Mazda3 Celebrates 10th Anniversary

HIROSHIMA, JAPAN – June 25, 2013: Ten years ago today the first Mazda3 rolled off the production line in Japan, since then more than three and a half million have been sold in over 120 countries around the world.

Offering design, performance and quality worthy of a class above, the dynamic Mazda3 breathed new life into the small class segment and redefined the compact car when it debuted in 2003.

Embraced globally, the first generation Mazda3 became the fastest Mazda model to sell a million units and before the introduction of the updated version it had sold in excess of two million cars.

After the success of the initial model, Mazda launched the next generation Mazda3 in 2009.

Setting new benchmarks in style, refinement and dynamics and delivering an exhilarating driving experience, the second generation further enhanced the sporty driving and look of the original.

At the same time it achieved environmental performance amongst the best in its class. Further developments saw the introduction of SKYACTIV Technology in 2011. This created a car that used less fuel, but produced more power.

Safety was also at the forefront of its design. Front and rear crumple zones, Mazda’s Advanced Impact Distribution and Absorption System – which absorbs impact energy and directs it away from the occupant cell - six airbags, Anti-lock Brakes, Dynamic Stability Control and Emergency Brake Assist helped give Mazda3 the highest five-star safety rating from both Australian and Euro NCAP.

With a further one and a half million new car sales since 2009, Mazda3 has also won a total of 136 international awards. First generation earned 99 of those with the current model winning several ‘Best Car’ and ‘People’s Choice’ awards in Australia. In 2011 and 2012 Mazda3 was also Australia’s number one selling car.

For the last 10 years the Mazda3 has been redefining the compact car, but that story isn’t about to finish. Check back soon, because another chapter is about to be written.