2005 Mazda 3

Mazda at its best

overview
mazda3: the inspiration of a great heritage

The essential elements of Mazda's 83-year heritage are a passion for innovation and excellence in engineering, a flair for design and a pursuit of spirited driving dynamics. It is when all these elements come together that Mazda products most distinguish themselves. The rotary-powered RX-7 sports cars, the renowned MX-5 roadster (the best-selling roadster ever) and the recently launched Mazda RX-8 are inspiring examples, as was the company's 1991 victory at Le Mans.

Today, Mazda's heritage is innate in all its products. The result? An almost indefinable sense of exhilaration and excitement we like to call Zoom-Zoom. Much more than a marketing slogan, Zoom-Zoom is an emotional compass that guides every aspect of Mazda's product development. For the past two years, with the launch of each of its ‘new-generation' products in South Africa – Mazda6, Mazda RX-8, and now the Mazda3 – Mazda has added scope to its meaning. The first of these products, the Mazda6 defined Zoom-Zoom and has captured more than 70 awards globally since its launch, making it the most acclaimed Mazda in history.

The new Mazda3 range assembles all the best qualities of its predecessors, refined with the insights gained by Mazda's designers and engineers through the evolution of the new-generation Mazda product line-up. Mazda3 introduces a fresh, confident vision to a segment that has left the customers of other brands wanting more. With the Mazda3 range, Mazda responds to all those who seek a memorable driving experience, in a car that redefines the style, build-quality and performance in a segment that has traditionally been focused on functionality and sales volumes.

In South Africa, Mazda3 is offered as a distinctive sedan or hatch ('Sport'), with a choice of two four-cylinder 1.6- and 2.0-litre powertrains. The 1.6-litre engine delivers 77kW @ 6000rpm and torque of 146Nm @ 4000rpm, while the 2.0-litre powerplant delivers 104kW @ 6500rpm and torque of 182Nm @ 4500rpm. A five-speed manual transmission offers smooth, sporty shifting to enhance the pleasure of driving Mazda3's spirited engines. Mazda3 is another example of Mazda's fresh approach to designing and building cars that combine excellent manufacturing quality with an innovative, global perspective to create cars that epitomize the company's Zoom-Zoom philosophy. High standards of craftsmanship, refined during the development of Mazda6 and Mazda RX-8, were applied to Mazda3 range to deliver a vehicle with levels of quality that rival most of the world's top C-segment models. Superior build quality characterizes the new Mazda3 range.

With Mazda3, Mazda set out to create a car that's different from conventional cars in the segment, and further develops the style everybody can recognise
as a Mazda car. Mazda's strategy was to present a clear differentiation between the sedan and Sport, by creating two distinctively different body designs. The Sport can be described as sporty, modern, aggressive, distinctive and exciting, while the sedan can be aptly described as sophisticated, prestigious and sleek. Mazda3's exhilarating driving performance has been packaged in ways that would appeal to the widest customer base.

Fit and finish are of the same high standards pioneered by the Mazda6 and continued with Mazda RX-8. Intense efforts to ensure solid, instantly recognizable craftsmanship with the Mazda3 exterior have been undertaken to deliver outstanding build quality.

Combined with Mazda3's dynamic exterior design, the intrinsic quality enhances the sense of satisfaction and pride of ownership every time the car is taken to the road. Both the Mazda3 sedan and Mazda3 Sport version offer four similar specification levels:
· 1.6-litre Original
· 1.6-litre Active
· 1.6-litre Dynamic
· 2.0-litre Individual

The Mazda3 1.6 Active / Dynamic and 2.0-litre Individual models include innovative new features not seen before in a Mazda in this segment, such as an Auto Light System (which automatically switches on the lights when entering a tunnel - or when night approaches - but will not switch on the lights when Mazda3 momentarily enters shady areas) and a Rain Sensor Wiper feature (which offers complete control of wiper on/off and wiper speed, promoting visibility and giving a better view of the road in bad weather). The Mazda3 2.0-litre Individual models are differentiated by a Sport Appearance Package for a sportier, more evocative vehicle personality and on-road presence. The features of the Sports Appearance Packages include: Body-coloured aero-type front grille, sports-type front and rear bumpers, side-skirts, rear roof (on the Sport) or trunk (on the sedan) spoilers, sporty-type front fog lamps and unique rear combination lamps.

