating reputation and iconic status of the world’s only rotary-powered, four-door sports car.

“The Mazda RX-8 is a special car, both to us and in the automotive world, and there’s a palpable excitement in the lead-up to the new model,” said Mazda Managing Director Doug Dickson. “It’s like one long night before Christmas!”

Mazda Australia can now confirm that the new RX-8 range will consist of three models – one of which will wear the storied GT moniker.

The new Mazda RX-8 GT will spearhead Mazda’s charge into the next decade of rotary exhilaration when it hits Australian dealerships in July. Specially tuned sports suspension with light-weight 19-inch wheels and a wide range of modifications to the RX-8′s RENESIS rotary engine will raise handling and dynamic prowess to new levels.

The original Mazda RX-8 redefined the sports car genre when it debuted in production form at the 2003 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. It was a sports car only Mazda could make – A Sports Car Like No Other.

The Mazda RX-8′s curvaceous lines and compact proportions incorporated an innovative four-door body with room for four adults. This combined with the RX-8′s unique RENESIS rotary power-plant capable of revving to 9,000rpm to captivate car buyers and critics alike.

The original Mazda RX-8 has won more than 50 automotive awards around the globe, including 2003 International Engine of the Year, and Australia’s most prestigious; 2003 Wheels Car of the Year.

The popularity of the Mazda RX-8 is beyond question; more than 170,000 have been sold around the world.

When setting the goals for the new Mazda RX-8, Mazda’s engineers chose not to mess with the original’s successful formula; instead all efforts were focused on further honing its performance and styling. Mazda RX-8 Program Manager Noboru Katabuchi named this the pursuit of “Sophisticated Dynamism”.

2009 Mazda RX8 in Detail
Mazda RX-8 40th Anniversary On Sale UK

Mazda Motor Corporation today announced its newly developed eight-seat minivan, the Mazda Biante, which will go on sale in Japan during summer 2008.

The name ‘Biante’ was coined from the English word, ‘ambient,’ to create the impression of a unified interior space that contributes to an enjoyable and comfortable in-car experience for all the vehicle’s occupants.

Developed exclusively for the Japanese market, the Biante features best-in-class interior space, distinctive, athletic styling and superior dynamic performance. All of which provides the driver and passengers with a pleasing driving experience.

Mazda Motor Corporation today reported its financial results for fiscal year (FY) 2007 and announced its projections for FY2008.

In the first year of the Mazda Advancement Plan, Mazda’s FY2007 operating profit reached 162.1 billion yen, exceeding FY2006’s record results by 2 percent. Consolidated revenue increased by 7 percent year-on-year to 3,475.8 billion yen, surpassing the 3 trillion yen level for the second consecutive year.

Net income also achieved a best-ever record of 91.8 billion yen, up 25 percent, and global retail volume rose by nearly 5 percent year-on-year to 1,363,000 units. Excluding the impact from discontinued Mazda brand vehicle production in Hainan (China), global retail volumes increased by 11 percent.

For FY2008, as product-driven growth for the company continues, Mazda is projecting a global retail sales increase of 9 percent to 1.48 million units. However, considering recent fluctuations in exchange rates and escalating prices of raw materials, operating profit is expected to decrease 29 percent to 115.0 billion yen, and net income to reach 70.0 billion yen, down 24 percent.

Mazda President and CEO Hisakazu Imaki said, “This was the first year of the Mazda Advancement Plan and we are very pleased that we achieved record profits across the board in FY2007. Our Zoom-Zoom products were very well received by our customers, and global sales volumes increased again this year. As we launch further new products in our global markets, we expect sales to continue growing during FY2008, increasing by 9 percent to 1.48 million units.”

“In consideration of the challenging business environment, we have set tighter forecasts for our profit levels in the next period. However, the plan for building the company is on track. We will continue to raise business efficiency, accelerate cost innovation and enhance brand value through new product launches and increased customer satisfaction. In doing this successfully, we will achieve the aims set out in the Mazda Advancement Plan.”

Financial Results for FY2007
Global retail volume was 1,363,000 units in FY2007, an increase of 5 percent over FY2006. This reflects the added sales from the launch of the all-new Mazda2 (known as the Demio in Japan and the 2008 World Car of the Year) and all-new Mazda6 (Atenza) in global markets excluding North America, and increased sales of the Mazda CX-9, which won the 2008 North American Truck of the Year award. Consolidated revenues in FY2007 were 3,475.8 billion yen, a year-on-year increase of 228.3 billion yen, or 7 percent. Operating profit was up by 3.6 billion yen, a 2 percent increase over the same period last year, to reach 162.1 billion yen. This reflects new model launches, increased sales in other regions, and an improved model mix in Europe, which again achieved record sales results. Ordinary profit was 148.5 billion yen, a rise of 16 percent, or 20.7 billion yen over the figure from the last fiscal year. Net income increased to 91.8 billion yen, up 18.1 billion yen from year-ago levels, an increase of 25 percent.

