ALL-NEW 2010 MAZDA3 RECEIVES TOP SAFETY RATING

Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today announced the all-new 2010 MAZDA3 has received a "Good" rating - the highest possible - for frontal crash performance in recently released Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) tests. 

The IIHS frontal crashworthiness evaluations are based on results of 40 mph frontal offset crash tests. Each vehicle's overall evaluation is based on measurements of intrusion into the occupant compartment, injury measures recorded on a Hybrid III dummy in the driver seat and analysis of slow-motion film to assess how well the restraint system controlled dummy movement during the test. 

"Safety is at the forefront of every Mazda we build and we are proud that the MAZDA3 demonstrates that safety can come in small packages," said Robert Davis, senior vice president, Quality, Research and Development, MNAO.  "Our customers care about the total package - safety, style, performance and fuel economy, all tied together with the soul of a sports car." 

The 2010 MAZDA3 excels in agility, maneuverability, and ease of control at the limits of braking and cornering adhesion. Powerful disc brakes, ABS and electro-hydraulic power steering are standard equipment. Dynamic Stability Control and Traction Control are standard on most models. 

To minimize the likelihood of injury when a collision cannot be avoided, the MAZDA3 uses a technology called Triple-H unibody design. Efficient H-shaped reinforcements in the floor, roof, and sides of the body structure resist intrusion and support crush zones at both ends of the vehicle. Six airbags and active head restraints are also standard MAZDA3 equipment. Side-curtain air bags, which help protect all outboard occupants, are a new fast-inflating design with 40-percent larger coverage area. 

For more information on these test results, visit www.iihs.org 

Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Mazda North American Operations oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico through nearly 900 dealers.  Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada, Inc., located in Ontario; in Mexico by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City; and in Puerto Rico by Mazda de Puerto Rico in San Juan.

2010 Mazda CX-9 and CX-7 Facelifts to Debut in New York

Mazda North American Operations will unveil three new vehicles at the 2009 New York International Auto Show, including the heavily revised 2010 CX-9 and CX-7 crossover SUVs and the highly anticipated MAZDASPEED3 high-performance compact 5-door. Takashi Yamanouchi, representative director, president and CEO, Mazda Motor Corporation, is scheduled to address the media at a press conference at the Mazda booth.

A strong success - including winning the 2008 Motor Trend Sport Utility of the Year and 2008 North American Truck of the Year awards - the CX-9 is a seven-passenger, three-row crossover SUV with unique driving dynamics that are not found in its segment. For the 2010 model year, the CX-9 receives an exterior and interior facelift, added options and reinforced safety features, while further improving Zoom-Zoom driving characteristics.

The 2010 MAZDASPEED3 builds on the credentials of its predecessor, and remains one of the quickest and fastest front-wheel drive cars in the world. It blends five-door functionality with bolder, more aggressive styling and exhilarating performance to meet the needs of enthusiasts with active lifestyles. Carrying forward the MZR 2.3L direct injection turbo engine, the new MAZDASPEED3 mixes world-class performance with Nagare (flow)-inspired design cues on the exterior and interior of the car. The MAZDASPEED3 made its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show and is the third model in the 2010 MAZDA3 lineup, joining the MAZDA3 5-door and 4-door sedan.

The 2010 CX-7 receives an exterior and interior styling refresh as well as a host of safety, convenience and engineering refinements. Leading the way is a new engine option - an all-new naturally aspirated DOHC 16-valve 2.5 liter MZR four-cylinder, coupled to a five-speed automatic transmission. The familiar turbocharged 244-hp DOHC 16-valve MZR Direct Injection Spark Ignition (DISI) 2.3-liter four-cylinder will continued to be offered. The CX-7 made its world debut at the Canadian International Auto Show earlier this year.
The balance of Mazda's full lineup also will be on display at the show, including MAZDA6, MAZDA5, RX-8, and the all-new 2010 MAZDA3. The New York International Auto Show is open to the public April 10-19, 2009, at the Jacob Javits Convention Center.

