Australia is an extremely important market for Mazda, indeed per head of population more cars from this Japanese marque are sold in this country than in any other. So it came as no surprise that Australia was the first country in which the new Mazda3 range was shown in its entirety. That is in both hatchback and sedan format.
 The two body styles have been recently revealed in overseas locations (the sedan in Los Angeles and the hatch in Bologna), but Australia was the first country on earth to see the pair standing together.
That was at a special function hosted by Mazda in the Arts Centre of Victoria in Melbourne. A most suitable location for an excellent theatrical presentation because this Mazda really is at the leading edge of early 21st century automotive design.
To add to the occasion, Mazda's global design chief, Laurens van den Acker was there to explain the details of his team’s new baby.
Stunning though the forthcoming new Mazda3 is, with sharp lines that almost seem to have been carved from a single block, we were surprise to hear van den Acker say that he would like to have taken it to even more adventurous levels.
He explained that driving is arguably the most dangerous activity undertaken by the average person. So they feel less threatened by a car done in a conservative format than if it took a radical new direction.
 While we agree with what he says, it must be said that the frontal treatment with its huge radiator grille and strongly ridged bonnet looks just great. And the continuity of the lines of the car rearwards to interesting standout tail-lights, that actually act as part of the aerodynamic package, seem sure to attract many buyers.
Exact specifications and timing for the Australian versions of the new Mazda3 have yet to be set, but expect the car to be here sometime towards the middle of 2009. We can’t wait to see it on the road. |
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