Financial Projections for FY2008
Mazda projects a global retail volume of 1.48 million units in FY2008, a 9 percent increase over FY2007. With the planned introduction of the all-new Mazda6 North American model in FY2008, together with contributions from the Mazda6 and Mazda2, global sales are forecast to increase. Sales in China are projected to rise approximately 80 percent on the availability of the full lineup of key models in that market. Despite an increase in volume and an improved model mix, consolidated revenues are expected to decrease by 14 percent to 3,000 billion yen, a drop of 475.8 billion yen over FY2007 levels. This is primarily due to the impact of the stronger yen and the implementation of standardized accounting principles between overseas subsidiaries and the parent company. Mazda projects operating profit to be down by 29 percent, a year-on-year decrease of 47.1 billion yen, to reach 115.0 billion yen in FY2008. The outlook for ordinary profit is 110.0 billion yen, a decline of 38.5 billion yen, or 26 percent, from prior-year levels. Mazda is forecasting net income to be down by 21.8 billion yen (24 percent) to reach 70.0 billion yen.

Mazda Australia today whipped the covers off its brand new Mazda3 MPS rally car ahead of its motorsport debut at next week’s Targa Tasmania.

Australia’s top-selling importer will unleash two Mazda3 MPS rally cars on the country’s pre-eminent tarmac endurance event, held from April 15-20. Professional rally drivers Rick Bates and Alister McRae will spearhead the company’s eighth Targa campaign.

Built under the watchful eye of Mazda Motorsport chief Allan Horsley, the 190kW Mazda3 MPS front-wheel-drive hot hatches will contest the event’s 2WD Showroom competition, travelling 2000km over five gruelling days of competition.

The team’s preparation for the rally commenced this week with Bates, McRae and co-drivers arriving in Tasmania to survey the course. Before the event starts next Tuesday both Bates and McRae will have driven all the daunting stages twice.

“Reconnaissance is the most important part of any rally,” says Targa first-timer McRae. “It allows us to focus on when we will need to drive flat out and where it will be possible to conserve the car and tyres.”

Team mate Rick Bates is lining up for his sixth assault on Targa. He’s on a mission to better his 2007 result – an outstanding 10th outright – and says he’s got the equipment and the knowledge to do it.

“The team learnt a lot from last year’s event,” says Bates. “With one Targa in the Mazda3 MPS under our belts we’re all a lot more educated in terms of vehicle preparation and conservation during the event.”

“Personally, I’m feeling more confident behind the wheel now that I’ve spent more time in the car. I have a better understanding of exactly how the Mazda3 MPS handles Targa’s tricky and changing road conditions.”

Ready the Targa Army

Targa Tasmania’s racing regulations require that the Mazda3 MPS rally car remain essentially standard. That means both Mazda3 MPS race cars will compete with standard audio equipment, power windows and carpets and upholstery intact.
Suspension springs, shock absorbers, brake pads, seats, belts and the steering wheel have been replaced. A PCD roll cage, racing seats with five-point safety harnesses, fire extinguishers and navigating equipment have been added for competition.

Additional ventilation is allowed to the brake discs of the Mazda3 MPS, and mufflers and the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) may also be modified. Catalytic converters must remain standard. The engine, gearbox, differential and drivetrain are also standard.

Streamlined Mazda3 Sport range launched
- Value improves by up to $1600 across the range
- Safety first: DSC standard on Mazda3 SP23
- Four new colors for even greater appeal

Mazda has launched the Mazda3 Sport range, bringing even more features, improved safety and better value to its best-selling model.

From April Australia’s top-selling importer injects fresh appeal into its Mazda3 sedan and hatch range. The streamlined Mazda3 Sport range is available in Neo Sport, Maxx Sport, Diesel, SP23 and MPS variants sporting a host of cosmetic changes.

The Mazda3 Sport range offers a choice of two body styles, four transmissions and four specification grades. Vehicles in the range are available in up to 12 colors including four new to the Mazda3 range; Copper Red, Golden Sand, Metropolitan Grey and Stormy Blue.

The base model Neo Sport retains its $20,990 starting price and is packed with $1600 worth of extra value. Its 15-inch steel wheels are replaced by alloys while power windows and mirrors and an AUX jack for iPod compatibility are now standard. An upgraded black cloth seat and door trim completes the makeover.

Other standard features on the Mazda3 Neo Sport include dual front airbags, air-conditioning, a 6-disc CD player, cruise control, remote central locking, driver’s seat height adjustment and tilt and a telescopic adjustable steering wheel.

