World Premiere of the New Mazda3 at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt

Leverkusen/Frankfurt 10.09.2003 (PROTEXT/ots) - Cross-reference: picture is available at: http://www.presseportal.de/story.htx?firmaid=33972&dpmlist=bild abrufbar - The 60th International Motor Show in Frankfurt (11 to 21September) is the stage for the new Mazda3. It's the fourthMazda of a new generation of cars presented within just 18months. The Mazda3 combines the best features of itspredecessors and was developed to meet the expectations oftoday's customers from a car of the C segment (compacts). TheMazda3 offers an impressive combination of dynamic performance,extravagant and sporty design and a generous, flexible interiorall achieved with the high standards of manufacturing qualityand engineering skill. The new Mazda3 is initially being presented as the five-doorMazda3 sports model with a dynamic hatchback; the four-doorsaloon will follow in a few months. Both models bring theunmistakable Mazda styling and a high level of workmanship tothe European market. Like all cars of the new Mazda generation,they are distinguished by their dynamic and powerful appearance,evident even while stationary. The Mazda3 sports car is one of the most spacious vehicles ofits segment. It has a large, roomy interior with generousshoulder room at the front as well as rear seats. The long wheelbase and the optimal form of the rear seats provide a lot ofknee space. The result is a truly spacious passenger compartmentthat can comfortably accommodate five adults. Added are numerouscleverly located storage areas and a large, flexible luggagecompartment. A pleasure to drive, the car is also a pleasure toride in while remaining practical for everyday use. The Mazda3 sports car initially comes with two differentpossible petrol engines: a high-torque 1.6-litre , 77 kW/105 bhpMZR and a more powerful 2.0- litre, 110 kW/150 bhp MZR - bothbelong to the family of sophisticated four- cylinder DOHC petrolengines whose respectable torque provide spirited drivingpleasure while fulfilling the current global emissions standards.Standard on both MZR petrol engines is a 5-speed manualtransmission with short, clearly defined shift paths for thatsporty, direct shift feel. The 1.6-litre MZR petrol engine ofthe Mazda3 is also available with a 4-speed automatictransmission called "Activematic" that ensures a supple, uniformand direct driving feel in either the automatic or manual mode. The new, five-door body of the Mazda3 is the result of Mazda'sAdvance Impact Distribution and Absorption System (MAIDAS). Thebody is distinguished by Mazda's unique, threefold H-principle,which provides clearly defined crumple zones in addition to astable passenger cell and effectively absorbs and distributesthe energy of an impact. Together with superb drivingperformance, the first-class steering and outstanding brakes(ABS antilock brake system and EBD electronic brake forcedistribution are standard), a mechanical brake assist, optionalDSC stability control in combination with traction control, sixairbags, safety brake pedal and safety steering wheel, the Mazda3offers a safety package that can count as the best of thissegment.

ots original text services: Mazda Motors (Germany) GmbH Please address queries to: Mazda Motors (Germany) GmbH PeterThul Press / Publicity Relations Manager Hitdorfer Strasse 7351371 Leverkusen Germany Telephone: 02173/943220 Fax:02173/943468 e-mail: pthul@mazda.de Mazda Motors Europe Franz Danner Vice-President / PR HitdorferStrasse 73 51371 Leverkusen Germany Telephone: 02173/943805 Fax:02173/943468 e-mail: Fdanner@mazda.de

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