The all-new Mazda3 saloon has been unveiled. This new car is bigger than the model that it replaces, has a larger boot, better fuel consumption and is less harmful on the environment.
Looking stylish with its Kodo design language, the Mazda3 saloon features much of the same characteristics as its hatchback sibling. This includes flared fenders, large grille and narrow, swept-back headlamps. At the back you will find angled taillamps, a large bumper and added creases for a clean and chiselled look.
This new Mazda has the same 2 700 mm wheelbase as the hatchback. It measures in at 4 580 mm long and is 40 mm wider and 15 mm lower than the current model. The boot opening width has increased to 1 102 mm. This gives owners access to 419 dm3 of luggage space.
The engine line-up and technologies are set to mirror those in the hatchback with three petrol engines and a diesel powerplant all planned. Overseas, all these units come fitted with Mazda’s i-stop idle-stop system as standard. The first petrol motor, a 1,5-litre four-cylinder unit, produces 73 kW and is mated with a six-speed manual transmission. Mazda claims a CO2 emissions figure of 118g/km. The second petrol unit is a 2,0-litre engine that comes in two states of tune – 88 kW and 121 kW. The 2,5 petrol range-topper produces 135 kW and 250 N.m of torque. The 2,2-litre diesel SkyActiv unit produces 110 kW.
The new Madza3 is expected to make use of Mazda’s Proactive Safety, developed to assist the drive in avoiding dangerous situations. This system includes innovations like i-Activsense which employs radars and cameras to recognise hazards, automatic high-beam assist, a lane-departure warning system, forward obstruction warning and Smart City Brake Support – which helps prevent or minimise impact with the vehicle ahead while moving at lower speeds.
The Mazda3 joins its Mazda6 stablemate on the list for models bound for South Africa in the coming months.