|
SYDNEY, Australia—The eyes
of the world turned to Sydney as the stylish and dynamic new-generation Mazda3
sedan was revealed at the Australian International Motor Show.
Mazda presented first official images of the highly-anticipated new Mazda3,
ending months of intense media speculation.
The new-generation Mazda3 will redefine small car benchmarks for styling,
handling and value for money when it arrives in Australia around the middle of
2009.
The new Mazda3 will inherit the mantles of Australia's third-best selling
passenger car, and
a leader in the small car segment that accounts for
one-quarter of all new vehicles bought
by Australians.
More than 1.8 million first-generation Mazda3s have been sold in more than
100 countries around the world; almost 150,000 in Australia alone since its
launch in January 2004. Mazda3 has a class-leading reputation for value for
money and driving enthusiasm, and is popular with private buyers.
Mazda Executive Vice President Philip Spender flew to Australia to present
first official images of the new-generation Mazda3 sedan at the Sydney motor
show.
Embargoes around the world were synchronised with Mr Spender's presentation.
As these first official images were revealed on the video screen at Mazda's
Darling Harbour stand, these very same images were instantly sent to thousands
of the world's automotive media in more than 100 countries across five
continents.
"Today is a very important day for new car buyers, both in Australia and
around the world," said Mr. Spender.
"Today is the world's first look at the new-generation Mazda3, a compact car
that will build further on the Stylish, Insightful and Spirited foundations laid
by its predecessor."
With the first-generation Mazda3, Mazda proved that small cars can be stylish
and fun to drive as well as economical and affordable. And Australians voted
with their wallets, making the Mazda3 one of the biggest-selling passenger cars
in Australia.
This new-generation Mazda3 revealed today will take these core Mazda3
qualities to even greater heights, further cementing Mazda3's popularity with
Australians.
Mr Spender said the new Mazda3 will be presented in the metal at the Los
Angeles
Auto Show on November 19, 2008.
"We chose Sydney to give the world its first look at the new Mazda3's
striking design. Following that, North America will host the world debut of the
Mazda3 sedan in late November. Shortly after that the new-generation Mazda3
five-door hatchback will debut on the European continent.
"I think it's only fitting that a car that accounts for one-third of Mazda's
global sales should have a truly global reveal. "
Mr. Spender said the Mazda3, and small cars in general, are increasingly
significant in markets around the world.
"The rising cost of fuel is changing the automotive consumer landscape not
only in Australia but around the world. That, and the increasingly high cost of
living is driving consumers towards smaller, more affordable, more economical
vehicles.
"As a result we're seeing increased levels of equipment, prestige,
performance and refinement in small cars, making them even greater value.
"We've developed the new-generation Mazda3 to be a small-car leader around
the world. The Mazda3's expressive and emotional styling, heightened driving
dynamics, quality and refinement will propel it to even greater heights than the
very successful model it replaces."
Building on success
Since its global launch in 2003, the
current generation Mazda3 has won more than
90 automotive awards and has set
numerous records for Mazda in the small car class.
With that in mind, Mazda designers in Europe, Japan and America, led by Mazda
General Manager of Design Laurens van den Acker, endowed the new Mazda3 with a
refreshingly expressive design that demands attention. This bold and
invigorating new Mazda3 will stand out in a segment cluttered with dowdy
lookalikes.
Mazda's global engineering team had an even tougher task: improving on the
current Mazda3's superlative handling and driving dynamics that are already
class-leading in many countries. Mazda is confident the new-generation Mazda3
will further Mazda's Zoom-Zoom reputation for driving exhilaration in the small
car class, and will deliver a more refined and restful ride.
High levels of safety equipment, clever use of emerging technology,
aerodynamics improvements and greater drivetrain efficiency not only improve
real-world performance; they contribute to a reduction in fuel consumption and
guarantee the Mazda3's exemplary environmental credentials.
The Los Angeles Motor Show runs from November 19-30. Mazda will officially
unveil the next-generation Mazda3 in North American specification and announce
product details at its press conference on Wednesday, November 19, at 12:15pm
(local time).
|