Besides halogen headlamps, a fully automatic air conditioning system, indash 6 CD changer, the 2.0-litre individual models also feature an innovative blackout lighting system provides indirect blue lighting for the instrument panel when a door is opened, gradually adding amber-red backlighting after the
ignition is turned on, which gives a pleasant note to the interior instrumentation and reduces eye fatigue. Nowhere are Mazda efforts to achieve customer delight more obvious than in the Mazda3 interior, with its fresh, pure ambience and high levels of craftsmanship that can be seen in the design and feel of the materials. Functional beauty is achieved by a combination of form, colour and high usability – such as switches are located lower and closer to the driver's hands for easier operation. These key elements in Mazda's ‘Stylish, Insightful and Spirited' brand DNA are abundantly obvious inside the new Mazda3. Mazda3 developers created a comfortable and a pleasingly stimulating environment with the goal of making it one of the most enjoyable cars in its segment. From its excellent modular entertainment system, to seats with firm yet comfortable support, every aspect of Mazda3's interior takes Mazda a step further to
deliver even higher levels of customer delight. An uncluttered instrument panel, combined with clean-cut door and trim, reinforce a feeling of spaciousness, comfort and quality, while the prominent three-meter cluster, steering layout and sports-style seats give a refined yet sporty feel for driver and front passenger.

Dynamically, the Mazda3 exhibits the same Zoom-Zoom handling and control that characterises all new-generation Mazda vehicles by delivering a reassuring steering feel and superior braking performance. Innovative front and rear suspension systems have been designed and tuned to ensure an excellent balance between handling stability and ride comfort. Electro-hydraulic power-assisted steering (EHPAS) on the 2.0-litre Individual models, with electronic controlled hydraulics, supplies precise steering feel at all speeds, while Mazda3's braking system delivers responsive, linear braking with robust controllability.

A stiff body structure is one of the main factors ensuring that Mazda3, whether sedan or Sport, is a fun car to drive and embodies the same Zoom-Zoom
character common to all new-generation Mazda vehicles. Mazda3's all-new body structure provides high levels of torsional and flexural rigidity for superior
handling stability and low levels of NVH transmission for a relaxing, quality driving experience. Where driver and passenger safety is concerned. Mazda's Advanced Impact Distribution and Absorption System (MAIDAS) technology has been applied to the Mazda3. The body structure incorporates a triple-H structure, which forms a protective cage for safety in a side-on or offset collision, and front and rear crushable zones. Impact-absorbing structure channels energy from a frontal impact into the front side-members, while large-section centre pillars, crossmembers and side-sills disperse impact energy throughout the entire body structure to minimise cabin deformation. Dual-stage front airbags are fitted to all models and deploy according to impact severity to maximize passenger protection and minimise the risk of airbag-inflicted injuries. Front and rear curtain airbags and driver and passenger side airbags are fitted as standard to the 1.6-litre Dynamic and 2.0- litre Individual models, providing excellent protection from all directions. The driver and passenger front seatbelts feature pre-tensioners for instant hold and load-limiters, which loosen the seatbelt in a controlled manner to help reduce excessive pressure on the chest.

Four-wheel ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and built-in mechanical brake assistance, air conditioner, power steering and an in-car
entertainment system is fitted as standard equipment across the Mazda3 range. Also featured in all models are: a transponder immobiliser system with alarm
and a keyless entry system with remote central locking and power door locking.

'Mazda3 is Mazda at its best,' says Rob Crouse, Mazda South Africa's Marketing Manager. 'It is the third new-generation Mazda, and the third allnew
Mazda launched in less than 14 months in South Africa. It is also proof that Mazda's product formula – craftsmanship and quality that customers expect, mixed with the dynamic performance that is elemental to Zoom-Zoom – really works.

