Leverkusen, Germany - In an effort to prove the reliability and
performance of the All-New Mazda3, Mazda is supplying eight of its
new compact hatchbacks for a 15,000km drive direct from the factory
in Hiroshima to the 2013 International Motor Show (IAA) in
Frankfurt.
The "Mazda Route3 - Hiroshima to Frankfurt Challenger Tour 2013"
spans nine time zones, traversing Russia, the world's largest
country, before crossing Belarus and Poland. The cars will arrive
in Frankfurt on 7 September, right before the IAA opens its
doors.
After crossing the Sea of Japan by ship, the main overland
portion of the Mazda Route3 endurance test drive begins in
Vladivostok in early August. Averaging just over 2,100km, the seven
ensuing legs of the tour will take between three and six days each
to cover, providing those behind the wheel ample opportunity to
become acquainted with the All-New Mazda3 under a variety of
conditions.
All test cars will have a 2.0 litre 114kW SKYACTIV-G petrol
engine under the bonnet together with a smooth, crisp six-speed
SKYACTIV-MT manual transmission.
This is the third time for Mazda models to take part in such an
extreme test drive. In 1977, German reporters drove two
predecessors of the Mazda3 - Mazda 323 hatchbacks - from Japan to
Frankfurt. The expedition was followed up successfully in 1990,
this time in four Mazda 626s crossing the Former Soviet Union. Now
the stage is set for the most advanced Mazda compact ever to follow
in their tracks.
From the stunning "KODO - Soul of Motion" exterior to the
advanced lightweight SKYACTIV Technology and a completely
redesigned cabin space, the convention-defying All-New Mazda3 is
built to exceed expectations.
Enhancing traditional company strengths, All-New Mazda3 delivers
uncompromising handling, safety and build quality. Australian
Mazda3s will be available with a choice of two SKYACTIV-G petrol
powerplants offering a formidable combination of performance and
fuel economy when launched in early 2014.
For more information contact:
Steve Maciver
Public Relations Manager
(03) 8540 1961
0437 125 589
smaciver@mazda.com.au
Tony Mee
Public Relations Specialist
+61 (0)3 8540 1962
+ 61 (0)439 347 658
tmee@mazda.com.au