In Depth: Mazda3

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Technical Features
In Depth: Mazda3
By Source: Mazda Motor Europe
Oct 29, 2003, 17:21

Exceeding Expectations

The new Mazda3 assembles all the best qualities of its predecessors, refined with the insights gained by studying closely those attributes that make the new generation Mazda product line up so successful. It represents a fresh and confident alternative in a segment that has left the customers of other brands wanting more. Mazda3 is Mazda’s answer to Europeans looking for a car that redefines the style, build quality and performance of a segment that has traditionally been focused on functionality and sales volumes. The new Mazda3 will initially be launched in a dynamic hatchback version, with a sedan to follow a few months later. The outstanding attributes of both versions combine to deliver a unique combination of sporty exterior design, confidence-inspiring dynamic performance, a large and flexible interior and one of the segment’s best safety packages.

Design - Aggressive and Confident

The new Mazda3 five-door hatchback introduces unmistakable Mazda styling and high levels of build quality to the European C-Segment. As with all new generation Mazda vehicles, its exterior design communicates immediately the exciting, fun-to-drive character that is the essence of Zoom-Zoom.

Meant to express movement combined with muscular solidity and stability, the new Mazda3 hatchback’s outward appearance is another tangible expression of “emotion of motion” successfully evoked by the Mazda6, Mazda2 and Mazda RX-8. Dynamic, solid proportions - created by a long wheelbase and cabin, short overhangs and large-diameter wheels, and aggressively flared fenders - give the five-door hatchback an assertive presence, even when viewed from a distance.

Building on methods used to develop the flagship Mazda RX-8, Mazda3’s hatchback 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.

The Mazda3 hatchback is one of the largest vehicles in this class, despite its aggressive, sporty design. It has a spacious, airy cabin with generous shoulder room front and back, while its long wheelbase and the optimal shape of the front seats ensure plenty of rear knee clearance. Together, these deliver a truly roomy interior with ample space for five adults to travel in comfort. Add to this a host of intelligent storage compartments, a large and flexible luggage compartment, all carried out with high levels of craftsmanship, and you have a car that is not only fun to drive, but also fun to be in and use.

Craftsmanship and Quality

The Mazda3 hatchback exterior is another example of Mazda’s fresh approach to designing and building cars with the very best in Japanese manufacturing quality. The solid build quality of its exterior is instantly apparent by excellent fit and finish that features consistently small gaps between abutting body panels and components. Combined with its dynamic exterior form, this enhances the sense of satisfaction and pride of ownership every time you take the car out onto the road.

The look, touch and operating feel of Mazda3’s large interior were designed to delight and satisfy, and carried out with high levels of craftsmanship to deliver a vehicle that rivals Europe’s top C-Segment models when it comes to quality. Its distinctive functional elegance combines operability and visibility, with interior shapes that customers will appreciate for years. Mazda3, then, enters the market as one of the most enjoyable cars in its class, with high levels of customer delight achieved through design intelligence and functional beauty.

Powertrain

Mazda3’s petrol engine line up was developed to deliver that spirited driving experience that epitomizes Zoom-Zoom, and to meet the diverse demands of the European market. A product of Mazda’s innovative approach to engineering, they deliver linear, lively power combined with low fuel consumption and emissions. The new Mazda3 hatchback also features a redesigned five-speed manual transmission and a smooth and sporty-shifting electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission called “Activematic” (1.6-litre only).

Mazda3’s hatchback will be launched initially with two petrol engines – a highly balanced 1.6-litre 77 kW/105 PS MZR and a more powerful 2.0-litre 110 kW/150 PS MZR - both part of a new range of quiet-running, in-line four-cylinder DOHC petrol engines that deliver ample low-end torque for spirited drivability and that meet all current global emission standards. A third member of the range, a 1.4-litre MZR petrol, along with two derivatives of a new 1.6-litre common-rail diesel, will enhance Mazda3’s engine line up starting in 2004.

Chassis - Zoom-Zoom Handling

Mounted to a highly rigid body structure with superior torsional and flexural stiffness, Mazda3’s chassis systems are carefully tuned to provide a superb balance between handling stability and ride comfort, with steering that is precise and predictable in all situations. It exhibits the same Zoom-Zoom handling and control that characterize all new generation Mazda vehicles by delivering a flat ride, reassuring steering feel and superior braking performance.

