O-STA

World Premiere of the New Mazda3 at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt

Leverkusen/Frankfurt (ots) - Cross-reference: picture is available at:

http://www.presseportal.de/story.htx?firmaid=33972&dpmlist=bild

abrufbar -The 60th International Motor Show in Frankfurt (11 to 21 September) is the

stage for the new Mazda3. It's the fourth Mazda of a new generation of cars

presented within just 18 months. The Mazda3 combines the best features of its

predecessors and was developed to meet the expectations of today's customers

from a car of the C segment (compacts). The Mazda3 offers an impressive

combination of dynamic performance, extravagant and sporty design and a

generous, flexible interior - all achieved with the high standards of

manufacturing quality and engineering skill.

The new Mazda3 is initially being presented as the five-door Mazda3 sports

model with a dynamic hatchback; the four-door saloon will follow in a few

months. Both models bring the unmistakable Mazda styling and a high level of

workmanship to the European market. Like all cars of the new Mazda generation,

they are distinguished by their dynamic and powerful appearance, evident even

while stationary.

The Mazda3 sports car is one of the most spacious vehicles of its segment. It

has a large, roomy interior with generous shoulder room at the front as well as

rear seats. The long wheel base and the optimal form of the rear seats provide a

lot of knee space. The result is a truly spacious passenger compartment that can

comfortably accommodate five adults. Added are numerous cleverly located storage

areas and a large, flexible luggage compartment. A pleasure to drive, the car is

also a pleasure to ride in while remaining practical for everyday use.

The Mazda3 sports car initially comes with two different possible petrol

engines: a high-torque 1.6-litre , 77 kW/105 bhp MZR and a more powerful 2.0-

litre, 110 kW/150 bhp MZR -- both belong to the family of sophisticated four-

cylinder DOHC petrol engines whose respectable torque provide spirited driving

pleasure while fulfilling the current global emissions standards. Standard on

both MZR petrol engines is a 5-speed manual transmission with short, clearly

defined shift paths for that sporty, direct shift feel. The 1.6-litre MZR petrol

engine of the Mazda3 is also available with a 4-speed automatic transmission

called "Activematic" that ensures a supple, uniform and direct driving feel in

either the automatic or manual mode.

The new, five-door body of the Mazda3 is the result of Mazda's Advance Impact

Distribution and Absorption System (MAIDAS). The body is distinguished by

Mazda's unique, threefold H-principle, which provides clearly defined crumple

zones in addition to a stable passenger cell and effectively absorbs and

distributes the energy of an impact. Together with superb driving performance,

the first-class steering and outstanding brakes (ABS antilock brake system and

EBD electronic brake force distribution are standard), a mechanical brake

assist, optional DSC stability control in combination with traction control, six

airbags, safety brake pedal and safety steering wheel, the Mazda3 offers a

safety package that can count as the best of this segment.