HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation will showcase the world premiere of the all-new Mazda3 (known as Mazda Axela in Japan) 5-door hatchback at the Bologna Motor Show^* on December 3, 2008. The second generation Mazda3 5-door hatchback follows on the heels of the 4-door sedan version, currently on display at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The all-new Mazda3 5-door hatchback adopts the same characteristics as its sedan counterpart, offering sporty driving and a dynamic design, together with top class environmental and safety performance.

All-new Mazda3 5-door hatchback (European specification)

Environmental-friendly qualities were top of mind during development, including efficient powertrains, Mazda typical lightweight engineering and amongst the best in class aerodynamics.

All gasoline engine versions of the new Mazda3 will offer even further advanced environmental performance, including the world’s first vehicle catalyst to be constructed with single nanotechnology. This new development enables Mazda to reduce its use of scarce resources such as platinum and palladium.

The new engine lineup has been tailored for European customers and now includes the newly developed 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine, just launched in the Mazda6, in addition to the existing 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre gasoline engines and the 1.6-litre turbo diesel. The new 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine is a high-performance clean diesel powerplant with top class output, fuel economy and refinement. It will be offered in two variants, a high power version with a maximum output of 185 PS, and a standard power version with a maximum output of 150 PS. Both have outstanding clean emissions performance and comply with the Euro Stage5 regulations. Fuel economy and CO2 emissions are also greatly improved compared to the current 2.0-litre version.

The all-new Mazda3 5-door hatchback will be revealed during Mazda’s press conference at 9:00 on December 3, 2008 (local time).

2008 Bologna Motor Show Exhibit Vehicles