AIM OF DEVELOPMENT

Product Concept

A vehicle with eye-catching, always fresh and appealing styling, combined with dynamic performance

• A global C-segment vehicle with four key values: Unmistakable and vibrant design, interior cabin that fits four adults comfortably, high-quality craftsmanship, and a high-balance vehicle that is fun-to-drive

Vehicle Outline

Exterior design

• Fun-to-drive with instinctively attractive styling

- 4SD

•  Dynamic and elegant sport styling has been achieved due to the fused form of the bonnet and compact cabin.

- 5HB

• Advanced styling has been achieved due to the continuous form of the bonnet and body, and the flared fenders accentuating the body.

Interior design

• A comfortable interior and sporty design incorporating Mazda's inherited DNA

- A simple, clean-cut dashboard with a spacious feel has been adopted.

- A center panel that integrates module audio and air conditioning controls has been adopted.

- An instrument cluster with an emphasized sportiness has been adopted.

-• Illumination that is both easily visible and comfortable for the eye has been adopted.

• Interior space that fits four adults comfortably

- An interior space that is surprisingly larger than thought when viewed from the exterior has been achieved due to the adoption of a long wheel base and elongated body.

- An auto-light system that allows for constant visibility of the vehicle's immediate surroundings has been adopted.

- A full-auto wiper system allowing the driver to concentrate in any weather condition due to the steering wheel-integrated control has been adopted. This system features a rain sensor on the on the windshield which determines the rainfall conditions and automatically adjusts wipers to the optimal speed.

• Storage spaces that are spacious, simple and highly functional

- Front seat storage has been improved due to the adoption of a large glove compartment that can hold items such as a PET bottle or a small backpack, and featuring a lid that can hold a tissue box or other small item.

- A double-layered center-console box with an upper tray that can hold mobile telephones and other small-sized items has been adopted.

• Luggage space

- The luggage area size is class-topping in terms of area and features clean, nearly flat surfaces due to the under-floor positioning of the coil springs.

- 4SD

• Double-link hinges for the trunk do not interfere with or damage luggage during loading/unloading.

- 5HB

• A storage space is provided under the floor.

• A flat luggage space is achieved by folding the split rear seat backs forward.

• Seat

- The driver's seat can be adjusted to the optimal position due to class-topping seat-height (55 mm {2.2 in}) and slide (250 mm {9.8 in}) adjustments.

Engine

• Engine block

- The ZY, Z6, LF and L3 engines have been adopted.

- Variable valve timing that optimally adjusts valve timing in accordance with driving conditions has been adopted. (ZY, Z6 and L3 engine)

- An aluminum-alloy cylinder head and cylinder block have been adopted.

- A pendulum engine mount system has been adopted to reduce noise and vibration and simplify component parts.

-• Lightweight pistons, low-tension piston rings, and shimless tappets have been adopted to minimize friction losses, thereby contributing to improved fuel economy.

- An auto-tensioner that automatically adjusts the belt to compensate for stretching has been adopted to minimize maintenance requirements.

• Intake, exhaust, control

- The exhaust manifold has been positioned towards the rear, improving exhaust effectiveness.

- Weight reduction has been achieved due to a hard-plastic intake manifold.

- Stable combustion when the engine is cold or lightly loaded along with cleaner exhaust emissions and high engine output have been obtained due to the adoption of a variable tumble system.

- High torque is obtained from the lower-middle to the high engine speed ranges due to the adoption of the variable intake air system.

- Maximum torque is achieved at all engine speeds due to the adoption of a variable valve timing system that controls intake valve timing in accordance with driving conditions to attain highly efficient air charging. (ZY, Z6 and L3 engine)

- An exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system has been adopted for all models resulting in cleaner exhaust emissions and reduced fuel consumption.

Suspension and steering

• Front suspension

- Strut-type suspension has been adopted.

- A liquid filled bushing has been adopted for the lower arm.

- A separate input type shock absorber mount has been adopted, improving steering stability and riding comfort.

• Rear suspension

-• E-type multi-link rear suspension has been adopted.

- A wide occupancy space has been attained due to the separated positioning of the shock absorber and coil spring.

• Power steering

- An electro hydraulic power assist steering (EHPAS) system has been adopted. (ZY, LF and L3 engine)

Brake

• Linear, responsive braking function with an outstanding feeling of security and control characteristics

- Electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) control adopted. (with ABS/DSC)

- Dynamic stability control (DSC) adopted. (General R.H.D. specs.)

- A large-sized single diaphragm (10 inch) has been adopted, ensuring high brake functionality.

- An intrusion minimizing brake pedal has been adopted to suppress the rearward movement of the brake pedal during frontal collisions.

- A brake-assist function has been adopted to reduce the amount of pedal travel to a minimum by supplementing pedal force during emergency braking.

Transaxle

• Manual transaxle

- The F35M-R (ZY and Z6 engine) and the G35M-R manual (LF and L3 engine) transaxles have been adopted.

- Linked, double-cone synchronizers have been adopted for the first and second gears to reduce shift effort during not only during fast but also slow operation and at cold temperatures.

- Carbon synchronizers have been adopted for third and fourth gears. (G35M-R manual transaxle)

• Automatic transaxle

- The FN4A-EL automatic transaxle with added manual mode function has been adopted to provide manual-feel type shifting.

- Slip control has been adopted, improving fuel economy and reducing CO.

Safety

• An immobilizer system has been adopted. This anti-theft device prevents the engine from being started unless the encrypted identification code, transmitted from a special electronic chip embedded in the key, corresponds with the identification code registered in the vehicle.

• Aerotwin wiper blades have been adopted for the windshield, improving visibility while driving.

• World-class collision protection is provided due to the lightweight and highly rigid Mazda Advanced Impact-energy Distribution and Absorption System body.

• Dual-inflator type air bags that control deployment of the air bags in two stages by detecting the scale of an impact have been adopted for front-seat passengers.

• Curtain air bags have been adopted that deploy and cover the front and rear side windows to protect the heads of front and rear passengers.

• Side air bags that effectively protect the chest area have been adopted for the front seats.

• Pre-tensioner and load limiter mechanisms have been adopted for the front seat belts.

• A steering column designed to collapse horizontally to minimize impact to the driver's head and chest has been adopted.

• An intrusion minimizing brake pedal has been adopted.

• Both ISOFIX and tether strap anchors are provided in the rear seat for child-seat fixing.