Mazda brandishes its new 3 - on video

Intangibles were paramount at the Australian International Motor Show today when Mazda screened the first official images of its next-generation Mazda3 sedan.

Yes, Mazda chose the Sydney show as the vehicle by which to introduce its new 3 to the world, but the solid reality was somewhat lacking. Instead, Mazda Vice President, Philip Spender, who flew in especially for the occasion, unveiled the new-generation car via a video screen on the company’s stand.

Those seeking the real deal will have to wait until November, where the next generation 3 will be unveiled in solid, three-dimensional form at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

The Sydney reveal coincided with images of the new model sent concurrently to "thousands of the world's automotive media in more than 100 countries".

The new Mazda3 is claimed to be sportier, quieter and to offer "top class fuel economy". Mazda also says it will be safer and more environmentally friendly.

Its November appearance at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November will feature just the sedan version, fitted with two-litre and 2.5-litre petrol engines. The hatchback version will arrive later, but Mazda has not yet said when.

Contrary to popular speculation, the Carsales Network believes the new Mazda3 builds from the current 3 platform, not the one being developed for the next Ford Focus, which it will easily beat to market. Even the new Mazda's body shell is likely to share some commonality with the current 3.

Certainly there are signs more of evolution than revolution in the new car. That said, the next small Mazda will be decidedly more aggressive and muscular, with a strong grille and prominent front wheel arches that are consistent with current Mazda design themes

We imagine that the two-litre and 2.5-litre engines to be shown in Los Angeles will also be available to Australian buyers, although there is as yet no mention of a turbodiesel.

The Mazda3 arrived here in 2004 following its global launch in 2003 and has scored more than 1.5 million sales worldwide, accounting for nearly one third of total Mazda sales. It has consistently been a top seller on the Australian small car market.

The new 3 will not steal all the limelight however. A striking, in-the-metal newcomer on the Mazda stand will be the Taiki concept car that first appeared at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show.

With its outrigger rear wheels and heavily straked side panels the car looks spectacular enough, but the real interest lies in the next-generation Renesis rotary engine that is claimed to deliver driver-pleasing performance while addressing the strictures of environmental responsibility.

Also at the Sydney show, a long-awaited addition to the relatively new Mazda6 range comes tantalizingly closer with the appearance of the turbodiesel version. Scheduled to reach our market in December this year, the new Mazda oiler has a capacity of 2.2 litres and produces 136kW and the usual mountain of torque -- in this case 400Nm from 1800rpm. Zero to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds and a consumption of 5.9l\L/100km make it an appropriate addition in today's climate of high-priced fuels.

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