Mazda In Malaysia

Ford, Mazda to invest $350 mln at Thailand plant

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 22:29:00 +0000

* Ford, Mazda to build redesigned compact pickups at plant
* Production of new pickups to start in mid-2011
* Vehicles for Thailand market and for export
DETROIT, Aug 25 - Ford Motor Co and Mazda Motor <7261.T> will invest $350 million in their joint venture in Thailand to build a redesigned version of their compact pickup trucks starting in mid-2011, Ford said on Wednesday.
Ford said the investment -- in the AutoAlliance Thailand plant in Rayong, Thailand -- also affirms the automakers' long-term commitment to the country.
The investment will go to plant upgrades and tooling for the production of the pickup trucks.
The venture was established 1995, and Ford and Mazda export pickups to more than 130 markets around the world. The alliance also builds the Ford Fiesta and Mazda2 for Thailand and export.
The announcement of the investment in Thailand came the same day that Ford affirmed its plans to close a plant in Minnesota that produces the Ranger compact pickup for the U.S. market.

No Mazda recall in Malaysia

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 07:33:00 +0000

No Mazda recall in Malaysia

Strong field expected at tourney -Golf Shots-

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 16:26:00 +0000

THE Mazda Pahang Amateur Open golf championships, to be played at the Berjaya Hills Golf and Country Club in Bukit Tinggi, Pahang from Sept 17 to 19, is set to be an exciting affair.
Berjaya Golf and Country Club general manager S.A. Nathan said they were expecting a strong field for the three- day championships.
“We have received enquiries from India, Singapore, Thailand, South Korea and Indonesia.
“The presence of these foreign participants will certainly make the championships an exciting and interesting affair,’’ said Nathan after a sponsorship ceremony recently.
Bermaz Trading, the distributors of Mazda in Malaysia, are the main sponsors.

A car for grabs: Lee (right) handing over the sponsorship to Nathan.

Bermaz Trading marketing general manager Lee Ai Hoon said they were honoured to be the title sponsors.
“The Pahang Open has grown from strength to strength over the years.
“Mazda has been supporting golfing events. We are looking forward to see Malaysians winning in the international arena,’’ said Lee.
Berjaya Hotels and Resorts executive director Valen Tan said: “We need more sponsors like Mazda to support amateur events which will be the gateway for Malaysians to excel in world events.
Mazda has created an opportunity to golfers participating in this event to be included in the World amateur rankinggs.’’
The defending champions are Jonathan Leong and Michelle Low.
Nathan added that both Leong and Low were expected to defend their men and women’s crown respectively.

Mazda cars sold in M'sia safe, says distributor

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 22:02:00 +0000

UPDATE Mazda cars sold in Malaysia are absolutely safe, according to local Mazda distributor Bermaz Motor Sdn Bhd.
Local models are unaffected, said Bermaz Motor in response to the massive recall in North America over steering problems in older Mazda3 and Mazda5 that could endanger users.

In isolated cases where drivers may feel the steering getting heavy, the driver can still steer the car with a little more effort.
To allay fears, Bermaz Motor will hold a service campaign to check all Mazda3 and Mazda5 models sold between May 01, 2007 and Dec 30, 2008.

For details, call the customer hotline at 1-800-22-8080.

Mazda Motor Corp is recalling more than 300,000 Mazda3 and Mazda5 vehicles in North America to repair problems with the power-steering system that could lead to crashes, a problem the automaker dealt with in Japan a year ago.
The Japanese automaker told the government the recall involved model year 2007-2009 Mazda3 and Mazda5 vehicles built from April 2007 through November 2008.

The recall involves 215,000 vehicles in the United States and an additional 100,000 vehicles in Canada and Mexico.

The Mazda5 is among two models that are being recalled in North America.

Mazda said the vehicles could have a sudden loss of power-steering assist, making it difficult for the driver to steer the vehicle and increase the risk of a crash.