'With Mazda3, Mazda demonstrates that its long-standing traditions of excellence, of imaginative design underpinned by intelligent engineering, continue to set new standards for the industry. This is the true DNA of the Mazda brand.' The Mazda3 comes has 15 000 km service intervals, three-year/100 000 km warranty, as well as the Mazda Motion five-year, 60 000 km maintenance plan and roadside assistance. 'Mazda3 is about giving extra satisfaction and pride of ownership that lasts for years; it's about making every trip enjoyable and entertaining,' states Mr. Crouse.

Distinctive design
overview: evocative, roomy, functional The new Mazda3 introduces unmistakable Mazda styling and functional intelligence to the C-segment. As with all new-generation Mazda vehicles, its exterior design is dynamic and strong with a road presence that visually communicates the exciting, fun-to-drive character that is the essence of Zoom-Zoom. Its roomy interior is designed to evoke excitement and delight with high levels of interior functionality and comfort.
Mazda3's exterior design, whether the Mazda3 sedan or Mazda3 Sport version, is meant to express movement combined with muscular solidity and stability, and to be another tangible expression of Mazda's brand DNA evoked by the Mazda6 and Mazda RX-8.

Building on methods used to develop the flagship Mazda RX-8, Mazda3's interior is far roomier than the car's dynamic exterior indicates. It is sporty yet
comfortable, with intelligent functionality and storage solutions so important to a vehicle in this segment.

Mazda3 (sedan): refined and sporty The Mazda3 is a sedan with a personality all its own. It takes the traditional three-box design a step further by evoking dynamic proportions and taut contours for a strikingly refined and sporty look, without sacrificing space on the inside. A long wheelbase, short overhangs, a short but high rear deck, and a compact-looking cabin combine to deliver an elegant coupé-like design targeted at customers looking for an aggressive but sophisticated sedan. (concept carz)

· Lines extending from the five-point grille through the bonnet convey a subtler, elegant look.
· Flared front and rear fenders suggest muscularity and strength.
· Compact-looking cabin gives an elegant yet sporty appearance when seen from the side.
· Short, high rear deck seamlessly extends the lines flowing from the front of the vehicle for a powerful appearance.
· Elongated rear combination lamps and flared rear fenders enhance the well-planted stance and look of stability.

Mazda3 Sport (hatch) exterior: Bold and confidentDynamic, solid proportions – created by a long wheelbase and cabin, short overhangs and large-diameter wheels, and aggressively flared front and rear
fenders – give the Mazda3 Sport an assertive presence, even when viewed from a distance. The Mazda3 Sport visually conveys dynamic potential in a powerful and confident way, resulting in an exciting hatchback personality with design flair that is targeted to appeal to a more youthful mindset.

· Bold character lines extending from the prominent five-point grille up and over the bonnet give a more emphatically contoured look than the sedan. (concept carz)
· Únique triangular C-pillar enhances the dynamic movement of the overall design.
· Sculpted tailgate reassures with stability and solidity.
· Flared front and rear fenders communicate tenacious road-holding capability.
· Integrated circular headlamps and rear combination lamps add a distinguished touch to the exterior design.

Package: functionality, spaciousness & comfort
The Mazda3 range is one of the longest, widest and tallest vehicles in its segment. It is also relatively upright, despite its aggressive design. As a result, Mazda3 is segment leading for front and rear shoulder-room and one of the best-in-class for knee-clearance, with a truly roomy interior with ample space for four adults to travel in comfort. Add to this a host of intelligent storage compartments and a large, flexible luggage compartment.

Exterior
· Despite the wide body (1755mm), the distance between the outermost points of the door mirrors is just 1935mm.
· A long wheelbase (2640mm) and wide tread (1530mm front / 1515mm rear) and good overall height (1465mm) allow for a spacious, airy cabin.
· Tumble angle of just 20º delivers generous shoulder room front and back.

Interior
· The long wheelbase and optimal shaping of the front seats assure generous knee clearance for rear passengers.
· Hip point is higher (approximately 30mm higher than the Mazda Etude) for a better view of the road and easy entry and exit.
· Steering column offers tilt (up to 40mm) and telescope (up to 50mm) adjustment.
· Driver seat provides up to 55mm of vertical and up to 250mm of horizontal adjustment to allow drivers of practically all sizes to find their optimum driving position.
· Ratchet-type lever gives easy seat adjustment, while both cushion and seatback move up and down together to ensure optimal comfort.
· Parking brake is located beside and behind the gear lever allowing smaller drivers to operate it more easily when the seat is in a forward position.

