New Mazda3 Sedans At NAIAS

The news today from Mazda – not only is it not pulling out of the Detroit Auto Show – but both versions of the new Mazda3 will be on display there.

A light at the end of the tunnel

It seems that most of the news, lately, concerning the 2009 North American International Auto Show (the Detroit Auto Show for many of us who have been around long enough to remember) has been, shall we say, less than exuberant. With 7 manufacturers taking a pass (including Nissan/Infiniti), organizers have had to resort to calling up the Chinese from the minors (read: the basement) in order to fill the park.

So it had to be with some sense of relief when they heard the news that Mazda would be showcasing the new Mazda3 sedan (unveiled earlier this year at the L.A. Auto Show) along with its 5-door brother that has yet to see the shores of North America, having been revealed at the Bologna Motor Show just 2 weeks ago.

New Mazda3

According to Mazda3 Program Manager Yoshiyuki Maeda, “”We were determined to advance the Zoom-Zoom driving experience to new heights because that unique feeling lies at the very heart of Mazda. On the heels of the original MAZDA3’s success, we aimed to again exceed the expectations of customers all over the world by a wide margin. This meant providing drivers with a sense of exhilaration whether they were in motion, seated in the MAZDA3’s cockpit, or enjoying its appearance from outside.”

Mission accomplished. Based on the same architecture as the first-generation 3, the second generation boasts a completely-new body and interior design. Unmistakably a Mazda, the new sedan receives styling cues from the RX-8 as well as the 2009 Mazda6 as the company moves toward a “unified family face.” A subtle wedge shape as well as sculpted hood, fender and side surfaces give the new 3 a sophisticated, sporty flavor.

To give this flavor substance, a new Adaptive Front Lighting System with self-leveling bi-xenon headlamps has been added as standard equipment on Grand Touring models – the first compact offered for sale in the U.S. with such an advanced lighting system.

Inside, front seat cushions have been extended by nearly an inch for improved thigh support while backrests are taller by almost an inch and a half and have been recontoured for improved driving posture. In another first for its segment, on vehicles equipped with power seats, a three-position memory function has been added and, on approach to the car, the left-front seat will automatically adjust to the settings chosen by up to 3 different drivers by recognizing the code of the key fob.

It’s all about the zoom-zoom

The first generation 3 was a perennial leader in its segment due to its handling and road presence and the new version promises more of the same. The base engine, with 148 hp and 135 lb.-ft. of torque is a carry-over from the previous generation. Uplevel models will benefit from Mazda’s new MZR 2.5 liter I-4 borrowed from the new 2009 Mazda6 with an output of 167 hp and maximum torque of 168 lb.-ft. Putting this power to the pavement is a 5-speed manual in the base “i” version and a 6-speed manual for the uplevel “s”. An optional 5-speed automatic is available for both trim levels.

Tags: detroit auto show, la auto show, mazda, mazda3, mazda6, NAIAS, north american international auto show