A MacPherson strut-type front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension based on the Mazda6 are designed and tuned to ensure an excellent balance between handling stability and ride comfort. Mazda3’s robust braking system delivers responsive, linear braking and one of the segment’s shortest braking distances. The 2.0-litre model features electro-hydraulic power-assisted steering (EHPAS) and the 1.6-litre hydraulic power-assist. Both steering systems deliver optimal road feedback and precise steering control that have helped make all new generation Mazda vehicles some of the best handling vehicles in their respective classes.

The Latest in Safety Technology

Mazda3 hatchback continues Mazda’s efforts to deliver a safety package for all its new generation vehicles that exceed expectations. Superb dynamic characteristics, steering and braking ensure safe and predictable driving under normal conditions. Supplemental to this is a full line up of active safety systems. These include four-wheel ABS with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and built in mechanical brake assistance, along with optional dynamic stability control (DSC) with traction control (TCS) for superior vehicle stability and braking performance on slippery roads and in emergency situations.

Robust front and rear discs yield superior braking effectiveness, consistency, rigidity and response. A 10-inch (255 mm) single vacuum booster enhances brake effectiveness and response by ensuring linear increase in deceleration as pedal travel increases. The result is one of the segment’s shortest braking distances from 100 km/h of only 37 metres. Mazda3 also features an “intelligent” auto light system that improves headlight longevity and also helps the driver better adapt to situations where light conditions on the road ahead can suddenly change.

Mazda3’s new five-door body structure is a product of Mazda’s Advanced Impact Distribution and Absorption System (MAIDAS) and features Mazda’s unique Triple-H design, which delivers a safe and strong passenger cell that resists impact deformation and disperses impact energy in all possible crash scenarios. Inside Mazda3’s rigid passenger cell are dual-stage front airbags, seatbelts with pretensioners and load-limiters, standard front side airbags and optional curtain airbags. A collapsible steering column, collapsible brake pedal, energy absorbing pillar and roof side trim materials make Mazda3’s passive safety package one of the best in this segment. In fact, internal testing has indicated that the new Mazda3 will receive a 4-star Euro NCAP rating or better.

Positioning

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 ofspirited driving dynamics. It is when all these elements come together thatMazda products most distinguish themselves. The rotary-powered RX-7 sportscars, the renowned MX-5 roadster (the best selling roadster ever) and the recently launched Mazda RX-8 are some inspiring examples, as was the company’s 1991 victory at Le Mans.

Today this heritage is exemplified by a sense of exhilaration and excitement we like to call Zoom-Zoom. Much more than a marketing slogan, Zoom-Zoom is the guiding principle behind every aspect of Mazda’s product development. During the past three years, with the launch of each of its new generation products - Mazda6, Mazda2, Mazda RX-8, and now the Mazda3 - we have added scope to its meaning.

The new Mazda3 assembles and refines all the best qualities of its predecessors. It represents a fresh and confident alternative in a segment that has left the customers of other brands wanting more. It is Mazda’s answer to Europeans looking for a car that redefines the style, build quality and performance of a segment that has traditionally been focused on functionality and sales volumes.

The Mazda3 hatchback enters one of the most popular segments in Europe, and replaces the very successful Mazda 323. Since 1978, Mazda has recorded over 1.9 million Mazda 323 sales in Europe, including about 740,000 units in Germany alone, making it one of Mazda’s most successful models and one of the most successful Japanese models sold in Europe.

The new Mazda3 hatchback delivers a dynamic, even overtly aggressive design that camouflages the fact that it is one of the largest cars in this segment, with one of the largest, best made and most comfortable interiors containing the latest in safety technologies. Its unique combination of dynamic performance, eye-catching and sporty exterior design, large and flexible interior, high levels of build quality and craftsmanship, make the new Mazda3 hatchback something special in the European C-Segment and predestines it for success.

The hatchback version will be followed later this year by the launch of a fourdoor sedan - with an exterior design that is as unique to this segment as the Mazda3 hatchback - while a 1.4-litre MZR petrol, and two derivatives of a new 1.6-litre common-rail diesel, will follow starting in 2004.

The Customer

Mazda3 hatchback is characterized by its dynamic and sporty exterior design, high levels of build quality and the renowned Mazda Zoom-Zoom driving dynamics that make it exceptionally fun-to-drive. With these credentials, the all new Mazda3 hatchback will appeal to a wide spectrum of customers ranging from young couples and singles leading active lifestyles, to the more classical target group of C-Segment vehicles: small families that are looking for a stylish yet practical vehicle that can fulfil their needs. For these customers, Mazda3 hatchback is an ideal solution - it not only meets their expectations, it exceeds them by delivering high levels of comfort and flexibility, excellent craftsmanship and quality, spirited and stable dynamic performance with engines that are frugal at the gas pump.

