Mazda3 5-door hatchback to debut at Bologna Motor Show
Mazda Motor Corporation will showcase the world premiere of the all-new Mazda3 (known as Mazda Axela in Japan) 5-door hatchback at the Bologna Motor Show on December 3, 2008. The second generation Mazda3 5-door hatchback follows rapidly on the heels of the new 4-door saloon version, currently on display at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The all-new Mazda3 5-door hatchback adopts the same fresh characteristics as its saloon counterpart, offering sporty driving and a dynamic design, together with top class environmental and safety performance. Environment-friendly qualities were top of mind at Mazda R&D during new Mazda3’s development, including more efficient powertrains, Mazda-typical weight saving engineering solutions and fine tuned ‘best in class’ aerodynamics.
All petrol engine versions of the new Mazda3 will offer even further advanced environmental performance, including the world’s first vehicle catalyst to be constructed using single nanotechnology. This new development enables Mazda to significantly reduce its use of scarce resources such as platinum and palladium.
The new engine line-up has been tailored for European customers and now includes the newly developed 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine, recently launched in the new Mazda6, in addition to the existing 1.6- and 2.0-litre petrol engines and the popular 1.6-litre turbo diesel.
The new 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine is a high-performance clean diesel powerplant with top class output, fuel economy and refinement. It will be offered in two variants, a high power version with a maximum output of 185 PS, and a standard power version with a maximum output of 150 PS. Both have outstanding clean emissions performance and comply with the Euro Stage5 regulations. Fuel economy and CO2 emissions are also greatly improved compared to the current 2.0-litre diesel model.
The all-new Mazda3 5-door hatchback will be revealed during Mazda’s press conference at 09:00 hrs (local time) on Wednesday, December 3, 2008.
