New Mazda3 - Fuel economy improved by up to 16 percent, CO2 emissions reduced by 19 percent

One of the most popular Mazda models in Britain gets a major boost to its appeal on 18 May when the all-new Mazda3 range goes on sale, priced from £13,500 (on-the-road).

The new 20-strong Mazda3 model line-up (16 hatchback and four saloon cars), has a more striking design, higher levels of interior comfort and a more premium cabin environment. Both retail and fleet customers will benefit from the dramatic CO2 reductions that Mazda’s engineers have achieved to bring models below the 120g/km and 160g/km tax thresholds.

“With its fresh bodystyle, more powerful and emotional design, the all-new Mazda3 brings the sophistication, style, technology and refinement of the larger Mazda6 to the small family car sector," comments Mark Cameron, sales and marketing director for Mazda UK. “The new model is improved visually, technically and in terms of comfort. We have given it an even more generous specification at each equipment level, so Mazda3 continues to deliver great value for money.”

All-new Mazda3 is offered with a choice of four petrol and three diesel powertrains, all fine-tuned to use less fuel. Customers who prefer a petrol engine can choose from 1.6-litre (105ps), 2.0-litre (150ps with a new 5-speed automatic transmission) or 2.0-litre (151ps) powertrains for the 11 regular Mazda3 models – or the 2.3-litre 260ps turbocharged engine in the Mazda3 MPS, due to be launched later in the year. The choice of diesel engines is expanded to encompass 1.6-litre (109ps), and the new 2.2-litre (150ps) and 2.2-litre (185ps) engines.

The all-new shape of the new Mazda3 has lowered aerodynamic drag to just Cd 0.28 (saloon) and 0.30 (hatchback) – ‘best-in-class’ figures. The improved aerodynamics and retuned powertrains, plus the reduced weight (down by 15 kilos on some models), result in significant reductions in CO2 and fuel consumption. On the official combined cycle, petrol models achieve up to 44.8mpg, while diesel models record up to 62.8mpg.

“The CO2 output of the 1.6 petrol model has been cut to 149g/km, from 162g/km on the current model. The 2.0 petrol is down to 159g/km from 189g/km due in part to the new i-stop technology. The 1.6 diesel model emits just 119g/km, down from 128g/km, and benefits from only £35 per year road tax. Even the range-topping Mazda3 MPS, powered by a turbocharged 2.3 petrol engine has slashed CO2 output to 224g/km meaning that the annual road tax will be just £215 as opposed to £405 on the current vehicle,” highlights Mark Cameron.

Technical innovations featured on the all-new Mazda3 include the fuel-stretching ‘i-stop’ (Smart Idling Stop System) technology on the Mazda3 2.0 Sport (available from June), which can deliver fuel consumption savings of up to 16 percent on the combined cycle.

Safety is paramount on the all-new Mazda3 with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and an Emergency Stop Signalling (ESS) System standard on all models. This system automatically activates the hazard warning lights at cruising speeds when the ABS sensors detect emergency braking. Mazda's Traction Control System (TCS), active front head restraints and six airbags are also standard across the range.

New Mazda3 - World premiere at the Bologna Motor Show on December 3.

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.