Automotive-Vision test drive Mazda 3 2010, best in everything

First approach before launch in LA Auto Show

Vision Automotive / By Julio Brito A., Special Envoy

LOS ANGELES, California; continuity or rupture, evolution or revolution, is the dilemma of the new Mazda 3 totally redesigned, under a world car concept, presented at the Auto Show in Los Angeles and we had the opportunity to participate in a special session for journalists in Mexico, where there was also a first contact test drive of 170 miles, which inlcudes a rise in mountainous area outside the fire zone, which is in the Hollywood area.

In its second generation needed a change in depth of the Mazda 3. "It's a strategic productio it represents 40% of sales in Mexico. We hope to launch in late first quarter, almost on par with that in the United Esrados. We will also disponder hatchback version, but that will come later?, Said Leopoldo Orellana, president of Mazda of Mexico.

This 2010 edition has bases: 1st generation MAZDA3 earned 90 major awards for specialists and sales reached 1.8 million during the 5 years that pleased customers around the world. One of every three Mazdas sold is a MAZDA3. Even at the end of the first generation MAZDA3 continued to be praised and honored by the press. Magazine recently named him "one of the most reliable compact sedans money can buy '.

They dropped the controversial during the presentation of the new Mazda 3. The most radical change to the naked eye is the front, with a vocational huge air intake and two small side, which I personally figure with a Japanese warrior's helmet, very dynamic and muscular. Let's say that makes its presence felt.

Extremely elongated headlights, cats and inside lights to a cannon. Much the trend continues Peugeot. Here in the U.S. do not know because the brand francesaestá absent, but the majority of Mexicans can compare because as in the 2007 case faroas mounted on the hood and fenders.

The sides have a line going back and forth down to the rhythm of the wind. The front fenders CX7 recover the tradition they follow the shape of the rim in a subtle stroke and perhaps where there is more consensus is the rear. It's spectacular and breaks a lot with the tradition of a long trunk. Rather, it cuts despite its large interior capacity, on the outside gives the impression of a small crossover.

Lets bring back skulls Ls, which is a fashion trend with the Audi R8 won. When lighting a brake van to one according to the pressure imposed on the pedal.

The interiors improved significantly. The distribution over the European trend is imposed on the driver's side wraps between the seat and dashboard. In front Llos key controls, such speedometer, and a semicircle at the bottom of the right side, near the windshield controls the sound system and heating. You should make notes from one generation to another significantly changed the quality of the finished. The upholstery in leather handled version black tone and brown, the latter makes it very elegant and in the other versions of two types of fabric over.

All information that requires a driver is readily available, since it is concentrated in one area, minimizing the loss of concentration on the road. A multi-information display (MID) is positioned at the top of the center console. Audio information and trip computer are located in this location that is accessible and easy to see.

The front seat cushions have been extended about 2.5 inches compared to the current vehicle, to provide enhanced support for the thighs. The backs are 3.6 inches taller and its surroundings was redesigned to improve posture management. In the fitted models, the slope of the sides of the back of the pilot was modified to provide more support for the torso.

In the case of Mexico, Leopoldo Orellana told us there will be three versions, but unlike the previous generation Mazda 3 2010 model line will offer ABS brakes, front and side airbag. The MAZDA3 i is powered by a 2.0L MZR 4-cylinder and providing 148 hp @ 6,500 rpm and 135 lb-ft of torque @ 4,500 rpm. The construction of the engine block and cylinder heads, all-aluminum helps minimize weight. For more power and efficiency, the engine is DOHC with 4 valves per cylinder.

The sport version with leather seats have a 2.5L MZR 4-cylinder engine for the MAZDA3 s is borrowed from the all-new MAZDA6 2009. It shares the same 2.0L engine building while producing 167 hp @ 6,000 rpm and 168 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm. Both engines use Electronic Throttle Actuation. The torque control technology unique to Mazda, provides a more linear throttle response with each change of pressure in the gas pedal.

A 5-speed manual transmission, short shift, is standard in the MAZDA3 i, while the MAZDA3 s is equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission. Sport AT automatic transmission with manual mode, electronically controlled automatic is available for both models, which gives driving enthusiasts, the manual shift control and the convenience and comfort of an automatic. The previous version had a four-speed automatic transmission and porcine speeds in the deluxe version. Now, you gain a more in each version.

To refine the acoustic quality of the engines of the MAZDA3, got extra attention when tuning the engine air intake and exhaust system. Resonance chambers were implemented to quiet certain sound frequencies and enhance others, achieving a subtle but sporty sound during acceleration. The 2.5L engine of the MAZDA3 s is equipped with dual exhaust and silencer specifically tuned to reduce mid-range sounds and high frequency noise at high rpm.

The redesigned unibody joints and increased metal gauges in key areas help diminish the transmission of noise from the road and powertrain back inside the cabin. The anchor points of the suspension are larger to provide the solid foundation needed to absorb the forces generated by the steering and suspension. Also attached welded parts, suspension towers are bonded to monocoque structural glue. A combination of welding and adhesives - also borrowed from the Mazda6 2009 - is used to increase the rigidity and resistance to deformation in a collision where the doors are opened. The rigid design of the doors also improves the effectiveness of the seals that block moisture and noise inside.

An engineering approach called Mazda Air Flow Management was used to optimize the flow of outside air and through the air inlets MAZDA3 body. Although the front grille appears larger than the previous MAZDA3, it is actually 20% smaller, to get just enough air for combustion and cooling. An air guide attached to the front bumper directs the flow through the radiator where it is most useful. At high speeds, a bypass flap opens to minimize cooling fan drag.

In case of collision all MAZDA3 have a Triple-H construction using efficient steel reinforcements in the form of H on the floor, side and roof structure. This approach to energy absorption provides crush zones that better protect occupants from the forces caused by impact during rollover, frontal collisions, side, front, side and rear angled. Six airbags and active headrests are also standard equipment.

Efforts have been made to increase the level of recyclables from 80% to 90% when a MAZDA3 reaches the end of its useful life. Molded plastic parts are labeled with ISO identification marks to facilitate separation and recycling. Fenders, inner garments and instrument panel are made of polypropylene for reuse in markets that offer it. Recycled materials are used to manufacture new plastic side moldings for the past four years at Mazda.

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