Source: Mazda USA

MAZDA TO MAKE THREE 2010 MODEL YEAR DEBUTS AT 2009 NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

IRVINE, Calif. - Mazda North American Operations will unveil three new vehicles at the 2009 New York International Auto Show, including the heavily revised 2010 CX-9 and CX-7 crossover SUVs and the highly anticipated MAZDASPEED3 high-performance compact 5-door.  Takashi Yamanouchi, representative director, president and CEO, Mazda Motor Corporation, is scheduled to address the media at a press conference at the Mazda booth.

A strong success - including winning the 2008 Motor Trend Sport Utility of the Year and 2008 North American Truck of the Year awards - the CX-9 is a seven-passenger, three-row crossover SUV with unique driving dynamics that are not found in its segment.  For the 2010 model year, the CX-9 receives an exterior and interior facelift, added options and reinforced safety features, while further improving Zoom-Zoom driving characteristics.

The 2010 MAZDASPEED3 builds on the credentials of its predecessor, and remains one of the quickest and fastest front-wheel drive cars in the world.  It blends five-door functionality with bolder, more aggressive styling and exhilarating performance to meet the needs of enthusiasts with active lifestyles. Carrying forward the MZR 2.3L direct injection turbo engine, the new MAZDASPEED3 mixes world-class performance with Nagare (flow)-inspired design cues on the exterior and interior of the car.  The MAZDASPEED3 made its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show and is the third model in the 2010 MAZDA3 lineup, joining the MAZDA3 5-door and 4-door sedan.

The 2010 CX-7 receives an exterior and interior styling refresh as well as a host of safety, convenience and engineering refinements. Leading the way is a new engine option - an all-new naturally aspirated DOHC 16-valve 2.5 liter MZR four-cylinder, coupled to a five-speed automatic transmission. The familiar turbocharged 244-hp DOHC 16-valve MZR Direct Injection Spark Ignition (DISI) 2.3-liter four-cylinder will continued to be offered.  The CX-7 made its world debut at the Canadian International Auto Show earlier this year.

The balance of Mazda's full lineup also will be on display at the show, including MAZDA6, MAZDA5, RX-8, and the all-new 2010 MAZDA3.  The New York International Auto Show is open to the public April 10-19, 2009, at the Jacob Javits Convention Center.

Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Mazda North American Operations oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico through more than 850 dealers.  Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada, Inc., located in Ontario, Canada, and in Mexico by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.

Source: mazda

NEW FORD FIESTA WINS INTERNATIONAL DESIGN AWARD

COLOGNE, Germany, March 16, 2009 – "The all-new Fiesta is one of the most stylish cars in the world." That is the verdict of 28 leading designers and design experts from 19 countries who have awarded the eye-catching Ford model a prestigious 'red dot' award for international product design.

 

The design professionals, who make up the award jury, said the Fiesta's design was "innovative and dynamic".

 

The  red dot design awards are presented annually by Germany's Essen-based Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen, and it's one of the world's largest design recognition programmes.

 

The independent jury assesses each entry against a series of criteria which includes innovation, design, functionality and quality. For the 2009 award, 3,231 submissions were received from 49 countries. The Fiesta was one of the products to be awarded a red dot for their outstanding design.

 

The awards, claimed by the organisers to be "an internationally recognised quality label for design excellence" are presented in three categories: product design, communication design and design concept. Within each category there are 17 product areas covering a broad diversity of goods, from sofas to caravans, watches to computers.

 

Previous automotive winners have included the Maserati Quattroporte, the Mercedes R Class and the Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster.

 

"We are delighted not only to receive this important award but also by the growing list of accolades given to the new Fiesta," said Martin Smith, Executive Design Director, Ford of Europe. "It is particularly encouraging to see that our new small car was singled out for its innovative, expressive design by some of the world's leading designers."

 

"Research shows that whether they are in Milan, Beijing or New York, customers put style at the top of their list.  The new Fiesta delivers that style, together with outstanding quality."

 

The red dot design award is the latest in a long line of accolades received by the new Fiesta. Among recent awards, the model was named as Car of the Year 2009 by Britain's What Car? Magazine, while in Germany, readers of Guter Rat and SUPERillu presented the new Fiesta ECOnetic with the Auto der Vernunft 2009 trophy, for value for money, economy and sustainability. Earlier this month, Fiesta was named one of the three finalists in the 2009 World Car Awards – the winner will be announced in New York next month.

