2011 Mazda 3 news, pictures, and information

2011 MAZDA 3: AWARD-WINNING SPORT COMPACT WITH POWER, DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY

Chief designer Kunihiko Kurisu describes the design concept as 'inheriting MAZDA3's established identity while making it more expressive.' He continues 'I wanted to strengthen the Mazda brand wîth the MAZDA3 design. Key designers from not only Japan but also Mazda North American Operations and Mazda Motor Europe worked very closely to create an emotional design wîth an even richer expression.'

Jonathan Frear, who worked on the MAZDA3's design for two years at Mazda Motor Europe, before joining Mazda North American Operations, and Carlos Salaff, a senior designer who made major contributions at the quarter-scale model stage, are both proud of what they have collectively achieved. 'The MAZDA3 provided us an opportunity to translate new design cues into the reality of a car which Mazda customers can own, drive, and enjoy,' notes Frear.

MAZDA3's design begins wîth a bold grille that is purposely polarizing. 'Mazda has never been afraid of taking design risks,' says Salaff. 'We always strive to push our exterior, to stretch what is considered normal. We wanted the MAZDA3's dominant grille design to be bold because that will separate this car further from the blasé competitors and, by leaping ahead of the crowd, keep us lòòking fresh even late in this product's life.'

Combining the two medium-sized grille openings used previously into one larger opening also pays functional dividends. Frear explains: 'Shifting the air-intake lower on the car increases the pressure of the flow. As a result, the actual grille opening is 20-percent smaller than what was necessary wîth the previous generation MAZDA3. Most of the air is routed over the hood or around the sides of the car, yielding a significantly lower drag coefficient. (The previous drag coefficient ranged from 0.30 to 0.32, depending on bodystyle and tire size, and has now been reduced from 0.29 to 0.31). Cars equipped wîth an automatic transmission have a second driver's-side inlet opening that routes air through a heat exchanger.

'It's important to note that we have used the front bumper surface as a key MAZDA3 design element,' adds Frear. 'The grille and various elements within its periphery are three dimensional so they literally flow into the surrounding surfaces. The Mazda 'Winged-M' is large and prominently raised above the front body surface. Other flow lines are evident in the hood, down the sides of the car, and in the center of the decklid.

'The front-to-rear rise of the beltline gives the MAZDA3 a crouched, expectant look of a predator ready to pounce. This treatment also provides functional benefits. The low-in-front window opening provides excellent outward visibility. The driver can easily spot lane markings and the road surface close to the car. But a higher belt-line in the rear seat area gives occupants a greater sense of security. Likewise, the elevated decklid surface is both an aerodynamic aid and a means of maximizing trunk room.'

Salaff adds, 'Designers always attempt to build a strong emotional connection wîth their customers. We do it through their hearts—by giving them cars they are genuinely proud to own. They appreciate the quality, they're pleased wîth a reasonable price, but Mazda owners are most proud of how their cars drive and the attractive appearance. They expect their cars to be a reflection of their personalities, so Mazdas are purposely youthful and outgoing. Those character traits read through loud and clear in the MAZDA3's design language.'
'We're also conscious of the fact that this sport compact is likely to spend major portions of its life in urban areas. So the front end is purposely configured to connote the soul of a sports car. Those who pull up from behind or get passed by the MAZDA3 see the vivid taillamp execution and dual exhaust pipes in the case of the 3s model. The precision and attention to detail suggests a much more expensive automobile. And in the side surfaces, there's ample evidence of our Zoom-Zoom spirit as interpreted by the Nagare design aesthetic.'

STRAIGHT AS AN AERO

To maximize fuel economy while hushing wind noise, extra effort was invested in trimming the MAZDA3's aerodynamic drag. Subtle shaping of the front bumper beam greatly diminishes the turbulence of air passing through the grille. Several speed flaps located in the radiator shroud automatically open at highway velocities to allow some air to bypass the cooling fan.

Wind tunnel testing revealed that small deflectors located near the front tires and subtle adjustments to the upper-forward corners of the A-pillars, outside mirrors, windshield wipers, and taillamps also helped smooth air flow along the sides of the car. In terms of aero performance, the MAZDA3 is one of the most efficient entries in its §egmènt.

DRIVER-ORIENTED, PREMIÚM-QÚALITY INTERIOR

MAZDA3's cockpit is configured to support the driver in a more dedicated manner than any sport-compact competitor. Two large instrument clusters are carefully positioned and clearly marked to deliver engine and road speed information. Key controls are located in the §teering wheel spokes where they can be reached wîth minimum distraction. A Multi-Information Display screen containing navigation, audio, and trip information is positioned high on the instrument panel to avoid the need for the driver to refocus vision off the road ahead. A second screen slightly to the right provides station frequency and climate control setting information.

