KEY POINTS:
Mazda is promising that its new 3 sedan and hatchback is the most impressive family car yet from the Japanese carmaker.
The company unveiled the sedan variant at the Los Angles motor show last week and will take the covers off the hatchback at the Bologna show, in Italy, next month and in Detroit in January.
Both models will go on sale in New Zealand around the middle of next year. Expect a 2-litre engine mated to five- and six-speed manual or automatic gearboxes.
It is not known if the optional 2.5-litre engine shown at Los Angeles will be also available here.
The new Mazda3 takes its design inspiration from the acclaimed Mazda2. It picks up a number of design revisions, including a new front grille that's meant to bring it more in line with the rest of the Mazda range.
It uses a reworked version of the last 3's chassis, with multi-link MacPherson struts. But it should provide an improved driving experience, thanks to what company engineers say is a bodyshell that is stiffer than any other Mazda.
Mazda says interior quality has been vastly improved, with a sweeping dashboard and bigger instrument clusters. So has the driving position, offering longer seat cushions and taller backrests in an effort to improve under-thigh support. Premium models get more supportive side bolsters.
Mazda claims to have launched a weight-saving programme in an effort to improve economy and performance of the 3, but official kerbweight figures will only be released nearer to the launch.
The Mazda3 is the company's best-selling vehicle worldwide, one of the company's first products under the Zoom-Zoom marketing catchcry.
The new model was developed by Mazda engineering and research and development departments in Japan, Europe, and the US.
Mazda3 programme manager Yoshiyuki Maeda says the development process began with a study of the features and performance needs.
"That initial phase ended with the conclusion that every driving characteristic was eligible for improvement to reach our Zoom-Zoom goals," he says.
The 2-litre four-cylinder engine delivers 110kW at 6500rpm and 180Nm of torque at 4500rpm.
Mazda claims town and around fuel consumption for the 2-litre unit of roughly 10 litres/100km, or 30mpg.
An advanced keyless entry system includes push-button engine starting. The options list includes rain-sensing wipers, heated side mirrors, leather upholstery and heated seats.
Overall, says Mazda, the new 3 offers equipment, fit and finish simply not found in other vehicles in this price range. The new entry-level 3 is expected to be more expensive than the current GLX base model's $26,995.