Design

The new Mazda3 five-door hatchback introduces unmistakable Mazda styling and high levels of build quality to the European C-Segment. 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. Meant to express movement combined with muscular solidity and stability, the new Mazda3 hatchback’s outward appearance is another tangible expression of “emotion of motion” already evoked by the Mazda6, Mazda2 and Mazda RX-8.

Dynamic, 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 hatchback an assertive presence, even when viewed from a distance. It visually conveys dynamic potential in a powerful and confident way, resulting in a unique and exciting hatchback personality with design flair that is targeted to appeal to a more youthful mindset.

The Mazda3 hatchback’s front end features a flared front fender with integrated circular headlamps that communicate its tenacious road holding capability. Bold character lines, extending from the sides of the prominent five-point grille up and over the bonnet, create a triangular, three-dimensional bulge over the engine compartment for a strong, muscular look when seen from the front. On each side of this are slightly flat surfaces above the front wheel wells. This surface extends along the sides of the vehicle to the rear wheel wells, creating dynamic front to back movement.

The rear third of the car is dominated by unique triangular C-pillars and a third daylight opening design, all features that, combined with a sporty roof line, give the new Mazda3’s hatchback a silhouette that is truly unique to the European C-Segment. Its sculpted tailgate area supplies a strong sense of stability and solidity, with a flared rear fender and rear combination lamps that add a distinguished touch to the exterior design. Mazda3 hatchback will be offered with a large selection of 12 metallic and non-metallic exterior colours to choose from, giving customers the chance to express their own personal taste even further.

High Levels of Build Quality

The Mazda3 hatchback exterior is another example of Mazda’s fresh approach to designing and building cars with the very best in Japanese manufacturing quality. Its solid build quality is instantly apparent by excellent fit and finish that features consistently small gaps between abutting body panels and components. Combined with its dynamic exterior form, this enhances the sense of satisfaction and pride of ownership every time you take the car out onto the road.

One of many examples of this quality focus was the effort put into the
appearance of the doors. Using the latest in computer technology, engineers were able to achieve a simplification of door opening surfaces prior to prototype build to achieve a cleaner and neater door appearance.

Interior

High standards of craftsmanship were applied to Mazda3’s large interior to deliver a vehicle with levels of quality that rival Europe’s top C-Segment models. As a result, Mazda3 hatchback is one of the most enjoyable cars in its class; with high levels of customer delight achieved through design intelligence, functional beauty and quality feel.

Mazda3’s distinctive functional elegance combines operability and visibility, with interior shapes that customers will appreciate for years. This is achieved through aesthetic design, attention to ergonomics and kansei engineering – a Japanese concept that identifies customer perceptions and emotional responses, and translates them into real product characteristics.

A Unique Interior Environment

Building on methods used to develop the flagship Mazda RX-8, Mazda3’s hatchback 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.

Despite its aggressive, sporty design, Mazda3 hatchback is one of the largest vehicles in this class. It has a spacious, airy cabin with generous shoulder room front and back, while its long wheelbase and the optimal shape of the front seats ensure plenty of rear knee clearance. Together, these deliver a truly roomy interior with ample space for five adults to travel in comfort. Add to this a host of intelligent storage compartments, a large and flexible luggage compartment, all carried out with high levels of craftsmanship, and you have a car that is not only fun to drive, but also fun to be in and use.

Driver Environment

Mazda3’s front seat environment continues the sporty, wrap-around concept of the Mazda RX-8. Its hip point has been raised approximately 30 mm compared to the Mazda 323 ensuring ease of entry and exit and a better view of the road. Its front sport-type seats are designed to provide both comfort on longer trips and excellent side support during sportier driving. A ratchet-type lever gives effortless horizontal and vertical seat adjustment, with both cushion and seatback moving up and down together. This - combined with steering column tilt adjustment of 40 mm and 50 mm of telescope adjustment - allows drivers of nearly every size and shape to find just the right driving position, and gives a feeling of confidence and control behind the wheel.