The company said it has not received any reports of crashes or injuries that resulted from the problem.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation on June 28 into steering problems in 2007-2009 Mazda3s, citing 33 complaints alleging steering problems, including three crashes.

Mazda started fixing vehicles in Japan for the same problem last year and has investigated the issue for two years.
In a letter to NHTSA last week, Mazda said it was first informed of similar steering problems in Japan in March 2008.
After receiving additional reports, the company began its own probe in July 2008.

By the summer of 2009, Mazda said it found that the problem was caused by rust forming inside the high-pressure pipe in the power steering system.

Rust particles could enter the power steering pump and cause it to go into a fail safe mode and shut down to avoid overheating.
Mazda conducted an "improvement campaign" last summer to repair vehicles in Japan "due to a high occurrence rate of this problem," according to the letter to NHTSA.

But the company did not issue a recall in North America. Instead it issued a technical service bulletin to dealers since the "occurrence rate was low."

The service bulletin included repair procedures for customers who reported the steering problems.

Transportation Department spokesman Olivia Alair said NHTSA was "currently reviewing the recall documents submitted by Mazda and will look at whether any additional action is necessary."

Mazda said in a statement that it would notify owners during the next few months of the recall and dealers will replace the power steering pump and two high-pressure lines at no charge.

"Be assured that our customers remain Mazda's highest priority. They remain safe in their Mazda3s and Mazda5s," the company said.
- AP

Taken From : http://www.star-motoring.com/blog/permalink.asp?id=1412

Mazda 3 Accessories, Would like to know where to get them.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 05:54:00 +0000

post by Rting

I have just ordered a graphite mica Mazda 3 2.0 Hatch, and I notice that there is not much option in term of accessories for the Mazda 3 here in Malaysia. I am interested in a few things and I hope someone here can help point me to the correct direction. Thanks.

- I have seen on a few YouTube videos that shows an extra removable 'tray' in the middle armrest console that is missing from the Mazda 3s that I've seen in the showrooms. Anyway to order one?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zwCYw4Hu6s
It can be seen in this video at 0:40.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4a3A61Bo6Q
2:21 - 2:25 here

- Rear Cargo Net that is pictured in this accessories brochure on the middle left of the first page. (First accessory pictured on the left)

http://www.mazda.ca/files/2010_Mazda3_AccBro_eng.pdf

- Cargo Floor Net as seen on this web page.

http://www.mazdaparts.org/mazda3-cargonet.html

- Mazda 3 glowing trim plates

http://cdn3.ioffer.com/img/item/975/165/61...LvalsmV4M34.jpg

http://mazdagear.com/ProductImages/mazda6/...28Custom%29.jpg

Thanks for your time.

Mazda 6

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 05:44:00 +0000

Your life is exciting and fast, for 24 hours of every day. And Mazda6 is the perfect partner. Styled to look elegant and refined in every setting. Engineered to deliver genuine grand touring performance. Built to give you total satisfaction in all of life's scenes. It's the ultimate statement of sophisticated driving pleasure. It's Mazda6. And it's waiting for you.

“Zoom-Zoom Evolution” − this expression represents the commitment by every member of the development team to show the world a Zoom-Zoom that is further evolved from the first generation Mazda6. Working from this concept, an all-new Mazda6 fully embodies the progress of Mazda's product development philosophy.

*Availability and details of vehicles may vary according to locale.

BusinessWorld Online Edition: Ford adjusts output in RP strategy shift

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 22:22:00 +0000

BusinessWorld Online Edition: Ford adjusts output in RP strategy shift

To read the news, you can just click on the title above.

MAZDA RX-8

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 22:20:00 +0000

MAZDA RX-8

MAZDA LANTIS

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:42:00 +0000

MAZDA LANTIS 1.8 litre, 1800cc (below rm 280 road tax) (Automatic) 1995 pearl blue, sport rims, VCD player RM16,800 ono. Call Chua 012-3108683, 03-22823588

Ford ships Focus for Indon police use

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:41:00 +0000

HILIPPINE-MADE cars will now be patrolling the streets of Indonesia after Ford Motor Co. Philippines (FMCP) completed the delivery of 577 units of Ford Focus to the Indonesian National Police Force.