 

The Ford Fiesta has long been synonymous with outstanding design, quality and value. Today's Fiesta takes the model's three-decade heritage to a new level with its eye-catching kinetic design and widely acclaimed driving dynamics. 

 

"Kinetic design's new and successful form language defines the new Fiesta and brings it into the new Ford product family," explains Martin Smith. "It is a language that visualises the leading driving dynamics of Ford cars by delivering bold, confident and individual design."

 

Global Reach

Underlining the adage that good design is good business, 117,000 Fiestas have been sold in the seven months since the model was launched in Europe in August last year.

 

And it is not just in Europe that the Fiesta is attracting attention. Designed and developed in Europe as Ford Motor Company's first truly global car, the new small car will be going on sale in markets around the world.

 

Earlier this month it was officially launched in the Chinese market. Pre-sale demand for the car in China surpassed expectations, with several thousand Chinese consumers placing orders ahead of the official launch. Additionally, more than 1.2 million people downloaded Fiesta music from www.qq.com, a popular Chinese web portal. The Fiesta video has been shown more than 6.8 million times on www.Youku.com, China’s version of YouTube. 

 

China is the world's first market to introduce the four-door Fiesta saloon. Both the saloon and the five-door Fiesta hatchback are built at the state-of-the-art Changan Ford Mazda Automobile Company manufacturing facility in Nanjing.

 

China will not be the only Asian production location, Ford and Mazda’s joint-venture facility in Thailand, Auto Alliance, will begin assembling the new model next year.

 

In Europe, the new Fiesta is produced at Ford’s plant in Cologne, Germany, as well as the Valencia plant in Spain. Fiestas built in Cologne are now also being exported to South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

 

Ford Motor Company's plant in Cuautitlan, Mexico will build the new Fiesta for the North American market in two bodystyles: a sporty hatchback and a saloon, beginning in early 2010. Construction of the integrated stamping facility and retooling of the assembly plant is currently underway.

 

In advance of the Fiesta’s launch in the US, thousands of consumers across the country are being given the opportunity to drive the new car. In a programme called “Fiesta Movement,” Ford is selecting up to 100 enthusiasts to drive the Fiesta and relate their experiences through social media sites, providing Ford with early consumer feedback. The 100 models used in the programme were recently assembled in Cologne.

 

 

Mazda Releases Redesigned AZ-Wagon i in Japan

- New special needs model provides improved user-friendliness and greater peace of mind -

HIROSHIMA, Japan-Mazda Motor Corporation today announced the launch of its redesigned Mazda AZ-Wagon i, a special needs vehicle equipped with a sloping access ramp for wheelchairs. The new model is based on the fully redesigned AZ-Wagon micro-mini that was launched in Japan in September 2008. Sales commence today at all Mazda, Mazda Anfini, and Mazda Autozam dealerships throughout Japan.

The new AZ-Wagon i has a wide opening at the rear and a spacious cabin with a high roof. Other enhancements designed for wheelchair users include a new three-point seatbelt and a handrail on both sides of the rear cabin, as standard equipment. Additionally, user-friendliness is also improved for caregivers by a sloping entry/exit ramp that is gentler than the previous model.

Main features of the all-new AZ-Wagon i

- New three-point seatbelt for wheelchair users (the previous model was equipped with a two-point seatbelt)
- A handrail on both sides of the rear cabin provides extra support and comes as standard equipment
- Easier wheelchair access due to the lower floor and gentler sloping ramp
- Anti-theft immobilizer fitted as standard equipment

Manufacturer’s suggested retail prices for the all-new AZ-Wagon i

Model	Engine	Drive	Transmission	Seating capacity	Price (yen)
AZ-Wagon i	DOHC VVT	FWD	4-speed AT	3	1,497,000
				4	1,521,000

-	The prices include vehicle and accessories. The AZ-Wagon i is exempt from Japan’s consumption tax.
-	A separate recycling fee of 11,640 yen is necessary in addition to the manufacturer’s suggested prices listed above.
-	The four-seat version has a folding rear seat; the three-seat version has no rear seat. Source: World Car Fans

2010 Mazda3 MPS Shares the Geneva Limelight

Sharing the spotlight in Geneva is the next-generation Mazda 3 MPS, one of the world's most powerful front-wheel drive compact cars. It takes the all-new Mazda 3 hatchback as its base and raises it to new levels of driving excitement with an updated MZR 2.3-litre DISI turbo petrol engine, increased body shell rigidity and an evolved suspension. To this it adds exclusive design cues and materials to deliver a next-generation compact flagship that is even more fun to own and drive than the current model.

