All-New 2014 Mazda3 Breaks Cover

The much anticipated all-new Mazda3 has been officially unveiled at an event held in Melbourne last night, ahead of similar launch events in New York, London, St Petersburg and Istanbul.

The third-generation Mazda3 has been totally redesigned from the ground up. Like its larger Mazda6 sibling, the new model adopts the company’s new ‘KODO – Soul of Motion’ design language and wears the new trademark front grille, which will soon be inherited across all future Mazda vehicles.

The new shape is a big leap forward in terms of sportiness and aerodynamic. The low nose expresses a strong sense of forward motion while the tips of the KODO inspired front grille merge into the headlamps, which are designed to resemble the sharp eyes of a predatory animal.

Smooth flowing lines above the front and rear wheel arches give the new Mazda3 a sense of speed even when stationary. This is further emphasised by the rear roof spoiler, along with the sleek rear combination lamps.

The new Mazda3 has a 60mm longer wheelbase, is 40mm wider and 15mm lower than its predecessor, giving the new model a sleeker and wider, almost coupe-like stance.

Inside, the redesigned cabin debuts newly developed carbon-fibre look materials and equipment with high sheen satin chrome finishes. The new dashboard is now more driver focussed, while the longer wheelbase offers a roomier cabin.

In Australia, the new Mazda3 will be offered with two engine choices at launch, the SKYACTIV-G 2.0-litre petrol engine and the new SKYACTIV-G 2.5-litre petrol engine. The 2.0-litre option produces 114kW of power and 200Nm of torque while the larger 2.5-litre alternative has an output of 138kW and 250Nm.

Introduced for the first time with the 2014  Mazda3 is a new car connectivity system that  broadens the scope of the driving experience. The system features a new colour LCD interface that is designed with the highest priority placed on driving safety.

Drivers will be better connected than ever before. Phone, email and SMS will be easier to access, navigation will be simpler and social media will be safer to use thanks to the seven-inch screen, improved controls and Bluetooth.

Further supporting the driver is the newly developed, heads up Active Driving Display. Available on selected models; vehicle speed, turn-by-turn directions from the navigation system, and other important driving information, are displayed on a clear panel vertically mounted above the meter hood.

The all-new 2014 Mazda3 arrives in Australian showrooms in the first quarter of 2014.

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