Mazda to take wraps off its new sedan

The four-door sedan version of the Mazda3 will be on display in Los Angeles, following on from the award-winning Mazda2, voted World Car of the Year 2007.

The Mazda3 is the latest addition to the company’s reinvented product line-up. It offers more interior room than the current model, being built on the longer platform of the upcoming Ford Focus, due for release in 2010.

Inside, the Mazda3 gets new materials and a dashboard that reflects its counterpart, the Mazda6, complete with steering wheel-mounted controls for the stereo and ventilation systems.

The stop-start technology uses a powerful starter motor to cut the engine when the car is at rest, improving fuel economy and reduce exhaust emissions.

Because it needs low-sulphur fuel not currently available in New Zealand, the technology will not be available her until the sulphur content in fuel is lowered.

Sedan and hatchback are expected to go on sale in New Zealand around the middle of next year.