Instrumentation and lighting
· An uncluttered instrument panel, combined with clean-cut door and trim, reinforce a feeling of spaciousness, comfort and quality.
· Prominent three-meter cluster, steering layout and sports-style seats give a refined yet sporty feel for driver and front passenger.
· Metallic-look accents, amber-red lighting and dual-textured, leatherwrapped steering wheel convey a sense of the vehicle's sporty essence.
· Instrument panel and upper door trim use the same high-quality textured material for a stylish, coordinated look.
· Design of the instrument panel's central section has clear separation of meters and controls for safe and easy operation when driving.
· New interior lighting concept links changes in illumination to switch operations for improved visibility and adds an element of precision and control to overall vehicle functionality.
· On the 2.0-litre Individual models, the amber-red lighting of the instruments and console may be softened by indirect blue illumination.

Interior options for personal expression
A choice of contrasting interior colours and materials offer the Mazda3 owner an opportunity to express their own personality and taste. These choices enhance Mazda3's highly-ergonomic environment which, quite literally, wraps around the driver to give greater comfort and control, and a heightened sense of connection to the car's overall performance.

TRIMS DERIVATIVE
- Active Pattern Blue Original & Active
- Active Pattern Grey Original & Active
- Pure Sport Blue Dynamic & Individual
- Pure Sport Red Dynamic & Individual

Interior storage compartments
· Eight-litre, 260mm-deep glove-box offers space for a two-litre beverage bottle.
· Glove-box has the capacity for up to 16 CD cases.
· Double-bottomed centre console box features an upper tray with space for a mobile phone or other similar-sized items, and a lower box with 3.6- litre capacity, sufficient for 13 CDs.
· Front section of the console box has two cupholders (for one large-size and one medium-size cup) with a flip-back lid.

luggage compartment
· The Mazda3 Sport model offers segment-leading distance between the rear wheel wells (1050mm) for generous luggage compartment volume. This is due in part to the rear suspension coil springs located beneath the floor.
· Rear seatbacks and cushions are optimally shaped to give a flat floor when folded forward (60/40).
· Mazda3 Sport model offers unparalleled luggage compartment flexibility with a subtrunk for storage of car-care products or other items.
· Front floor section of the Mazda3 Sport's luggage compartment can be used to separate the luggage space into upper and lower sections, and the rear floor section can be raised to create a partition between the front and rear of the luggage compartment.
· The four door's high deck design and location of rear coil springs under the floor result in greater trunk width and capacity (419 litres VDA).
· Double-link trunk hinges neither intrude into the trunk when the lid is closed nor obstruct the trunk when the lid is open.

sports appearance package: zoom-zoom!
Both the Mazda3 and Mazda3 Sport 2.0-litre Individual versions are available with Sports Appearance Packages, as standard equipment, for a sportier, more evocative vehicle personality and on-road presence. The development of the Sports Appearance Packages was an integral part of the Mazda3 program and the resulting components combine seamlessly with the body contours of both body styles for a look that cannot be achieved with normal aftermarket styling.

The features of the Sports Appearance Packages include:
· Body-coloured aero-type front grille
· Sports-type front and rear bumpers
· Side-skirts
· Rear roof (Mazda3 Sport ) or trunk (Mazda3 ) spoilers
· Sporty-type front fog lamps
· Únique rear combination lamps: LED (Mazda3 Sport) and black bezel bulb type (Mazda3)

Dynamic performance
overview: balanced dynamism, flair

The new Mazda3 range offers C-segment customers high levels of driving flair and enjoyment that is the essence of Zoom-Zoom. As the third in the line of
new-generation Mazda vehicles introduced in South Africa, Mazda3 embodies everything learned from developing the award-winning Mazda6 and the Mazda RX-8. Mazda3 delivers a superbly-balanced dynamic performance that combines spirited engines, exceptional ride quality, a predictable and reassuring steering feel and braking performance that inspires confidence. Mazda3's MZR 1.6- and 2.0-litre petrol engine line-up was developed to meet the diverse demands of a global market. A product of Mazda's innovative approach to engineering, they deliver linear, lively driving enjoyment, and a minimum on environmental impact with good fuel economy and low emissions.