Priced from $25,500 the petrol-powered Mazda3 Maxx Sport gets six airbags (driver, passenger, front-side and front- and rear-curtain), chrome outer door handles and a new design 16-inch alloy wheel. An upgraded cloth interior trim takes inspiration from the SP23, and a sleek center console in Piano Black gives its interior a luxurious feel.

The 2.0-litre engine that powers the Neo Sport and Maxx Sport promises outstanding drivability and impressive performance with 108kW and 182Nm. It mates to both a 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmission.

Mazda3′s excellent fuel consumption is also kind to your wallet. The Mazda3 manual model returns 8.2L/100km on the ADR 81/01 cycle.

The Mazda3 Diesel sedan and hatch enjoys the same improvements and high level of specification as the Maxx Sport, and is even better value at $29,500. The Mazda3′s hi-tech diesel powerplant boasts a best-in-class 360Nm and 105kW and accelerates from 0-100kmh in 9.5 seconds with a standard six-speed manual gearbox.

The 2.3-litre Mazda3 SP23 (115kW and 203Nm) is priced from $29,600 and now offers even more refinement and value across its base and luxury grades. Chrome outer door handles and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Traction Control System (TCS), previously packaged into the SP23 Luxury, are now standard features on the SP23.

Inside, the SP23 gets a new ultra-quality seat and door trim cloth courtesy of its big brother MPS, and a center console, instrument panels, steering wheel and power window switch bezels all in Piano Black.

The turbocharged Mazda3 MPS gets similar interior upgrades along with a brand new cloth trim with red highlights. The world’s fastest hot-hatch, priced from $38,750, is equipped with a 2.3-litre engine that belts out 190kw and 380Nm.

“This model freshening makes the Mazda3 Sport range even safer and better value than ever before,” says Mazda Australia managing director Doug Dickson.

“This revitalised line up adds even more value to an already exceptionally priced car that continues to attract Australian new car buyers with its high levels of safety, performance, economy and style.”

More than 130,000 Australians have voted with their wallets for the Mazda3 since its launch in January 2004 and the Mazda3 Sport range is sure to build on this success.

Mazda Motor Corporation will commence public road trials of its advanced safety vehicle, Mazda ASV-4, in the Hiroshima area on March 11, 2008. The trials are based on the Advanced Safety Vehicle (ASV) Promotion Plan that was introduced by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transportation (MLIT) to promote the development, practical application and wider use of ASV technologies aimed at reducing the number of traffic accidents. During the ASV Project’s Phase Four trials, Mazda will forge ahead with development of a safe driving support system that employs vehicle-to-vehicle communications.

In collaboration with other ASV project members in the Hiroshima area*1, Mazda will collect and analyze data to promote development of a safe driving support system. The system deploys safety technologies which utilize vehicle-to-vehicle communications to alert drivers of oncoming vehicles at blind intersections or on twisting roads with limited visibility. By reducing driver oversight or error, the system aims to mitigate two vehicle collisions at blind intersections, rear-end collisions and accidents when a vehicle performs right turns. Mazda plans to begin testing the two vehicle blind collision avoidance system in fiscal year 2007. Road trials of the right-turn and rear-end collision avoidance systems are set to commence in fiscal 2008.

The ASV project has been promoting the spread of safe driving to reduce traffic accidents through advanced technologies for over fifteen years since its inception by the MLIT in 1991. Mazda’s test results from Phase One to Phase Three have already resulted in the successful development of various advanced safety technologies. These include: a rear vehicle monitoring system that detects vehicles approaching from behind at highway speeds; and Mazda’s Precrash Safety System, which uses milliwave radar to monitor for oncoming obstacles, then alerts the driver and automatically applies the brakes if necessary. The Mazda ASV-4, part of the project’s fourth phase (2006 to 2010), will participate in the effort to promote the spread of ASV technologies and develop and implement a telecommunications-based safe driving support system to help reduce traffic accidents.

In January 2008, Mazda began trials to validate a new Intelligent Transport System (ITS)*2 as part of a consortium of local government, academia and industry in the Hiroshima area. The ITS consists of safe driving support technologies that link sensors installed along roadways to vehicles (road-to-vehicle communications) in order to detect potentially dangerous situations that the driver cannot see. By conducting the ASV public road trials in the same area as the ITS experiments, Mazda intends to evaluate the compatibility of the road-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-vehicle communication systems.

Mazda is dedicated to leveraging these road trial results, and its own research and development initiatives, to establish ITS and ASV technologies that can assist in reducing the number of traffic accidents and decrease the environmental burden caused by road traffic. Going forward, Mazda will continue to develop and evolve safety technologies that are helping to promote a sustainable transport environment for the future.

*1 Mitsubishi Motors Japan and Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd.
*2 A new traffic system that uses advanced telecommunications technology to create an information network between people, vehicles and the road infrastructure in order to solve transportation problems such as road accidents, traffic jams and damage to the environment.