On top of its high performance level - one of the best in the category - the all-new Mazda 3 MPS was developed according to Mazda's long-term vision for technology development. Advanced Mazda engine and catalytic converter technologies mean the new model has an optimized power delivery, uses less fuel, and has cleaner emissions than the previous Mazda 3 MPS model.

Design - A More Expressive and Dynamic Design

The design theme for the all-new Mazda 3 called on the development team to evolve the model's visual identity to create a sportier, more aggressive appearance. The end result is a more emotionally appealing design that takes the sporty, agile compact nature of the all-new Mazda 3 hatchback to a new level of sporty refinement.

Exterior Design

Front end

A new air intake for the intercooler is introduced to the centre of the all-new Mazda 3 MPS bonnet, hinting at the power underneath. The front fender and front bumper designs are exclusive to the MPS, while subtle intonation added to the surface and character lines give the exterior an expressive and dynamic flair. The front grille and lower bumper sections share the same black metallic paint finish. These are framed by cylindrical bi-xenon headlamps and round fog lamps, to underscore the car's premium character (standard or option, depending on market).

Silhouette and rear end

At the sides, subtle wedge-shaped and curving side character lines, along with a side under spoiler, accentuate the car's sporty, low centre of gravity. The view from the rear features a large floating rear spoiler (depending on market) that balances out the tight look begun by the new front end and adds to the compact's aggressive image. LED tail lamps have an inner lens that adds a sense of greater transparency when the lamps are not lit.

One the segment's best for aerodynamic performance

The all-new Mazda 3 MPS has an exterior design that continues the current model's top aerodynamic performance. Beginning with the all-new Mazda 3 5-door hatchback, which has one of the segment's lowest coefficients of drag, MPS developers added a number of exterior features optimised for aerodynamic efficiency. These include the large front and rear bumpers, a large floating rear roof spoiler and front under spoiler. The result is aerodynamic performance that provides stability and easy control when travelling straight, changing lanes, or overtaking other vehicles at high speeds. The shape of the A-pillars and door mirrors were also designed keeping aerodynamic efficiency in mind, while increased rigidity around the door sashes, delivers improved sealing of the doors to reduce wind noise.

Wheels and tyres

Mazda introduces all-new 18-inch (18 x 7.5J) aluminium alloy wheels designed exclusively for the Mazda 3 MPS using the same design theme as the Mazda RX-8 wheels. These have a strong, three-dimensional form that helps the car look nimble and aggressive when seen from the side.

Interior design

Front seat area

The dashboard of the new Mazda 3 MPS is designed to give a roomy feel at the front. This is combined with a large centre console and a driver-orientated, wrap-around cockpit with just the right feeling of snugness. Exacting calculation was applied to designing the slant of the centre console and in positioning the gearshift lever closer to the driver.

New turbo boost gauge

The hoodless independent blackout speedometer and tachometer express sportiness through their design. The tachometer features a red MPS logo and a needle that travels 260 degrees as opposed to the 190-degree rotation on other Mazda 3 models. The instrument cluster for the all-new MPS also includes an LED turbo boost gauge positioned between the meters, which heightens the car's high-performance feel.

Semi-bucket front seats

The all-new MPS provides semi-bucket front seats for a great fit and exceptional torso and thigh support, a real must in a car this sporty. The front edge of the seat cushions is enlarged to improve the fit under the thighs, and the seatback length is extended to provide greater support. The MPS upholstery features an exclusive black base colour with a red graphic design and red stitching.