The company said this is the largest-ever fleet sales for vehicles assembled out of FMCP’s Santa Rosa, Laguna plant since it started its export program in 2002.

Ford, the only exporter of completely built units in the Philippines, has already shipped over 62,500 Ford and Mazda vehicles valued at more than $800 million to countries in the region.

“This fleet-purchase to Indonesia is significant for FMCP as it points to the success of our export business and underscores the exceptional quality of the vehicles we produce in the Philippines. It is also a testament to the world-class craftsmanship and dedication of Ford’s Filipino workforce which enabled these vehicles to earn such successes,” Ford Group Philippines President Rick Baker said in a statement.

Exports currently account for roughly half of Ford’s total production volume in the Philippines.

Aside from the Ford Focus, the company also exports the Ford Escape, Mazda 3, and Mazda Tribute to Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia.

Exports of Ford Group rebound in Aug.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:37:00 +0000

Exports of Ford Group Philippines (FGP) recovered in August this year bringing its January-August performance to a positive 3.87 percent to 4,747 completely built-up (CBU) units from 4,570 CBU units in the same period last year.

FMGP president Rick Baker said this brought the company’s total CBU exports to over 62,885 units worth over $800 million since its exports program started in 2002.

“We see this as a positive trend that things have stabilized, and we're hopeful that the economy will continue to recover in the coming months," Baker said.

It could be recalled that FGP’s CBU exports dropped 7.9 percent in the first five months this year to only 2,703 units value from 2,962 units in the same period last year as the regional automotive market took a beating from the global financial crisis.

Ford Philippines is the only domestic manufacturer with a CBU export program, and we remain committed to our program delivering high quality vehicles to our neighboring ASEAN markets.

FGP exports Ford Focus, Ford Escape, Mazda 3 and Mazda Tribute to ASEAN markets including Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia.

Sales in the local market also improved by a significant 17 percent in August versus August last year, but FGP still maintained its target of a flat growth versus last year. Sales in August were propped up by the strong performance of its fuel-efficient cars, crossovers, trucks and sports utility vehicles.

Baker attributed the increased sales to its product line-up.

“We have one of the freshest lineups of new products in the country,” Baker said.

“Our product portfolio now boasts of new and significantly freshened vehicles that are class-leading in quality, fuel-efficiency, safety and value. Our sales results reflect that our Filipino consumers continue to appreciate Ford’s efforts to produce vehicles they want and value,” Baker added.

MAZDA 2

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:36:00 +0000

MAZDA 2 1.5L & CX7 2.3L Turbo brand new latest model new facelift upcoming to town. Fully imported. Open for booking!! Call KT Soon 013-2585511

MAZDA RX-8

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:35:00 +0000

MAZDA RX-8 1.3 litre, 1300cc (rm 70 road tax only, low maintenance, value for money), good for market car (Manual) type S ‘03/’06 one owner all original low mileage 100% accident free RM115.8k 016-6970666 (Wong) 80767126

Mad Mike extends global reach

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 08:02:00 +0000

We all know that Mad Mike Whiddett contested the D1GP Championship in Japan at the Okayama International Circuit. Next month, he's returning to compete at the final two rounds of the 2009 D1GP Championship at Fuji Speedway.

We’ve just learnt that Mike will be shipping his Red Bull Mazda RX-7 from Kobe, Osaka to compete in a couple of Formula Drift rounds across the globe.

“I have just confirmed that I will be competing at Formula D Thailand on 7-8th of November and then also Formula D Malaysia on 19-20th December!” Mike tells us. With these two rounds confirmed for later in the year, it’ll make for a busy schedule for Mike, who now has events in New Zealand, Japan, Thailand and Malaysia to contest in both his Red Bull Mazda RX-7 and RX-8.