The instrument cluster consists of three overlapping round meters - in the centre the speedometer, with tachometer left, and fuel and temperature to the right. The cluster is deep and sculptured, with metallic-look edging for a sporty, exciting appearance. Optional steering wheel mounted audio controls allow the driver to easily adjust Mazda3’s audio system without taking his or her eyes off the road.

The design of the instrument panel centre stack continues the modular, uncluttered design of all new generation Mazda vehicles. It features a clear and logical separation of meters, dials and buttons for safe and easy operation. Large dials and, in the upper section, horizontally placed piano style buttons ensure ease of use even while driving. For a stylish and coordinated look, the instrument panel and upper door trim are made of the same, high-quality material.

Available as well is a new amber-red and blue instrument panel backlighting system, which links changes in illumination to switch operation. This improves visibility, is easy on the eye and adds another element of precision and control to overall vehicle functionality.

Storage and Flexibility

Mazda3’s roomy interior allows for levels of storage and flexibility that meets or exceeds customer expectations in a segment known for interior flexibility. In the front compartment, one of the segment’s largest glove boxes (260 mm deep, on all vehicles without a navigation system) provides eight litres of storage, or room for a two-litre beverage bottle. For added functionality, the glove box lid incorporates a holder with approximately three-litre capacity, making total glove box volume capacity about 11 litres. Between the driver and front passenger is a large and flexible, double-bottom centre console box. It 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. The front section of the console box has two multi-sized cup holders with a flip back lid. Other passenger storage features include large front door pockets, rear door pockets and a pocket behind the driver seat.

Cargo and Luggage

Mazda3 hatchback’s rear seats fold in a 60/40 arrangement, with seatbacks and cushions optimally shaped to provide a flat load floor when folded down to carry larger items. The hatchback has large and flexible luggage compartment. Locating the rear suspension coil springs beneath the floor delivers 1050 mm between the rear wheel wells, excellent luggage compartment volume of 300 litres with the rear seats up, 635 litres of cargo volume with the second row of seats folded down, and a cargo length of 1385 mm. Beneath the luggage compartment floor is a handy subtrunk for storage of car-care products or other items.

Audio and Navigation

Knowing that the new Mazda3 is meant to be driven and enjoyed for years, engineers designed its audio system to be expandable to incorporate future media. Audio status information is given by a horizontal digital display near the top of the centre stack where it can easily be seen. A total of four or six speakers, depending on model, ensure quality sound for all passengers, with two full-range speakers in the front and back doors and a dome tweeter located in the mirror garnish.

In the centre of the instrument panel is a flip up cover that conceals the seveninch display screen for Mazda3’s optional DVD-based navigation system (depending on country). Mazda3’s DVD-based system is superior to a CDbased system, with far greater capacity that does away with the need to change digital sources every time you cross a border. One disk holds a pan-European map with data for visual indicators and voice prompting in six languages (English, German, French, Italian, Spanish and Dutch).

Mazda3 can be ordered with three different interior trim packages (depending on grade) with colour, fabrics and finishes that are optimised for style and quality feel, to give the cabin a distinctive personality and to evoke emotion and to delight passengers every time they get into the car.

Powertrain

Mazda3’s engine line up was developed to deliver that spirited driving experience that epitomizes Zoom-Zoom, and to meet the diverse demands of the European market. A product of Mazda’s innovative approach to engineering, they deliver linear, lively power combined with low fuel consumption and emissions. The new Mazda3 hatchback also features a redesigned five-speed manual transmission and a smooth and sporty-shifting electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission called “Activematic” (1.6-litre only).

Mazda3 will be launched initially with two petrol engines - a highly balanced 1.6-litre 77 kW/105 PS MZR and a more powerful 2.0-litre 110 kW/150 PS MZR - both part of a new range of quiet-running, in-line four-cylinder DOHC petrol engines that deliver ample low-end torque for spirited drivability and that meet all current global emission standards. A third member of the range, a 1.4-litre MZR petrol, along with two derivatives of a new 1.6-litre commonrail diesel engine, will enhance Mazda3’s engine line up starting in 2004.

Both engines are lightweight, high-compression, low-friction power packs that are spirited yet frugal at the gas pump. They feature a rigid aluminium-alloy block for superior transmission coupling stiffness, combined with lightweight pistons with deep-skirt construction and lightweight con-rods for lower overall engine noise. These characteristics, combined with low-friction piston rings and shimless tappets, ensure a minimum on frictional loss during operation and contribute to improved fuel economy. Mazda3’s 1.6-litre MZR uses just 7.2 litres (8.0 litres with Activematic) per 100 km (combined), while the larger 2.0-litre MZR consumes 8.2 litres of fuel per 100 km (combined).