Materials and colour

Developers were careful in selecting materials and surface finishes for the interior that will excite the driver and passengers every time they take a seat in the car. Black is the keynote colour employed throughout the interior, while the seats and trim fabric have an organic red graphic design. This MPS-exclusive design is distributed throughout, with red stitching enhancing the sporty interior character on the steering wheel, seats, door trim, shift lever boot, and centre armrest.

Powertrain - Exhilarating Driving and Euro Stage V Compliance

The power and easy-to-control torque characteristics of the new Mazda 3 MPS turbo petrol engine are combined with an optimised gear ratio that ensures smooth shift operation for sporty driving. This is matched to a stiffer body, a suspension system with greater damping strength, Mazda's electro-hydraulic power assisted steering (EHPAS), as well as specially tuned brakes. Together, they deliver a high-performance package with precise, controllable handling, and powerful braking that is fun to drive on a daily basis.

Engine - high-performance DISI technology

The all-new Mazda 3 MPS is powered by Mazda's MZR 2.3L DISI Turbo, a high-power inline 4-cylinder petrol engine. This acclaimed engine has been further refined and now delivers a maximum output of 191 kW/260 PS at 5,500 rpm and the same generous maximum torque of 380 Nm at 3,000 rpm than the current model. This represents one the world's highest level of performance in a front-engine front-wheel drive sports compact.

High-performance compact

Pairing direct-injection with a turbocharger allows the engine to achieve performance that is on par with a larger displacement engine. Realising the right balance between lightweight and high rigidity through the effective use of high-tensile steel sheeting - including 1,480 MPa ultra-high tensile steel - means the new MPS body shell easily supports the top speed of 250 km/h and acceleration of 0-100 km/h in just 6.1 seconds.

Reduced fuel consumption and Euro Stage V

Yet, the new Mazda 3 MPS also delivers surprisingly good environmental performance and fuel efficiency for a car with this kind of power. Optimised aerodynamics helps reduce fuel consumption from 9.7L/100 km on the previous model to 9.2L/100 km on the all-new Mazda 3 MPS. Also newly introduced is the world's first single-nanotechnology, fast-reacting catalytic converter under the floor, which delivers cleaner emissions and Euro Stage V compliance.

High torque from direct-injection

The latent heat of vaporization generated by the MZR 2.3L Turbo when atomized fuel is injected directly into a cylinder at pressures of up to 11.5 MPa reduces the temperature in the combustion chamber (in-cylinder cooling effect) and improves air-fuel mixture charging efficiency. When compared to turbo engines injecting fuel via regular intake ports, this approach increases torque of the new Mazda 3 MPS by up to about 10 percent at around 3,000 rpm. This realizes a smooth flat torque profile with plenty of power that is easy to control using a single-scroll turbo charger. The intercooler is the same size as on the previous model, but the new air intake mounted on the hood delivers a supply of cool air that better ensures stable cooling performance.

Advanced torque management

The stiffness of the left and right drive shafts is optimized to minimize torque steer. Engine optimizations help to make this powerful, high-torque front-wheel drive vehicle easier to handle when enjoying a sporty drive. These measures include intake volume and boost pressure control that suppresses sudden torque peaks for smoother, more linear torque characteristics and steering angle sensors (all gears).

6-speed manual transmission

The transmission of the new Mazda 3 MPS uses a compact, three-shaft design that keeps the overall length the same as a 5-speed manual transmission. It uses a wide gear ratio setting that can fully exploit the wide torque band of the DISI Turbo engine, with a sixth gear that contributes to a quieter ride and improved fuel economy when driving at high speed. Each gear is set to a higher speed total gear ratio than on the previous model. Of particular note is the natural feel of shifting between first and second gear as the car picks up speed, as well as the smooth feel of successive shifts while accelerating.

Triple-cone synchronizers for first, second and third gears and a double-cone synchronizer for fourth gear optimize the amount of strength required to make shifts and establish the right balance between a short, responsive stroke and pleasing feel to gearshift operation. In addition, the transmission uses low-viscosity fluid, which greatly reduces the effort required for shifting when the engine is cold.