Mike wishes to thank Goodyear and Formula D USA for the opportunity to compete further abroad.

More Images: Click to view full gallery of high res images

2010 Mazda 3 Philippine Specs, Fetures High Resolution Photo

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 18:44:00 +0000

Smile, the new 3 is absolutely coming here very soon.

I personally say that above all the Japanese car makers, Mazda is truly a standout in its design and image. Just look at a Mazda's angle and you'll recognize its a Mazda. All Mazda have a unique face, an image, a strking physique... a spirit.

Since the intoduction of the Mazda 3 in the Philippines back in 2004, then Toyota Corolla Altis and Honda Civic dominated the sedan segment, just as in the rest of the world. But then Mazda 3 came, Toyota and Honda scratched their heads just to meet a new rival trying to take away their dominance and the Lancer completely lost its ground as a sports sedan.

Back to the all new Mazda 3

This is what 99% sure our all New 2010 Mazda 3 would be.Mazda Malaysia has already launched the 3. There are 2 variants: the 4 door sedan and 5 door hatchback; in the past Mazda 3 Malaysia, Indonesia, and the rest of the Southeast Asia had the same version of Mazda 3 that has been sold here locally.

Just like the previous Mazda 3, there will be two engine options - a 1.6 liter 16valve inline 4 cylinder and 2.0 loiter Rotary engine. As seen in Mazda Malaysia, the 1.6 liter is equipped with a 4 speed Activematic, and the high end 2 liter engine is equipped with a five speed automatic.

The power steering is still the same old Hydraulic Power Assist Steering (HPAS) System.

Like new car models, the new Mazda 3 Sedan is longer by 160mm to an overall length of 4580mm, the body' width still is 1,755mm and from ground to top this boy really has become taller by 5mm.

Not much specifics has been released about the interior, but the dashboard and overall interior finish looks Mazda neat and perfect.

Initial information from Mazda suggests there are colors ranging from White, Silver, Grey, Black, Blue and Red.

Trivia : Didi you know that Mazda is majority owned by the Ford Motor Company?

Trivia : Do you know that Mazda is co-owned by the Ford Motor Company? Ford has a 13% stake in Mazda. In 2008 it stood at 33.4% That explains the very identical Mazda BT-50 pickup and Ford Ranger, Ford Everest and Mazda Tribute. Now you know

List Of Mazda Car In Malaysia

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 17:44:00 +0000

Mazda 3

Mazda 3 Sport - RM113,016.50
Mazda 3 1.6 Sedan - RM106,283.50
Mazda 3 1.6 Hatchback - RM111,913.50
Mazda 3 2.0 Sedan - RM126,355.90
Mazda 3 2.0 Hatchback - RM131,485.90

MAZDA RX-8

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 17:42:00 +0000

MAZDA RX-8 1.3L, ‘04, unregister, choose your number, type E, roof, 1.3 litre, 1300cc (rm 70 road tax only, low maintenance, value for money), good for market car rotary engine, super charge, tiptronic, navi system, multifunction, 2 tone leather, bodykit, power seat, auto cruise, 5 spoke 16” sport rims, 8 a/bags from RM15xk. 03-9130 6888, 012-3058815, 016-2121773

MAZDA PREMACY

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 15:11:00 +0000

MAZDA PREMACY 2.0 litre, 2000cc (rm 300++ road tax)(A) '03/?'04 one Malay owner l/?mile accident free all original, no modify s/?roof RM-61.8k. 017-6662370 /?80767926

Mazda AZ-Wagon i for wheelchair-bound users.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 20:17:00 +0000

Mazda has launched a new disabled-friendly version of the AZ-Wagon, the AZ-Wagon i, with sales officially commencing in Japan immediately. It features a gentle sloping ramp to allow wheelchair access from the tailgate of the vehicle. This of course, means that the car still requires an able-bodied driver to bring the wheelchair-bound passenger around. The disabled friendly equipment onboard includes a pair of handrails for support and a three point safety belt for the wheelchair user. Two versions are available, three seater & four seater, both coming with 4-speed automatic transmission.

