2008 Mazda3 Sedan

Mazda3 is a standard-setting vehicle that brings together exhilarating driving performance, emotional styling and high levels of craftsmanship. Mazda3 makes no compromises on sophisticated and unique styling and functionality.

For 2008, the Mazda3 takes these attributes to a new level, offering already improved torque characteristics, exterior styling enhancements, fit-and-finish and interior trim revisions.

Exterior

The Mazda3 four door is a sedan, but a sedan with a personality all its own. It takes the traditional three-box design a step further by evoking dynamic proportions and taut contours for a strikingly refined and sporty look, without sacrificing space on the inside. A long wheelbase, short overhangs, a short but high rear deck, and a compact-looking cabin combine to deliver an elegant coupe-like design appealing to those looking for an aggressive but sophisticated sedan.

• Lines extending from the five-point grille through the hood convey a subtler, more elegant look than the five-door version.
• Flared front and rear fenders suggest muscularity and strength.
• Compact-looking cabin gives an elegant yet sporty appearance when seen from the side.
• Short, high rear deck seamlessly extends the lines flowing from the front of the vehicle for a powerful appearance.
• Elongated rear combination lamps and flared rear fenders enhance the well-planted stance and look of stability.

For 2008, all Mazda3s feature updated front bumper, grille and rear bumper designs to emphasize a more elegant look. In addition, wheel design is refreshed and there are five new body colours to choose from. The Mazda3 GT adds LEDs for the rear combination lamps, angular fog lamps and redesigned side spoilers.

Interior

Mazda3 developers created a comfortable and a pleasingly stimulating interior for five adults, making it one of the most enjoyable cars in its segment. From its excellent modular entertainment system, to seats with firm yet comfortable support, every aspect of Mazda3’s interior incorporates the lessons learned in the development of Mazda6 and Mazda RX-8, and takes them a step further to deliver even higher levels of driver and passenger delight.

For 2008, the Mazda3 GX and GS models have an interior colour scheme conveying a more refined yet sporty appearance. The seat fabric features an improved texture, while the instrument panel trim has a piano black surface.

Also for 2008, the Mazda3 GT has a carbon-grey finish on the instrument panel trim to add richness, and a black upholstery fabric with an elegant feel was adopted. To bring a touch of sportiness and elegance, the heater controls and gearshift knob have a bright silver accents. In addition, a sporty black leather interior is available.

Performance

Mazda3 offers high levels of driving flair and enjoyment that is the essence of Zoom-Zoom. As third in the line of new-generation Mazda vehicles for North America, Mazda3 embodies everything learned from developing the award-winning Mazda6 and the Mazda RX-8. Mazda3 delivers a superbly-balanced dynamic performance that combines spirited engines, a flat ride with exceptional ride quality, a predictable and reassuring steering feel, and braking performance that inspires confidence.

Mazda3’s MZR engine line-up was developed to meet the diverse demands of a global market. A product of Mazda’s innovative approach to engineering, these engines deliver linear, lively driving enjoyment, with minimal environmental impact, good fuel economy and low emissions.

A five-speed manual, and the available four-speed and five-speed Sport mode automatic transmissions, offer smooth, sporty shifting to enhance the pleasure of driving Mazda3’s spirited engines.

A highly-rigid body structure delivers superior torsional and flexural stiffness, essential to ensuring Mazda3’s superior handling and steering. The steering is precise, linear and predictable in all situations, while larger brakes and linear booster give safe, effective deceleration that enhances driver confidence.

Thanks to Mazda’s innovative approach to safety, Mazda3’s body resists deformation and disperses impact energy in all collision situations to ensure passenger cell integrity and excellent passive safety..