A tumble swirl control valve (TSCV) in the intake manifold ensures more stable combustion during cold/low-load conditions by improving the atomisation of the air-fuel mixture. This results in high output with minimal emissions.

Both MZR engines also include advanced features that enhance torque across the speed range for agility and power in the city and on the motorway. These include a low flow-resistance air cleaner, an intake manifold with long, equallength runners and high-flow ports. A variable intake-air system (VIS) controls intake manifold length by opening a valve at higher engine speeds to optimise intake efficiency and boost torque. And finally, both engines feature a new stainless steel exhaust manifold, also designed with long, equal-length runners, that optimises exhaust gas flow for enhanced power and torque.

The 1.6-litre MZR petrol also features sequential valve timing (S-VT) that optimises valve open/close timing according to engine speed and air intake for more efficient engine operation throughout the rev range. The S-VT system advances intake valve timing during low-to-medium load conditions, which extends overlap and boosts exhaust-gas recirculation (EGR) performance. This minimises pumping loss, and improves fuel economy for less overall CO2 emissions.

The 1.6-litre MZR does 0 to 100 km/h in 11.0 seconds (12.4 seconds Activematic) with a top speed of 182 km/h (with Activematic 174 km/h) and the 2.0-litre MZR in just 9.0 seconds with a top speed of 200 km/h. Mazda3’s 1.6-litre achieves maximum torque of 145 Nm at 4000 rpm, while the larger 2.0-litre MZR petrol achieves maximum torque of 187 Nm at 4500 rpm. Quick, torquey and frugal at the gas pump, Mazda3’s MZR petrol line up delivers a unique balance between enjoyable, spirited driving and low fuel consumption.

Mazda3’s 1.6-litre and the 2.0-litre MZR petrol engines are designed, not only to deliver driving fun and use less fuel, but also to produce fewer toxic emissions. Both engines feature a reversed intake-exhaust layout - with intake at the front of the engine and exhaust at the rear. This shortens the distance to the catalytic converter, allowing it to be directly attached to the stainless steel exhaust manifold, which results in quick catalytic heat up for superior emissions performance. Its advanced EGR system also contributes to fewer overall emissions by introducing exhaust gas into the induction cycle to suppress NOx emissions. As a result, both engines achieve a Euro Stage IV emissions rating, with the 1.6-litre MZR producing 172 grams/km (Activematic 191 grams/km) and the 2.0-litre MZR 196 grams/km of CO2.

Five-speed manual transmission

Both MRZ petrols come standard with a robust five-speed manual transmission with short, tight shift patterns for a sporty, direct shift feel that is perfectly matched to the spirited nature of the Mazda3 hatchback. The fivespeed manual transmission is redesigned specifically for the Mazda3 and features cable-controlled shifting, which suppresses engine vibration to the shift lever, along with minimised cable bend angles and tolerances for a sporty, direct shift feel.

First and second gears include double-cone synchronizers to lighten shift operation considerably for smooth-action, short-throw shifting. Overall shift feel is improved by various features to reduce friction. These include a double-ball construction detent ball, a special surface treatment applied to the shift rod, crank lever and control rod, plus Teflon coating on bushes, which reduce shift friction by nearly 50 percent. For the driver of the new Mazda3 hatchback, this results in unique feeling of being one with the car and a real sense of sporty driving.

Four-speed “Activematic” transmission

Mazda3’s 1.6-litre MZR petrol engine is also available with Mazda’s fourspeed “Activematic” automatic transmission system that provides smooth, linear, direct feel to complement spirited engine performance in either automatic or pseudo-manual mode. For the Mazda3, engineers optimised “Activematic’s” downshift behaviour from fourth-to-second gear to enhance the engine’s already brisk responsiveness. First-to-second upshift timing is short for vivid off-the-line acceleration. “Activematic” automatic also includes slope control for smooth, natural deceleration on downhill gradients to assure more confident driving. On uphill gradients, slope control inhibits upshift if there is insufficient reserve power, preventing unwanted gear-hunt. The transmission also has slip control that significantly extends the fuel cut-off period during deceleration to enhance fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions. These features in automatic mode contribute to Mazda3’s feeling of control and driver confidence.