Mazda AZ-Wagon i

Launched in Malaysia: Mazda3 Sport

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 20:16:00 +0000

Yes, you read the title right. Someone along the hierarchy of Bermaz Motor has decided that the second generationMazda3 will carry a ‘Sport‘ moniker on its bootlid for our shores. The first generation Mazda3, launched worldwide in 2004, was universally acclaimed for lumping all the desirable qualities of handling, performance and styling into a competitively priced package. This is a message Bermaz fully intends to drive home: that the 3 is an enthusiast’s product.

Malaysia is among the first recipients of the new 3 in this part of the world, with only Singapore getting it ahead of us. Currently only available in saloon body style, the Mazda3 Sport is offered with the option of 1.6-litre or 2.0-litre powerplants, both paired with automatic transmissions. The hatchback variant is due to arrive later this year, as the3 is set to play a key role in spearheading Mazda’s growth in this region, which includes the possibility of a CKD programme in Malaysia.

During the press conference after launch at Berjaya Times Square last Friday (5 June 2009), Dato Ben Yeoh, Managing Director of Bermaz remarked that they consider the 3 to be a niche player, and that they do not see themselves in competition with any of the existing models. That is presumably a diplomatic answer, but its pricing does put it in range with the likes of the Honda Civic, Peugeot 308, Ford Focus and Mitsubishi Lancer GT, all of which undercut the 3 by a significant margin. Question is, is it good enough to justify the price?

It better do…

Exterior

There is little wrong with styling of the Mazda3 Sport. The outgoing 3 was a fine looking car, so Mazda sensibly retained the same basic proportions. The door frames and the rear three quarters show a clear evolution from the 3to the 3 Sport (at least the Sport word is good to use for model differentiation). Up front, the massive smiley grille taken from the Furai race car gives the unmistakable message of this being an all-new car. More so than the 3, the3 Sport is boldly styled, and you would need to look hard to find an angle from which it does not look good.

When you walk into the showroom, do pick up a brochure and compare the images in it with the showroom car. You will see a minor difference, which Mazda has applied specifically for the Malaysian market - at the big ’smile’ radiator grille. The brochure would show an all-black smile, but the showroom car would have a body coloured strip running across it like a set of dental braces.

Image given to us from the press release. Car in picture is LHD, US spec.

Minor styling differences also help differentiate between the 1.6 and 2.0, especially up front. For a start, the 1.6 seems to get a more elaborate design of the body coloured strip running across the front grille. Flanking the massive grille are a pair of huge vents. On the 1.6, it’s filled by a set of dummy vents with two louvres each side, while on the 2.0, fog lamps sit right at the bottom of the slot below honeycomb vents that do let air through. In addition, the headlamps of 1.6 are accentuated by a strip of amber along its trailing edge, in contrast to the all clear set on the 2.0.

Front faces of our local spec 1.6 (left) and 2.0 (right) variants.

Up close of the vent and headlights of the 1.6 (left) and 2.0 (right). 1.6 gets halogen bulbs with manual levellers, while 2.0 gets auto-leveling bi-xenons.

At the side, the door pillars quickly remind us of the preceding car, being molded to the same lines as that on the outgoing 3. Once again, we see model differentiation between the 1.6 and the 2.0, first, at the four corners where the 1.6 sits on 15″ alloys wrapped with thick 195/65 tyres, against the 2.0’s far sportier 205/45 R17 rubber. In addition, the 2.0 has its side signal lights integrated to the side mirror where the 1.6 makes do with fender mounted units.

1.6 gets 15″ wheels while 2.0 goes two sizes up to 17″

1.6(left) gets fender mounted side signal lights, while 2.0 (right) gets them mounted on the side mirror.

