New Mazda3 on sale from May

The new Mazda3 range, with 15 models, will go on sale in the UK from May 2009.

The fuel economy of the range has been improved by up to 16 per cent, with the CO2 emissions reduced by up to 19 per cent.

For 2009, Mazda3 customers will have a choice of three petrol and three diesel powertrains, all fine-tuned to use less fuel. Technical innovations include the fuel-stretching 'i-stop' (Smart Idling Stop System) on the Mazda3 2.0 Sport, which can deliver fuel consumption savings of up to 14 per cent on the combined cycle, and the new five-speed automatic transmission on the Mazda3 2.0 TS2 AT model.

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and an Emergency Stop Signalling (ESS) System will be as standard on all models. This system automatically activates the hazard warning lights at cruising speeds when the ABS sensors detect emergency braking. The system automatically cancels the emergency signal when either the demand for ABS relaxes or when the brake pedal is released.

Mark Cameron, sales and marketing director, Mazda Motors UK, said: "The all-new Mazda3 is going to be even more popular than its best-selling predecessor. The new Mazda3 brings the sophistication, style, technology and refinement of the new Mazda6 to the compact family car market.

"Both retail and fleet customers will benefit from the dramatic CO2 reductions Mazda's engineers have achieved to bring models below the 120 g/km and 160 g/km tax thresholds."

The 2009 new Mazda3 range starts with the 1.6 S models. Sport models gain a sports styling kit, including new front and rear bumpers, side skirts and a rear spoiler, plus 17-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, LED rear lights, a premium BOSE audio system with four additional speakers, and black sports trim. Sport models also feature keyless entry and a push button start.

At the top of the regular range, the 2.0 Sport (petrol) and 2.2 Sport (diesel 185ps), come with a six-speed manual transmission, Mazda's new MID Navigation system, rear parking sensors and metallic paint at no extra charge - these items are optional on 1.6 and 2.2D (150ps) Sport models.

A choice of nine body colours will be available, including two new metallics (Aluminum Silver Metallic and Olympic Gold Metallic).