Mazda's Human Machine Interface approach breaks the interior into three key zones: displays and controls used most frequently are located high and close to the driver to significantly reduce eye motion and refocusing; audio and climate controls are also elevated in the center stack to minimize the amount of head motion needed to change any setting; switches located on the door arm rest, §teering column, and §teering wheel are designed for intuitive operation so they can often be activated wîth no need for head or eye motion. Responding to the knowledge gained from human-machine studies, the MAZDA3's center console is elevated to shorten the reach to the shift lever and parking brake more by than two inches compared to the previous generation.

In keeping wîth the Zoom-Zoom philosophy, the interior of every Mazda is not just a place to sit and travel, it's the location where the joy of driving and the satisfaction of owning something special are delivered. From the pleasant sound of the entry chime to the gradual rise of interior illumination, every MAZDA3 interior design detail is carefully conceived and executed wîth high quality in mind. Roof pillars and the beltline are designed to maximize outward visibility and the feeling of roomy openness.

The instrument panel top cover is a padded, seamless, and elegantly grained surface that sweeps from the center console to both A-pillars. The center console provides two cupholders, a sliding armrest, and a roomy storage box, before blending in a continuous curve into the instrument panel. HVAC and audio controls are large, properly textured and illuminated to provide a visual feedback that a command has been received. A damper is included to smooth the opening and closing of the small compartment built into the instrument panel, the overhead sunglasses storage box and the roomy glove box.

Seating comfort is the result of front cushions extended by 0.8-inches over the previous generation model for enhanced thigh support. Likewise, seatbacks are reshaped for more lumbar support and were extended by 1.4-inches for added shoulder support. Optional sport-seat upper bolsters are canted inward aggressively for restraint during hard cornering. An eight-way driver's seat wîth memory is available. Dual-zone automatic temperature control, heated seats, and a BOSE ® Centerpoint audio system are other features seldom found on other sport compact competitors. The 5.1-channel surround sound system engineered cooperatively wîth BOSE® experts includes digital amplifier, noise cancellation technology, and an array of ten premium speakers.
Top versions of the MAZDA3 have a small-diameter leather-wrapped §teering wheel and soft-touch surfaces finished wîth French-stitched seams. Seating areas are available in black or dune colors in both cloth and leather. All MAZDA3 interiors feature a black instrument panel wîth pewter-painted accents and dark grey carpeting. All models feature a 60-40 split-folding rear seat as standard to stretch the utility of the cargo compartment.

MAZDA3's Multi-Information Display (MID) can be fitted wîth a unique navigation system that is patterned after the compact aftermarket navigational devices that provide guidance at an affordable price. Controls located on the §teering wheel select the information to be displayed on the 4.1-inch LCD color screen. In addition to maps and turn-by-turn guidance, the screen conveys MP3 and iPod program information, trip data including fuel economy, plus various maintenance and alert messages. A monochromatic readout MID is also available without the navigational functions.

Advanced keyless entry allows a MAZDA3 driver to unlock the doors and start the engine wîth the key fob carried in a pocket or purse. A discrete door handle button and a start button on the dash are used in lieu of a key.

The addition of Bluetooth® capability in the new MAZDA3 provides wireless mobile phone and audio player connections and hands-free operation. Instrument panel and §teering wheel switches can be used to sort through music selections.

A new Technology Package is available for the 2011 model year, which includes a full color MID wîth compact navigation, Sirius satellite radio, advanced keyless entry, push-button start, rain-sensing front windshield wipers, auto on/off, bi-xenon headlights wîth auto leveling and pivoting Adaptive Front-lighting System and LED rear combination taillights and a perimeter alarm.

ACTIVE AND PASSIVE SAFETY SYSTEMS

Steering and braking accuracy and feedback that leads to avoiding collisions is one of the best ways to avoid calamity and injury. Towards that end, the MAZDA3 excels in agility, maneuverability, and ease of control at the limits of braking and cornering adhesion. Powerful disc brakes, ABS, Dynamic Stability Control and Traction Control and electro-hydraulic power §teering are standard equipment.
The MAZDA3s is the first compact on the market wîth an Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) containing self-leveling bi-xenon (high and low beam) headlamps. Available wîth the Technology Package on MAZDA3s, the inner beam of this system steers up to 15 degrees into the turn to expand the illumination pattern.

To minimize the likelihood of injury when a collision cannot be avoided, the MAZDA3 uses a technology called Triple-H unibody design. Efficient H-shaped reinforcements in the floor, roof, and sides of the body structure resist intrusion and support crush zones at both ends of the vehicle. Six airbags and active head restraints are also standard MAZDA3 equipment. Side-curtain air bags, which help protect all outboard occupants, are a new fast-inflating design wîth a large coverage area.

