The current Mazda3 has been a very successful model with an emotional design, enjoyable driving performance, and advanced environmental and safety features. It has sold approximately 731,000 units globally and 123,000 units here in Europe since launch in 2009 (as of the end of June 2011).

The strengths that make the current Mazda3 Mazda’s best selling model everywhere have been carried over in the facelift and even enhanced. The new facelift version of Mazda3 was designed for even more emotional appeal. There is a new, more sporty (and aerodynamic) front end, reduced rear bumper thickness for less overhang at the back (Sports-grade), and new twist-spoke wheels that, when combined with solid build quality, give an enhanced muscular look. On the inside, Mazda3 facelift has a higher quality feel than ever before with new materials and colours, along with improved ergonomics in the cockpit and dashboard – all of which makes it easier to drive and use. NVH is also improved with increased underbody insulation and a B-frame that is thicker and has more welding points, which contribute to lower cabin noise and a more enjoyable ride.

Engineers evolved the superior driving dynamics the Mazda3 is already famous for to deliver an even higher quality driving experience. They focused on providing a driving feel that is more consistent and linear. To achieve this, the special reinforcement for the forward cross-members (of Mazda3 MPS) is now standard on all models (except for MZR-CD 2.2-litre diesel version), and supplemented further by a new brace bar at the front of all body shells. New suspension dampers are also introduced for better ride comfort and the Mazda3 facelift’s EHPAS steering system was updated and stiffer wheels introduced. Several aerodynamic features, including the new front bumper design, are also introduced that provide enhanced stability.

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The Mazda3 facelift line-up includes eight powertrains with a new automatic petrol version introduced for the first time to the entire European market. The petrol line-up includes a high-performance MZR 2.3-litre DISI turbo petrol (Mazda3 MPS), the powerful yet frugal MZR 2.0-litre DISI with i-stop, a powerful MZR 2.0-litre with five-speed automatic transmission and a low-consumption MZR 1.6-litre with fivespeed manual transmission. Rounding out the petrol portfolio is a new 4-speed automatic gearbox called Activematic matched to the MZR 1.6-litre petrol.

On the diesel side, customers have two derivatives of a powerful and low-consumption MZR-CD 2.2-litre turbo diesel to choose from or a low-consumption lightweight MZ-CD 1.6-litre turbo diesel, all with a six-speed manual transmission.

The Mazda3 facelift inherits equipment that makes it easy to enjoy the ride. The list of equipment is long and now includes a new gearshift indicator and a Mazda navigation system based on TomTom technology to go along with state-of-the-art options to meet just about every need. On the safety side, the current Mazda3’s active and passive safety features are carried over. The Mazda Rear Vehicle Monitoring system (RVM) available on the Mazda3 received a coveted “Euro NCAP Advanced” award at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show.

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