Chassis - Safe and Predictable

High body rigidity and specially tuned suspension

Based on the highly rigid body of the Mazda 3 5-door hatchback, the all-new MPS version adds reinforcements inside the front cowl member gussets to strengthen the joints between the rear suspension towers and rear floorboard, and employs a large tunnel member. These and other local reinforcements effectively increase body rigidity and greatly improve the new model's dynamic robustness.

Suspension system

The coil spring rates for both the MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension are modified exclusively for the MPS. Special tuning to support the high power of the MPS and provide satisfying driving performance also includes the introduction of larger diameter stabilizers than on the new Mazda 3 base model, and an increased span for the stabilizer mounts to achieve greater roll linearity. Special dampers for the MPS increase damping strength and combine with the coil springs and stabilizers to achieve higher roll stiffness than on the base model.

Newly-developed tyres

The Dunlop 225/40R18 tyres for the MPS are wider than on the previous model. By improving the grip of the tyres, the rigidity of their sidewalls and damping strength - along with the systems that bear the input from the tires, including body rigidity, suspension rigidity, and steering support rigidity - the new Mazda 3 MPS delivers response with a more direct feel, and a stronger sense of oneness between the driver and car. The result is a sporty drive that is more precise than on the previous model, even at high speeds. It delivers better response, greater stability and a flatter ride with fewer undulations, even when entering sharp curves or traversing wavy road surfaces. To ensure this, extensive high-speed test drives were conducted at Germany's Nürburgring.

Steering updates and EHPAS

The new Mazda 3 MPS now employs three highly rigid steering gear mount bushings instead of the two used on the previous model. The system also features electro-hydraulic power assisted steering (EHPAS), which adjusts control in accordance with vehicle speed and steering angle to realize precise, solid response for an outstanding feel to steering wheel operation. Control is set for more accurate response to vehicle speed, providing a lighter feeling at slower speeds and a firmer, confidence-inspiring feeling at higher speeds. Steering is direct and sharp at just 2.7 turns from lock to lock.

Robust brakes and new electronic brake assist

Large diameter 320 mm ventilated disc brakes in the front and 280 mm solid discs in the rear combine with an 8+9 inch tandem brake booster and 1-inch large diameter master cylinder to realize powerful and stable braking. Electronic brake assist replaces the previous mechanical system, and four-wheel ABS and DSC are also standard equipment.

Mazda 3 MPS dimensions and specifications for EU

• Dimensions
  • Overall length: 4,505 mm
  • Overall height: 1,460 mm
  • Overall width: 1,770 mm
  • Wheelbase: 2,640 mm
  • Treads (front/rear): 1,535 mm/1,520 mm
  • Luggage capacity: 300 l with Bose® System
• Drive train: FWD
• Engine: MZR 2.3-litre DISI Turbo
• Displacement: 2,261 cm3
• Bore x stroke: 87.5 mm x 94.0 mm
• Fuel tank capacity : 60 l
• Max. output : 260 PS (191 kW) at 5,500 rpm
• Max. torque: 380 Nm at 3,000 rpm
• Fuel consumption
  • Combined: 9.2 l / 100 km
  • Urban: 13.5 l / 100 km
  • Extra urban: 7.5 l / 100 km
  • Emissions ranking: Euro Stage V
• Exhaust system: single-nanotechnology
• Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission
• Differential: Torque-sensing Limited Slip Differential
• Performance
  • Max. speed: 250 km/h
  • 0-100km/h (EU): 6.1 s
• Steering: Electro-hydraulic power assisted system
• Turn lock-to-lock: 2.7
• Min. turning circle: 11 m
• Suspension, front: MacPherson strut
• Suspension, rear: Multi-link
• Coil spring rate, front: D26.8 N/mm
• Coil spring rate, rear: D29.9 N/mm
• Dampers, front: Twintube
• Dampers, rear: Monotube
• Stabilizer diameter, front: 26 mm
• Stabilizer diameter, rear: 25 mm
• Front brake type, diameter: Ventilated discs, 320 mm
• Rear brake type, diameter: Solid discs, 280 mm
• Coefficient of drag: 0.32 Cd
• Brake booster: 8" + 9" tandem booster & large 1" diameter master cylinder
• Tyres, wheels: Dunlop 225/40 R18, 18x7.5J