Upgraded Mazda3 range delivers ‘matured quality’

The ‘upgraded’ Mazda3 model range benefits from much more than a mere facelift and builds on the many virtues that have made the original Mazda3 the Mazda brand’s top-selling model globally, with more than 21,000 delivered since launch in the UK.

Beneath the stylish exteriors of the upgraded Mazda3’s immensely popular hatchback and saloon, are a host of technical innovations and numerous improvements include higher levels of standard specification, enhanced cabin comfort, improved NVH and significant reductions in cabin noise.

The upgraded Mazda3 range now on sale in the UK will offer customers a 15-strong model line-up with a choice of five powertrains and four equipment levels. Most petrol and diesel engined models, including the new 90ps diesel version, are arriving at dealer showrooms this month.

On-the road prices start at £11,400 (Mazda3 1.4 S hatchback) and rise to £16,330 for the range-topping Mazda3 2.0 Sport. Sales of Mazda3 in the UK are expected to reach around 13,000 units during 2006 and to maintain a similar level next year. The dramatic new range-topping 250ps Mazda3 MPS ‘super hatch’, delivering 0-62mph acceleration in just 6.1 seconds, will join the UK line-up during the first quarter of 2007.

Mazda3 upgrade is available in four new body colours – Carbon Grey Mica, Phantom Blue Mica, Aurora Blue Mica and Icy Blue Metallic – with three existing colours, Black Mica, Sunlight Silver Metallic and Arctic White solid.

All models feature a re-styled front bumper, front grille and rear bumper with more modern lines to convey a fresher, smarter image. Sport models have a simplified two-bar grille and new angular front fog lamps. Stylish new designs of 15-inch, 16-inch and 17-inch diameter alloy wheels are available – depending on model.

All models benefit from Mazda engineers developing new measures to counteract engine and road noise and to significantly improve NVH. Inside, there are higher quality seat materials and colours across the range, with a dark toned silver centre stack on all but S models, which have piano black, and upgraded upholstery in wine-red tone on a pure black base for both the TS and TS2 versions.

Aerodynamic drag reductions, together with engine improvements, have resulted in significantly improved fuel consumption and reduced CO2 emissions for most models, with many vehicles moving into a lower Road Fund Licence Band.