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By
EWAN KENNEDY
29 December 2008
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.
© Copyright
Marque Publishing Company
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