Home New Car Launches Mazda3 – Fourth ‘Zoom-Zoom’ Car

Mazda3 – Fourth ‘Zoom-Zoom’ Car

New Car Launches

by 3348 - Dec 22, 2003

For a long time, Mazda was known for its engineering flair and its rotary-engined rockets gave it a unique product. However, during the 1990s, the company seemed to lose its edge and even headed towards ‘precarious financial waters’. In came Ford, which was already a shareholder, with an infusion of money that raised its equity and also management expertise.

The move helped to turn around Mazda and even propel it forward and as a reflection of its dynamic image, the corporate theme of ‘Zoom-Zoom’ was adopted. ‘Zoom-Zoom’ speaks for itself and has been apparent in every new product launched in the past five years. Even products which are shared with Ford (eg the Mazda Tribute and Fighter) have an element of ‘Zoom-Zoom’ in them to make the difference. Much more than a marketing slogan, ‘Zoom-Zoom’ is said to be 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 – Mazda6, Mazda2, Mazda RX-8 – Mazda has added scope to its meaning. The first of these products, the Mazda6, defined ‘Zoom-Zoom’ and has captured more than 50 awards in 22 countries since its launch, making it the most acclaimed Mazda in history. The Mazda2 added further definition along with proof that ‘Zoom-Zoom’ can also be delivered in a small package while the RX-8 – a Mazda icon – represents the ultimate ‘Zoom-Zoom’ experience.

The Mazda3, now on sale in Japan (as the Axela) and to be progressively introduced worldwide in 2004, is the fourth product and rounds off the complete overhaul of products in the company.

Unveiled at the Tokyo Motorshow not so long ago, the Mazda3 is the spiritual successor to the Familia/323 line and represents a new breed of small cars with technological features that were only found on high-end models ten years ago. It draws on the long experience of Mazda in developing cars with dynamically sound qualities and is said to ‘redefine the style, build-quality and performance of the segment that has traditionally been focused on functionality and sales volumes’.

The model is available as a 4-door sedan and 5-door hatchback with a choice of three engines – 1.5 litres, 2.0 litres and 2.3 litres. The engines are from the entirely new MZR family and feature an intake manifold with equal length runners, S-VT (Sequential Valve Timing, available in 1.5-litre and 2.3-litre engines only) and VIS (Variable Induction System) that varies the effective length of the intake manifold.

In addition to these technologies which promote higher efficiency, use of deceleration slip control with the electronically controlled 4-speed Activematic automatic transmission which has a manual shift mode. In the 2.3-litre version, the transmission has a unique, lower final gear ratio of 4.416:1 for enhanced acceleration, giving this version the sportiest performance in the range.

Under the front end, a 4-point rubber mounting system between the crossmember and body provides the highly rigid suspension support essential to nimble and linear handling, as well as significantly reducing noise and vibration.

What’s more, locating the steering gear low down and shortening the tie-rods suppresses toe-out, which should give more linear toe changes and improve ride stability.

At the rear, there is the same multi-link rear suspension layout as Atenza/Mazda6, a layout which many journalists have praised for handling stability and ride quality as well as exceptional quietness. The Mazda3 would be one of the few cars in its class to have a multi-link rear suspension as many manufacturers are using a beam axle concept which is less costly. The suspension tuning, linear brake performance and direct steering feel have been honed and calibrated by engineers who gained experience in developing the Mazda6, Mazda2 and RX-8.

The rear suspension’s coil springs are located separately and allow a greater internal width. On the sedan version. the double-link bootlid hinges neither occupy space inside the boot with the lid closed nor protrude into the opening with the lid open, maximizing the volume available.

To minimize power losses from accessories, the power steering system’s hydraulic assist pump is driven by an electric motor rather than by the engine, as is the case in many conventional systems. Mazda claims the system gives a precise and positive steering feel.

Furthermore, the speed of the electric motor driving the hydraulic pump is reduced in the absence of steering inputs to help minimize fuel consumption.

The brake system would typically be discs front and rear although in some markets where cost is an issue, the rear brakes may still be drum brakes. In addition, the brake system features a large single vacuum booster which has reduced master cylinder travel loss, optimized brake pad friction characteristics, and other advances to generate a predictable braking force, progressive and linear brake action and some of the shortest stopping distances in the class, claims Mazda.

For active safety, ABS+EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution) are available as standard while Dynamic Stability Control ensures that the car stays under control even when surface or driving conditions may cause it to understeer or oversteer.

The interior of the Mazda3 is designed around a theme of “Sporty excitement and comfort that appeals to all the senses.” Ergonomics and sensory engineering techniques were employed in designing the layout of the instrument panel’s central stack, with displays and information readouts at the top (nearer the driver’s eyeline) and controls and switches lower down within easy reach of the hands.

Refinement and comfort is conveyed by both the shape and operating feel of switches, and the smooth and satisfyingly solid door operation. Mazda engineers also conducted painstaking studies of the seats’ body pressure distribution in road tests with the aim of minimizing fatigue while providing ample support.

Driver and passenger, dual-stage type front airbags are standard equipment on all models, with side-curtain airbag and front-seat-mounted, side airbags being available as a factory-installed option for some countries. There is also an advanced, collapsible brake pedal designed to reduce leg injuries in the event of a crash and a horizontally-collapsible steering column to effectively alleviate impacts to the driver’s head and thorax during the initial phase of a collision.

Amber-red backlighting and indirect blue lighting is used to illuminate the instruments, and there’s also new-concept lighting for the audio system. A bar of LED’s extending to the left and right of the volume control dial responds to volume up/down, station select and other switch operations, giving the delightful impression that the system is interacting with the driver.

The ‘Auto Light System’ incorporates two sensors that monitor light conditions both above and ahead of the vehicle, turning the lights on automatically whenever necessary, such as when entering a tunnel, but not when the vehicle momentarily enters shade such as under trees.

Prices in Tokyo range from 1.395 million yen (RM49,500) to 1.950 million yen (RM69,200). C&C Bintang has not announced when the Mazda3 will be launched in Malaysia but being a model in the most popular segment, it should appear some time in 2004 since stocks of the old 323 would be gone by then. And assuming a new strategy in costing, perhaps the price could be even more attractive than the 323…