The 1.6-litre engine delivers 77kW @ 6000rpm and torque of 146Nm @ 4000rpm, while the 2.0-litre powerplant delivers 104kW @ 6500rpm and torque of 182Nm @ 4500rpm. A five-speed manual transmission offers smooth, sporty shifting to enhance the pleasure of driving Mazda3's spirited engines. Chassis systems are tuned to deliver an overall high performance feel that balances the smooth handling and ride comfort characteristics of Mazda's new-generation products. The steering is precise, linear and predictable in all situations, while larger brakes and linear booster give safe, effective deceleration that supports driver confidence.

A highly-rigid body structure delivers superior torsional and flexural stiffness, essential to ensuring Mazda3's superior handling and steering. Thanks to
Mazda's innovative approach to safety, Mazda3's body resists deformation and disperses impact energy in all collision situations to ensure passenger cell integrity and excellent passive safety.

mazda3 engines: spirited and frugal with low emissions

· Linear engine response to accelerator-pedal input for immediate acceleration and a lively driving feel.
· Low flow-resistance air cleaner, intake manifold with long (600mm) equallength runners and high-flow ports for robust torque across the speed range.
· Sequential Valve Timing (S-VT) in the 1.6-litre models optimises valve open/close timing according to engine speed and air intake for more efficient engine operation throughout the rev range, while maintaining optimal driveability and power delivery.
· Variable Induction System (VIS) controls intake manifold length by opening a valve at higher engine speeds to optimise intake efficiency and boost torque.
· Stainless steel exhaust manifold with long, equal-length runners (1.6-litre: 4-1 configuration, 2.0-litre: 4-2-1 configuration) optimises exhaust gas flow
for enhanced power and torque, and for a sporty engine note.
· Rigid aluminium-alloy engine block, and deep-skirt construction to give superior transmission coupling stiffness, combined with lightweight pistons and con-rods for lower overall engine noise.
· Cams and shimless tappets have a low-friction finish which, combined with lower valve-train inertia and valve-spring weight, minimise valvetrain noise for a clearer engine note.
· Lightweight pistons, low-tension piston rings and shimless tappets contribute to minimal friction loss and improved fuel economy.

dynamic five-speed manual transmission: smoother, quieter operation
· Cable-controlled, five-speed manual transmission suppresses engine vibration to the shift lever for smoother, quieter operation.
· Cable-bend angles and tolerances are minimised for a sporty, direct shift feel.
· Linked double-cone synchronizers for first and second gears (where synchronizer load is greatest) lighten shift operation for sportier smoothaction, short-throw shifting.
· Special surface treatment applied to the shift rod, crank lever and control rod, plus Teflon coating on bushes, combined with a double-construction detent ball, reduces overall friction by up to 50 percent.

handling & control: superior suspension, steering and brakes
Mazda3 range exhibits the same Zoom-Zoom handling and control that characterise all new-generation Mazda vehicles by delivering a reassuring steering feel and superior braking performance. Innovative front and rear suspension systems have been designed and tuned to ensure an excellent balance between handling stability and ride comfort. Electro-hydraulic powerassisted steering (EHPAS) on the 2.0-litre Individual models, with electronic controlled hydraulics, supplies precise steering feel at all speeds, while Mazda3's braking system delivers responsive, linear braking with robust controllability.

front suspension
· Optimised suspension layout and geometry ensure outstanding manoeuvrability.
· A MacPherson-type front suspension system employs a four-point rubber mounting system to provide robust handling stability.
· Large front dampers with 35mm diameter pistons feature built-in rebound springs optimised to suppress wheel bounce when cornering for stable, sporty handling and ride comfort.
· Input-splitting design for the upper strut mounts allows independent optimisation of damper and spring rates for more refined handling and improved ride comfort.
· Fluid-filled bushings – similar in size to those on the Mazda6 – are used at the rear of the lower arms to contribute to Mazda3's superior balance of handling stability and ride comfort.
· The steering gear is mounted lower and tie rods are shorter to give good linear toe-control and minimal toe-out for improved handling stability.