From the rear, we once again clearly see an evolutionary rather than revolutionary design from the 3 to 3 Sport. Like the outgoing 3, Mazda3 Sport continues to feature to tall bootlid with the narrow taillights perched at the lid’s top corner. However, on the 3 Sport, the lights are more upswept, with a more intricate pattern arranged behind the clear lenses. In addition, the two-litre variant get LEDs thrown into the bargain. Interestingly, however, the 1.6 gets a touch of sportiness in which the 2.0 misses out in the form of an unpainted diffuser on the rear bumper, which encompasses the reflectors and number plate holder.

Rear end of 1.6 (left) compared to 2.0 (right).

Five colour options are available for the Malaysian market, namely Crystal White Pearl Mica, Velocity Red Mica, Aluminium Metallic, Black Mica and Graphite Mica. The 2.0 display car in the picture above is painted in Olympic Gold Metallic colour, which is omitted from the local brochures.

Interior

While the exterior of the Mazda3 Sport appears to be an evolution of the outgoing Mazda3, the interior was given nothing short of a complete revamp. The centre console now flows smoother onto the dashboard, with the three binnacle-instrument panel replaced by a two-binnacle design. Running over them is a “flyover” that meets with the far side of the centre console, housing a couple of multifunction displays sitting deep under its recession.

Two multifunction displays sit above the air-con vent, but recessed under the ‘flyover’.

The controls are nicely laid out, making the console area looking neither bare nor too cluttered. A slight criticism, if any, probably goes to the air-con control knobs, which are placed rather close to the gear knob. Then again, this would only be an issue when with the gear lever slotted in ‘P’. It is in the cabin where the biggest differences between the 1.6 and the 2.0 can be seen. Here, the 1.6 makes do without dual zone climate control, auto cruise, paddle shifters, six-disc changer, and optitron meters - all standard in the 2.0. A most amusing design element in the Mazda3 Sport’s cabin is the multifunction steering wheel, especially for the 2.0, which has more than a passing resemblance to a smiling cartoon beaver.

Cabin of 1.6 (left) gets a lot less goodies compared to 2.0 (right)

Look similar? (Beaver image from Free Animal Clip Art)

As the Mazda3 Sport is being positioned nearer to the sporty end of the sedan market, many of its users are bound to put its cornering prowess to the test. In such tests, visibility round the bends is important, a point which Mazdanoted, and went to great pains to stress that the A-pillars have been shifted slightly rearward to give the driver better visibility of the ‘clipping point’ at every corner. Sitting in a display unit, I failed to see how the visibility has improved by any margin, if at all, but we will be sure to watch out for this in a test drive.

The A-pillars are shifted slight rearwards to improve visibility while cornering.

Room at the rear is rather cramped, Mazda seems to have paid a lot less attention to the rear compared to the front. Passengers with a great deal of height (or thick legs, for that matter) are advised to sit in front. Leg room, in particular, is exceptionally poor. Both versions feature 60:40 split folding rear seats complete with a centre armrest and three adjustable headrests. Among the display cars at the launch, the 2.0 units not only had the better looking colour scheme, but also trim materials that feel a great deal more upmarket.

The rear section of the cabin for the 1.6(left) and 2.0(right). Both versions get armrest with 60:40 split folding seats. Low roof line may compromise headroom for taller people.

Engine & Transmission

In the powertrain department, the Mazda3 Sport falls a little short of the competition, on paper at least. Powerplants from the outgoing Mazda3 have been carried forward to the Sport, with almost the same figures published in the specs sheets of both versions. For the 1.6, we get a long stroke twin cam inline-4 displacing 1,598cc under the hood. Output figures are unchanged from the outgoing model, rated at 105hp @ 6,000rpm and 145Nm @ 4,000Nm.

