2024 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 21:13
Mazda has installed 90 percent of all parts in the new 3 Series. The characteristics of the golf competitor have been retained.
By Thomas Flehmer
The Golf made the start, Renault followed suit with the Megane, which will become the Opel Astra if all else fails, despite all the problems expected at the IAA next autumn. It cannot be overlooked that there is currently a huge stir in the compact segment. In the midst of the realignment, the new Mazda 3 rushes forward. While the four-door model celebrated its world premiere two weeks ago in Los Angeles, the Japanese presented the five-door model, which is important for Europe and will be available at dealerships from spring, at the Motor Show in Bologna. As with the Golf, the style of the compact was retained. However, the Japanese always follow the lines of current design studies.
Belonging to siblings
The lines of the Nagara and Ryuga studies are currently being incorporated into the second generation, ensuring that 90 percent of all parts of the car have been renewed. Above all, the front was redesigned. This reflects the family affiliation to the siblings CX-7, Mazda 5 and 6. Air inlets, as well as the five-point radiator grille and front fenders, now also characterize the front of the new 4.47 meter long golf hunter.
In line with the now more dynamic face, the sideline has also been changed, which lowers from the B-pillar towards the rear, creating a sportier impression. In the entry-level version, 1.6 petrol or diesel engines with 105 or 109 hp work under the hood. While the two modified units only meet the Euro 4 emissions standard, the 2.0 petrol engine with 150 hp and the new 2.2-liter diesel engine with 150 or 185 hp that is already used in the Mazda 6 meet the Euro 5 standard.
Smaller gasoline engines will come later
We still have to wait for smaller petrol engines, which will only be available from 2010. On the other hand, there will be a direct-injection petrol engine with a start-stop system from summer 2009. However, there is no special focus on alternative drives in the offer. According to Mazda press spokesman Jochen Münzinger, Mazda is striving to downsize the entire product range.
This includes that in the not too distant future, a smaller petrol injector will round off the range at the bottom. But for the new Mazda 3, this will be part of the program for the next facelift at the earliest. On the other hand, the 260 hp engines will again power a sporty MPS version from summer.
Only 59 decibels at 100 km / h
Not only for this, the already good, quite active chassis was further optimized. The body structure has also been changed using high-strength steels. This modification results in a noise reduction of six to eleven percent. "The development effort for noise insulation was in the foreground when designing the new Mazda 3," says Münzinger. Only 59 decibels at 100 km / h should now only penetrate into the interior and underline the high level of driving comfort.
You don't hear the pin drop yet, but you can hear the passenger pulling it through with pleasure, who has made himself comfortable in the refreshed interior. Leg and shoulder room has been increased in the cockpit thanks to a wheelbase of 2.64 meters, the seats have been given more comfort and are now also electrically adjustable - all good prerequisites for trusting the driver and doing a little eye care.
Cluttered center console
The center console with the display facing the driver is a bit overloaded. The new navigation system, which will cost between 600 and 700 euros, is a real incentive to buy. The previous generation sat nav was priced at around 2300 euros.
There are also numerous buttons on the steering wheel for operating various systems, which you will get used to over time, says Münzinger. New and - at least unusual in this segment - is the Lane Change Assistant, which uses two radar modules to signal vehicles that are in the “blind spot”.
Start at 17,000 euros
However, this security feature is not available for the basic version. Because even without an assistant, the prices for entering the world of the Mazda 3 will be around 17,000 euros and thus around 500 euros more expensive than the Golf VI. But while the product from Wolfsburg only has just under 80 hp available, the new challenger has 105 - combined with significantly better equipment.
Even if the Mazda 3 is “an essential pillar alongside the Mazda 6”, Münzinger remains cautious when it comes to sales targets. He hopes for 15,000 units to be sold in the coming year - including old stocks. In view of the fluctuating market, the calm is over quickly - despite 59 decibels.
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