Chassis

Body Rigidity

A stiff body structure forms the basis of Mazda3’s superb dynamic
characteristics. Its all-new body structure provides high levels of torsional and flexural rigidity for superior handling stability, and is designed for low levels of NVH transmission for a relaxing driving experience.

Mazda3’s underbody structure features straight, large-section front side members mounted to the cabin and to the dash cross member for maximum front-end flexural rigidity and as an enhancement for steering performance.

Steering performance is further optimised by three cross members beneath the floor tunnel that suppress flexing of the body due to steering inputs. This is a major factor in providing Mazda3 hatchback with a strong linear steering feel. The upper body structure of the new Mazda3 hatchback features cabin members made of high tensile steel for added rigidity.

Engineers also designed Mazda3 hatchback’s body to transmit a minimum on body vibration, wind and engine noise so that the cabin environment remain quiet and comfortable during driving. Its flat floor structure, for instance, incorporates vibration-damping material in locations susceptible to pronounced road noise transmission. Full duplex door seals prevent penetration of noise into the cabin from around the doors. Extensive soundproofing measures were undertaken as well. The front hinge pillars, centre pillars, and rear wheel arches are filled with polyurethane to isolate the cabin from engine and road noise; while the scuff plates on the side sills have a special sealing treatment that helps lower road noise into the cabin.

Front Suspension

Mazda3’s front suspension employs MacPherson-type struts with a four-point rubber mounting system that delivers robust handling stability and reduces the transmission of vibrations caused by road surface irregularities. A superior balance between stable, predictable handling and ride comfort is achieved through a combination of an input-splitting design for the upper strut mounts - which allows independent optimisation of damper and spring rates - fluid-filled bushings for the lower front suspension arms and dampers with large 35 mm diameter pistons that help improve the suppression of wheel bounce, especially when cornering. A lower placement of the steering gear contributes to linear tow change as well. The cowl panel linking the left and right front suspension towers is mounted to the cabin to prevent the suspension towers from leaning inward. This helps maintain ideal front suspension geometry and ensures excellent handling stability and ride comfort.

Rear Suspension

A multi-link rear suspension design based on the Mazda6 delivers handling performance usually associated with larger, more expensive cars. The layout of each link is optimised to control rear wheel camber and achieve optimum roll centre height. Combined with Mazda3’s forward-inclined roll-centre axis, this delivers exceptional road hold and straight-line stability. Road holding capability is further enhanced by the rear bushings, which are designed and positioned to optimise toe changes in response to lateral forces. Separate positioning of springs and dampers reduces damper friction, but also frees space for a larger luggage compartment, while maintaining a long coil spring
stroke. Twintube gas-filled dampers with large-diameter (35 mm) pistons substantially improve handling and ride comfort.

Steering

Mazda3’s 2.0-litre MZR petrol engine comes standard with electro-hydraulic power-assisted steering (EHPAS), while the 1.6-litre features hydraulic powerassist. Both systems deliver optimal feedback and precise steering control that have helped make all new generation Mazda vehicles some of the best handling vehicles in their respective classes.

EHPAS is an advanced steering system, mated to the larger 2.0-litre MRZ petrol that combines the merits of a hydraulic system with those of an electronic system. The hydraulic pump is driving by an electric motor and not the engine, as is the case with traditional power-assist systems. The motor is able to lower the speed of the hydraulic pump during situations where power assist is not required. This not only provides excellent response to vehicle speed and steering input, it also lowers energy loss and contributes to lower overall fuel consumption, making the larger Mazda3 engine a bit more frugal at the gas pump.

Brakes

Mazda3’s brake system is designed for responsive, linear deceleration
enhanced by exceptional robustness and controllability. Large front discs (278 mm or 300 mm depending on model) and rear discs (265 mm or 280 mm) are larger and thicker than the Mazda 323, yielding superior braking effectiveness, consistency, rigidity and response.

A 255 mm single vacuum booster enhances brake effectiveness and response by ensuring a linear increase in deceleration as pedal travel increases. The booster is tuned to shorten pedal travel for more instantaneous response to braking inputs and provides for a feeling of safety in most driving situations. Mazda3 also features newly developed low-expansion brake hoses, reduced master cylinder travel loss, optimised brake pad friction characteristics plus high-grip tyres, to further optimise braking performance. The result is a braking distance from 100 km/h of only 37 m.

