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2015 GENEVA MOTOR SHOW

March 3, 2015 by Mazda

2015 GENEVA MOTOR SHOWGeneva 2015: Mazda's unbridled potential

Mazda is coming off another successful year in Europe in 2014. There's no let-up in sight either, as demonstrated by the company's aggressive model offensive: five launches in six months.

All are on display at the 85th Geneva International Motor Show. Specifically, three brand-new model generations – the Mazda CX-3, Mazda MX-5 and Mazda2 – alongside the 2015 Mazda CX-5 and 2015 Mazda6.

The initial media response to the all-new Mazda CX-3, which makes its European premiere, has been overwhelming following its unveiling in the U.S., Japan and Australia. This is very encouraging in a segment expected to be one of the industry's fastest growing in the coming years.

Instead of looking at competing models, Mazda studied the people most likely to buy the company's first-ever small SUV – young, active and creative – and designed it around their needs and expectations. As a result, the CX-3 is an entirely new product. Based on Mazda's SKYACTIV Technology, fuel-efficient fun is a guarantee in either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) guise. And its KODO looks, smartphone con­nectivity system and vast line-up of active safety technology should resonate loud and clear with this target group.

Sharing the spotlight at Mazda's stand, the all-new Mazda MX-5 carries on the light­weight sports car tradition that began some 25 years ago. The fourth-generation road­ster was created to appeal to the senses of those around the world who love to drive.

Alongside these two newest Mazdas are three highly lauded models, all of which re­cently went on sale in Europe. Initial demand for the all-new Mazda2, 2015 Mazda CX-5 and 2015 Mazda6 bodes well for Mazda in its effort to maintain the strong momentum in Europe during the current year.

2. The All-New Mazda CX-3


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All fun, no reservations

Designed and engineered for the active lifestyles of today, Mazda's first small SUV looks ready to set a benchmark for a new era.

◾Mazda aims to shake up one of the industry's fastest growing segments with: ◾an inspired KODO exterior design

◾SKYACTIV Technology for outstanding dynamic performance, Mazda's patented sporty handling, and hybrid-level fuel economy

◾internet connectivity along with the latest active safety innovations

◾Available with Mazda's intelligent new-generation AWD system or in fuel-saving FWD format

◾Scheduled go on sale in Europe by early summer

Exterior

While sharing many KODO design traits with other new-generation models, the Mazda CX-3's uncompromising exterior design clearly expresses quality and a sense of speed, substance and purpose.

◾Bold face centred on the grille and its seven silver fins for a look of concen­trated energy that extends through the chromed signature wings into the head­lamps with:

◾a high nose that evokes confidence

◾full LED headlamps* reminiscent of a predator's eyes

◾futuristic light-guiding technology illu­minating the portion of signature wing within the headlamp unit

◾Stylish tailgate forms conceal features like the rear parking camera

◾dual exhaust pipes underscore the car's sporty go-anywhere nature

◾Rear combination lamps stretch from body into liftgate with a shape echoing that of the headlamps

◾18-inch aluminium wheels feature five sets of double spokes with a machined outer finish that contrasts with the gunmetal grey metallic contour surfaces

◾also available with 16-inch aluminium wheels in a simple, bold sculpted look or 16-inch steel wheels

◾Offered in one of nine body colours includ­ing Ceramic Metallic, Soul Red Metallic, Arctic White, Jet Black, Deep Crystal Blue, Meteor Grey, Titanium Flash, Dynamic Blue, and Crystal White Pearl.

* Availability depends on trim level and market

Interior

The cabin combines the best of SUVs and normal cars. The result: crossover freedom and unconstrained fun thanks to superb visibility, the comfort of a uniquely ergonomic in-terior reminiscent of a larger class of car, and a flexible, practical boot.

