2009 Mazda3 (2009)

The first images of the new 2009 Mazda3 sedan has been unveiled at both the Australian International Motor Show and around the world simultaneously, ahead of its international debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show which starts on November 19.The Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus etc. rival features many of the styling cues which can be found on the larger Mazda6 including the new ‘five-point grille’ corporate face, while a more refined sporty ride, top class fuel economy and quietness can be found in the new generation of Mazda’s most popular model – nearly one in three Mazdas sold is a Mazda3.

Mazda Executive Vice President Philip Spender said: “Today is a very important day for new car buyers, both in Australia and around the world,

“We chose Sydney to give the world its first look at the new Mazda3’s striking design. Following that, North America will host the world debut of the Mazda3 sedan in late November. Shortly after that the new-generation Mazda3 five-door hatchback will debut on the European continent.

“I think it’s only fitting that a car that accounts for one-third of Mazda’s global sales should have a truly global reveal.”

More details on price and Australian specifications will be revealed ahead of its arrival in mid-2009.

The Official Mazda Press Release:

All-New Mazda3 Sedan to Debut at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show

HIROSHIMA, Japan-Mazda Motor Corporation has confirmed that the sedan version of the all-new Mazda3 (known as Mazda Axela in Japan), fully redesigned for the first time in 5 years, will be revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show*1 on November 19, 2008.

The covers will be pulled off during Mazda’s press conference from 12:20 to 12:45 (local time) revealing the all-new Mazda3, the latest evolution of Mazda’s Zoom-Zoom spirit.

All-new Mazda3 sedan (North American specification)

Every element of the all-new Mazda3 has been developed for heightened exhilaration, with a more refined sporty ride, top class fuel economy and quietness. Environmental and safety features, based on Mazda’s long-term “Sustainable Zoom-Zoom” vision, aim to achieve a balance with fun-to-drive. Add in a new expressive face and Mazda’s dynamic design elements, and the all-new Mazda3 is everything a driver could ask for in a sports compact.

The brand new version of Mazda’s best-selling sports compact carries forward the heritage of Mazda and the pedigree of the current Mazda3. Since its launch in 2003, the current Mazda3 has sold approx. 1.8 million vehicles*2 in over 100 countries and has won more than 90 global motoring awards*3 to date. The Mazda3 accounts for almost one in three Mazdas sold every year.

Following the world debut of the North American specification sedan with 2.0- and 2.5-liter engines at the show, the five-door hatchback version will be revealed in line with Mazda’s global sales schedule.

October 9th 2008