Mazda3’s robust brakes are part of a standard four-wheel ABS system, with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and built in mechanical brake assistance. This provides superior vehicle stability and braking performance on slippery roads and in emergency situations, whether the car is fully loaded or nearly empty. Optional dynamic stability control (DSC) combines the functions of four-wheel ABS and traction control to suppressing side skidding and maintain a stable vehicle attitude when cornering on slippery surfaces or during hazard avoidance manoeuvres.

Safety

Mazda3 continues Mazda’s efforts to use the latest safety technologies in all its new generation vehicles, and to deliver a safety package that exceeds expectations and instils peace of mind. This begins with superb dynamic characteristics, steering and braking to ensure safe and predictable driving under normal conditions.

Active Safety

Supplemental to this is a full line up of active safety systems. These include robust front and rear disc brakes with standard four-wheel ABS with EBD and built in mechanical brake assistance, along with optional DSC for superior vehicle stability and braking performance on slippery roads and in emergency situations.
Mazda3 also features an “intelligent” auto light system that improves headlight longevity and helps the driver better adapt to situations where light conditions on the road ahead can suddenly change. This system simultaneously monitors ambient light in front and above the vehicle using a forward facing sensor and an upward facing sensor. If the system registers light overhead and darkness in front, it will assume tunnel, and automatically switch on the headlights, but will not switch on the lights when Mazda3 momentarily enters shady areas.

A further enhancement to active safety is Mazda3’s rain sensor wiper system, which provides complete control of wiper on/off and wiper speed, promoting visibility and giving the driver a better view of the road in inclement weather.

Passive Safety

Mazda3’s new hatchback body structure is a product of the Mazda Advanced Impact Distribution and Absorption System (MAIDAS) and features Mazda’s unique Triple-H body design, which delivers a safe and strong passenger cell that resists deformation and disperses impact energy throughout the body in most possible real-world crash scenarios. If front impact occurs, a unique three-fork structure directs energy from the front side members diagonally outwards into the hinge pillar, laterally through the dash cross member and downward into the side sills to minimize cabin deformation around the feet of frontseat occupants. A rigid crossbeam links the side members to further strengthen the cabin by preventing the hinge pillars from moving outwards in a frontal collision. In a high-speed frontal collision, the engine, transmission and suspension side members break away
and move rearward to maximize impact absorption of the crushable zone before it reaches the cabin.
The roof of the Mazda3 hatchback features three robust cross members, which contribute to the superior strength and rigidity of the body structure as a whole. In case of side impact, large-section centre pillars, cross members and side sills disperse impact energy throughout the entire body structure. The side impact beams increase overlap with the body frame and disperse energy into the floor structure to minimize door intrusion.

The rear end structure of the Mazda3 hatchback is extremely rigid and is designed to meet the US offset rear crash test (80 km/h) which is the toughest in the world. The rear body structure features reinforcements to the rear side member suspension mounts and around the hatch opening to improve torsional rigidity and structural integrity. A tough, high-tensile steel sheet in the rear frame maximizes crash energy absorption performance, while the fuel tank is positioned in front of the rear axle to minimize the possibility of damage in a collision.

Mazda3’s interior features dual-stage front airbags, front side airbags and optional curtain airbags for superior protection from all directions. The front airbags deploy according to impact severity to maximize passenger protection and minimize the risk of airbag-inflicted injuries. Front seatbelts feature pretensioners for instant hold, along with load-limiters that loosen the seatbelt in a controlled manner to prevent excessive pressure on the chest. The driver environment has also been safety optimised, with a collapsing steering column to minimize impact on the driver’s head and chest, and a collapsible brake pedal that retracts away from the driver’s foot in a frontal collision to lower the risk of pedal-inflicted foot and leg injuries. Height- and shape-optimised headrests help minimize whiplash in a rear impact, while seatbacks are designed to permit rearward movement of the occupant’s torso. Pillars and roof side trim incorporate energy-absorbing ribs to minimize the risk of secondary-impact head injuries.

The rear seats are made with reinforced rear seatback frames, non-detachable seat hinges and reinforced latches to help prevent luggage from entering the cabin in a frontal collision. ISOFIX child seat anchors and top tether anchors are fitted to the outer rear seats for quick, easy, and secure installation of a child’s seat and to help prevent the child seat tipping forward in a collision.
All these technologies together make the Mazda3 one of the safest vehicles in its class. In fact, internal testing has indicated that the new Mazda3 will receive a 4-star Euro NCAP rating or better.

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