THE POWERTRAINS THAT SET THE MAZDA3 APART

	Vital Stats
Engine : 4-cylinder Power: 148 hp Torque: 135 ft-lbs Engine : 2.3 L., 4-cylinder Power: 263 hp Torque: 280 ft-lbs
5-speed Manual, 5-speed Automatic

Mazda's MZR engine family is widely regarded as one of the world's most advanced forms of fuel-efficient, high-energy propulsion. As before, there are two distinct MZR four-cylinder engines available in the MAZDA3, both of which offer outstanding performance and efficiency.

MAZDA3i models are fitted wîth the MZR 2.0-liter engine, providing 148 hp at 6,500 rpm and 135 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm. It features compact and light aluminum block and head construction wîth two chain-driven overhead camshafts operating four valves per cylinder for complete combustion, maximum efficiency, and minimal exhaust emissions. (PZEV versions of this engine, sold in California and select other states, produce 144 hp @ 6,500 rpm and 132 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm.)

Variable intake valve timing provides robust low-rpm performance wîth strong high rpm pull, all the way to the 6,500 rpm redline. A light-weight nylon-reinforced intake manifold offers dual-mode flexibility wîth runner lengths ideally suited to both low- and high-rpm operation. A new front-mounted air pickup system feeds the 2.0-liter engine cooler air for combustion.

Two transmissions are offered in the MAZDA3i: a smooth-shifting manual box or a sophisticated, electronically controlled automatic wîth a manual-shift mode. Both are fitted wîth five forward speeds. New for 2010, the wider ratio spread provided by the five-speed automatic enhances both acceleration and mileage. On EPA test cycles, the MAZDA3i automatic achieves 24 mpg in city driving—a two mpg improvement—and 33 on the highway—an impressive three mpg (10 percent) gain over the 2009 model.

MAZDA3s customers benefit from a healthier injection of Zoom-Zoom attributable to a move from 2.3 to 2.5-liters of displacement.

Changes from the previous 2.3-liter unit include a fatter bore and a longer stroke packed into a cylinder block wîth unchanged external dimensions by using cylinder-bore liners made of a steel-molybdenum alloy offering strength and stiffness increases of 30-percent. A forged-steel crankshaft provides the necessary stamina. Twin balance shafts located in the oil sump cancel second-order noise and vibration, allowing this engine to sing to its 6,200 rpm redline.

The deep-skirt block is engineered for extra stiffness and main-bearing caps are integral wîth a ladder-type lower-block reinforcement.

To minimize the noise and vibration typically found on larger displacement four-cylinder engines, the damper at the forward end of the crankshaft is equipped wîth two tuned masses. At the output end, a flexible flywheel also curbs NVH.

Fuel is delivered to the intake ports by an electronically controlled sequential injection system. Ignition coils are modular units positioned directly above the spark plugs. Shim-less bucket tappets require no maintenance. Light-weight pistons are coated wîth a special anti-friction compound and fitted wîth low-tension rings for improved gas mileage. Sintered powder-metal connecting rods and lighter full-floating wrist pins minimize the reciprocating weight. As a result, this engine hums as contentedly at 6,000 rpm as it does at 2,000 rpm.

Like the MZR 2.0-liter, the 2.5-liter powerplant features variable intake valve timing and a two-mode composite intake manifold. A 4-into-1 exhaust manifold improves cylinder scavenging and reduces the time necessary for the catalytic converter to warm to full operating temperature. Dual tailpipes and specially tuned mufflers provide a pleasant exhaust note without a hint of mid-range boom or high-rpm thrash.

Providing 167 hp at 6,000 rpm and 168 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm, the MZR 2.5-liter engine is available wîth a six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed electronically controlled automatic wîth manual shift control – borrowed from the larger, up-market MAZDA6. (The PZEV version of this engine sold in California and other states produces 165 hp @ 6,000 rpm and 167 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm). Despite an increase in power and displacement, fuel efficiency ratings show no loss over the 2009 2.3-liter models, wîth EPA figures of 20 city and 28 highway wîth a manual transmission and 22 city and 29 highway wîth the automatic.

A uniquely Mazda Active Adaptive Shift protocol provides the 5-speed automatic transmission wîth the performance and response that MAZDA3 customers expect. Part-throttle downshifts are delivered in sync wîth the nudge of the accelerator during passing. When the car is braked aggressively in anticipation of cornering, the transmission also downshifts to add engine braking and to prepare for an expedient exit from the bend. A wider overall ratio spread assists acceleration from rest while also providing quieter and more efficient highway cruising.

COMPREHENSIVELY IMPROVED BODY, CHASSIS