The engine under the 2.0’s hood, meanwhile, is a big bore short stroke unit (it’s stroke is actually shorter than that of the 1.6), with a displacement of 1,999cc. Quoted output figures here are unchanged too, with 145hp @ 6,500rpm and 182Nm @ 4,500rpm. The on-paper comparisons with other 1.6 and 2.0-litre models on the market is hardly encouraging reading for Mazda fans. To start with, the 1.6 loses out to both guises of Proton’s Campro engine, CPSor not, and also the Nissan Latio 1.6, while the 2.0 is absolutely pulverized by the might of the Honda Civic andMitsubishi Lancer GT, each boasting a substantial power and torque advantage over the Mazda.

1.6-litre MZR powerplant (left) good for 103hp, while 2.0 version (right) good for 145hp.

Of course, the absolute numbers do not matter as much as the manner in which all the power and torque arrive. In Mazda’s words, ’the power delivery of the Mazda3 is now more linear, giving it a more luxurious and lively feel than before.’ The material in the press release made no mention of any claimed performance figures, nor are the power/torque curves made available to us. Attempts to source this information with international Mazda sites similarly yielded little success.

As expected in the transmission department, both versions of the Mazda3 Sport come standard with Mazda’sActivematic automatic transmission with manual override. The 1.6 gets a 4-speed transmission with a 4.416 final drive ratio, while the 2.0 gets five ratios with a 3.863 final drive and steering wheel mounted paddle shifts for manual shifting.

Auto gearbox with manual override standard on both models. 1.6 gets 4-speed unit, while 2.0 gets 5-speeder and paddle shifts.

Chassis

While the engine and transmission hardly made for encouraging reading, here is where we can still expect theMazda3 Sport to reassert itself against its rivals: the chassis and handling department. Having sampled Mazda’sgood work in the Mazda6, RX-8, MX-5 and not to mention the outgoing Mazda3, we know the current crop ofMazdas are among the best handlers of their category, which is why we are very keen to get our hands on the new3 Sport.

Expect to find Mazda’s best work here: the chassis.

The suspension combo from the Mazda3 has been reworked and carried over, retaining the basicMacPherson/multi-link setup. Overall body stiffness is also increased, with additional braces added to reinforce both the front and rear suspensions. It was the objective of Mazda to not only raise the game in the handling stakes, but also to reduce noise, vibration and harshness. Steering is rack and pinion, assisted by an electro hydraulic system.

Front axle: MacPherson struts, electro-hydraulic power steering, ventilated disc brakes.

Stopping power is provided by disc brakes all-round, for both the 1.6 and 2.0 - a minor upgrade as the outgoingMazda3 1.6 sedan is equipped with drum brakes at the rear. Both versions also get Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and dual airbags as standard safety features. Buyers of the 2.0 get additional airbags at the side in addition to the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system.

Rear axle: multi-link suspension & solid disc brakes.

Prices & Variants

The price list made available to us quoted an introductory retail price with insurance at RM111,017.50 for the 1.6 and RM131,537.90 for the 2.0 in the Peninsula. This price is valid only for the first 100 buyers, although there is no mention how much the car would cost for the 101st buyer onwards. The first 50 buyers also get a special maintenance package from Shell and Goodyear tyres thrown in.

Only the sedan variant of the Mazda3 Sport is currently available in Malaysia. We were told that the hatchback will be arriving later this year, but that remains to be seen. Be prepared to hear something along the lines of ‘Malaysia is a sedan market, there’s no business case in bringing the hatch here’.

Mazda CKD in Malaysia?

Even granting the fact that the Mazda is a CBU from Japan, its retail prices here puts the Mazda3 Sport at a significant handicap against other models of similar pricing and specifications. In view of that Mazda has stated that it is ’seriously considering’ the possibility of a joint venture with Bermaz and Prima Merdu to launch CKD operations for Mazda cars in Malaysia.

Mazda views Malaysia as an ‘important gateway’ for them to penetrate and grow in the ASEAN market. We have heard many such promises from car manufacturs of big things being ’seriously considered’ for Malaysia only to end up with the whole affair being completely forgotten. Nonetheless, the prospect of Mazda setting up shop is an exciting one, and we shall monitor this one closely. Until then, we shall just wait and see.