◾Developers came up with a radically new cabin echoing the CX-3's exterior design, e.g. with: ◾interior elements that feature a handcrafted level of quality combined to create continuity

◾instrument cluster hood exclusive to CX-3 finished in a stitched leather-grain* look

◾Class-beating driver's seat adjustability: 260mm front-back range and 40mm vertically with 45mm of steering wheel tilt and 50mm telescopic range

◾Top-class front shoulder room and legroom

◾Three interior packages* offered: ◾pure-white leather combined with offblack Lux Suede® upholstery and dark red accents and metallic panels in a machined aluminium-look finish

◾black leatherette and dark grey fabric upholstery combo with the same red accents as above and a soft black padded decorative panel with red stitching

◾two different combinations of fabric upholstery also available along with silver accents, dark red climate control louvre rings and the soft black padded decorative panel with silver stitching

◾Flexible 350-litre boot expands to 1,260 litres with rear seats folded**

* Availability depends on trim level and market

** DIN volumes, incl. sub-trunk

Connectivity, functionality & equipment

Safety and usability are the top priorities of Mazda's new-generation human-machine interface. The aim is to give the driver the full benefit of the CX-3's vast range of technology in maximum comfort and with minimal eye movement or physical exertion.

◾Driver-oriented layout, with important controls (e.g. pedals, gearshift, rotary commander) positioned to be an extension of the driver's body

◾Active Driving Display*, one of the first head-up displays in this segment

◾7-inch touchscreen display* located on the dash above the centre stack

◾Navigation system*

◾Rotary commander on centre console designed to enable blind operation by the driver

◾Comes with the MZD Connect* smart­phone connectivity system for safe and easy internet access when in transit

◾Seven-speaker BOSE® premium sound system* – the first in a subcompact Mazda – developed exclusively for the CX-3 and its compact cabin

* Availability depends on trim level and market

Powertrains

The choice of SKYACTIV powertrains offered move the Mazda CX-3 in ways that feel natural to the driver, with powerful linear acceleration and abundant torque.

SKYACTIV-G 2.0 direct-injection petrol engine

◾'Rightsized' and naturally aspirated for superb linear performance and excellent real-world fuel economy

◾World's highest* compression ratio (14.0:1) in a mass production model

◾Offered for the CX-3 in two versions with standard i-stop idle-stop system; also available with the latest version of i-ELOOP, Mazda's unique brake energy regeneration system

Output:

◾FWD: 88kW/120PS at 6,000rpm & 204Nm at 2,800rpm

◾AWD: 110kW/150PS at 6,000rpm & 204Nm at 2,800rpm

Fuel consumption & CO2 emissions**:

◾5.9l/100km & 137g/km (FWD with six-speed manual)

◾5.8l/100km & 136g/km (FWD with six-speed automatic)

◾6.4l/100km & 150g/km (AWD with six-speed manual & i-ELOOP)

◾6.3l/100km & 146g/km (AWD with six-speed automatic & i-ELOOP)

Emissions class: Euro 6

SKYACTIV-D 1.5 clean diesel

◾Like the version launched on the all-new Mazda2, it delivers hybrid-like fuel economy and low-knock operation thanks to: ◾a low 14.8:1 compression ratio

◾a special combustion chamber and fuel injection system to help counter cooling losses

◾a compact high-efficiency turbocharger with variable turbine geometry

◾Standard i-stop, the idle-stop system delivering the world's fastest diesel restarts

Output:

◾77kW/105PS at 4,000rpm & 270Nm at 1,600-2,500rpm

* Available as of February 2015, according to in-house data

** Mazda in-house figures for the combined cycle

Fuel consumption & CO2 emissions**:

◾4.0l/100km & 105g/km (FWD with six-speed manual)

◾4.7l/100km & 123g/km (AWD with six-speed manual)

◾5.2l/100km & 136g/km (AWD with six-speed automatic)

Emissions class: Euro 6

SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic

◾Delivers the direct feel of a manual, with smooth acceleration from zero and excellent fuel economy

◾Comes with a Drive Selection switch (petrol models) to change into 'sport' mode for more torque in response to accelerator pressure

SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual

◾Compact lightweight transmission fea­turing a lock ball-type synchroniser for short, crisp and smooth gearshifts

◾Short level shaft and large drop angle for precise operation

* Available as of February 2015, according to in-house data

** Mazda in-house figures for the combined cycle

Chassis & body

Conceived to offer unre-stricted and inspiring mobility, the Mazda CX-3 is available with either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The refined suspen-sion delivers confidence-inspiring handling and road stability, while the remarkably stiff yet lightweight SKYACTIV-Body offers outstanding crash protection and more.