rear suspension
· Multi-link rear suspension design based on the Mazda6 to give larger-car handling characteristics and improved performance.
· Separate position of springs and dampers reduces damper friction and frees space for a larger luggage compartment, while maintaining a long coil spring stroke.
· Layout of each link is optimised to control rear-wheel camber and achieve optimum roll-centre height.
· Mazda3 has been tuned for a forward-inclined roll-centre axis to achieve exceptional road-holding and straight-line stability, similar to a rear-wheel.
· Bushings are designed and positioned to optimise toe changes in response to lateral forces for enhanced road-holding performance.
· Twintube gas-filled dampers with large-diameter (35mm) pistons substantially improve handling and ride comfort.

steering
· Electro-hydraulic power-assisted steering (2.0-litre Individual models) combines merits of an hydraulic system with those of an electronic one.
· An electric motor, not the engine, is used to drive an hydraulic pump and can better respond to vehicle speed and steering input for more precise control of steering assist.
· Electric motor lowers speed of hydraulic pump during situations where power assist is not required, reducing energy loss and contributing to lower overall fuel consumption.
· Short turning circle (5.2m), gives excellent manoeuvrability, allowing any driver to handle the car with confidence.
· Turning radius is at the same level as competing vehicles with shorter wheelbase and narrower tread.

brakes
· ABS with electronic brake distribution and brake assist system is available as standard across the range.
· Responsive linear deceleration is enhanced by exceptional robustness and controllability, for some of the shortest stopping distances in the Csegment.
· Robust front discs (1.6-litre:278mm or 2.0-litre:300mm depending on model) and rear discs (1.6-litre:265mm or 2.0-litre:280mm) are larger and thicker (25mm front/11mm rear) than the previous-generation model yielding greater braking effectiveness, consistency, rigidity and response.
· A 10-inch single vacuum booster enhances brake effectiveness and response by ensuring linear increase in deceleration as pedal travel increases.
· Booster is tuned to shorten pedal travel for more instantaneous response to braking inputs.

· Newly-developed low-expansion brake hoses, reduced master cylinder travel loss, optimised brake pad friction characteristics plus high-grip tires further optimise braking performance. body, nvh, safety: rigid, quiet, safe A stiff body structure is one of the main factors ensuring that Mazda3 is a fun car to drive and embodies the same Zoom-Zoom character common to all new-generation Mazda vehicles.

Mazda3's all-new body structure provides high levels of torsional and flexural rigidity for superior handling stability and low levels of NVH transmission for a relaxing, quality driving experience. Relentlessly, engineers worked to refine the NVH performance of the front suspension and subframe and determine an ideal solution that balanced weight, cost, and effectiveness. The Mazda3's rigid body structure is also safety optimised, the result of Mazda's Advance Impact Distribution and Absorption System, which delivers a safe and robust passenger cell that resists impact deformation and disperses impact energy in all possible crash scenarios.

underbody
· Straight, large-section front side-members mounted to the cabin to help maximize front-end flexural rigidity for enhanced steering performance.
· Left and right front side-members are coupled to the dash cross-member to suppress lateral deformation.
· The cowl panel linking left and right front suspension towers is mounted to the cabin to prevent the suspension towers leaning inwards and to help maintain ideal suspension geometry.
· Large-section side-sills and floor cross-members add to torsional and flexural rigidity.

· Three cross-members beneath the floor tunnel suppress flexing of the body due to steering inputs to provide for a strong linear steering feel.
· The rear floor features reinforced coupling stiffness between the side- and cross-members.

upper-body
· Side-panel inners feature tailor-welded blanks for low weight and high rigidity.
· Optimally-positioned gussets on the rear suspension mounts increase rear suspension rigidity.
· Five-door hatchback features reinforcements coupling the rear sidemembers and the rear gate opening to improve torsional rigidity of the rear body structure.

Source - Ford Motor Company