SKYACTIV-Chassis

◾Electric power-assisted steering adapted from the Mazda2 for the CX-3's added weight, higher centre of gravity and bigger powertrains

◾Freedom expanding new-generation AWD system features ◾innovative front-wheel slip warning detection system that employs 27 sensor signals to monitor the driver's intentions and constantly changing road conditions, instantly transmitting drive power to the appropriate wheels

◾active torque control coupling determines how much grip each wheel needs, automatically and instantly distributing the right amount of torque to each wheel

SKYACTIV-Body

◾Outstanding strength and collision safety despite being lightest body-in-white in its class

◾Adopted similar NVH measures to Mazda2 and more to handle the larger petrol engine and AWD with minimal added weight while putting the CX-3 on par with C-segment cars when it comes to high-frequency noise

◾Aerodynamics concept based on streamlining underbody air flow and improving the balance of the upward and downward flows that converge at the rear of the body by: ◾optimising shapes to enhance airflow around the car, from the front bumpers to the D-pillar garnishes

◾adding various undercarriage covers

Safety

The Mazda CX-3's considerable range of i-ACTIVSENSE active safety technology is another aspect of the unrestricted mobility concept behind Mazda's first small SUV.

i-ACTIVSENSE - safety technology*

◾Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) uses 76GHz radar to monitor speed and distance to preceding vehicles, adjusting the throttle and brakes to maintain a safe trailing distance

◾Distance Recognition Support System (DRSS) displays distance to preceding vehicles based on radar measurements, flashing an icon if the CX-3 gets too close

◾Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW) sounds an alert and warns the driver to take evasive action if DRSS detects an increased collision risk

◾Smart Brake Support (SBS) uses 76GHz radar together with a camera to monitor the road for vehicles and obstacles, pressurising the brakes should FOW sound an alert and applying them lightly at first and with increasing pressure should the danger persist

◾Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) is a near-infrared camera based low-speed (4-30km/h) emergency braking system that, like SBS, first pressurises the brakes and then applies them to prevent or at least reduce the severity of an impact with a vehicle or obstacle up to 6m ahead

◾Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) uses 24GHz radar to keep tabs on the road to the sides and rear of the CX-3, warning of vehicles approaching in adjacent lanes with a flashing indicator in the side mirror and a buzzer sound should the driver signal a lane change. BSM thereby extends the functionality of the Rear Vehicle Monitor­ing (RVM) system to the areas on either side of the car, also adding Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), which warns the driver when reversing of vehicles approaching from the sides

◾Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) examines the lane markings using a cam­era and warns the driver of unintentional lane changes

◾High Beam Control (HBC) switches auto­matically between high and low beams to avoid impairing other motorists' vision,using a camera to monitor oncoming headlights and the taillights of preceding vehicles

* System availability depends on trim level and market

Passive safety

◾The CX-3's SKYACTIV-Body is reinforced in the name of top-class crash safety pro-tection. It features: ◾stronger 1,180MPa floor panels to better absorb frontal impact forces & protect cabin

◾stiffer B-pillars and high-strength steel door reinforcements and outer panels

◾a front overhang providing a larger crumple zone, also preventing engine compartment damage from a mild im­pact, thus limiting repair costs

◾Rear bumper crush cans with cruciform shaped cross-section reinforcing membersalong with beads to control rear side frame deformation

Photo credit: Mazda
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