Vehicles
(Richmond Hill, ON): The compact Mazda3 has become one of the best selling cars in Canada since its introduction late in 2003. Available in sedan, 5-door hatchback, and high-performance MAZDASPEED versions, the 2008 Mazda3 combines fun-to-drive vehicle dynamics with style and functionality ensuring it remains one of the most popular cars for Canadians. For the 2008 model year, the Mazda3 sedan is available in three trim levels. The entry-level GX grade includes as standard equipment a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, 16-valve, DOHC engine that produces 148- horsepower, among the best in this class of vehicles, coupled to a fivespeed manual transmission. Also included in the Mazda3 GX trim are 15-inch wheels, power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes, and dual front airbags, side airbags and curtain airbags. Tilt and telescopic steering column is standard, as is an AM/FM/CD player and an auxiliary input. An economical Power Package option adds two additional speakers, power door locks with illuminated entry system, body coloured and heated power mirrors, power windows, and steering wheel mounted audio controls. The mid-range Mazda3 GS adds a number of convenient features such as: air conditioning, remote keyless entry, alloy wheels, vanity mirror, rain sensing windshield wipers, and height adjustable driver’s seat with adjustable lumbar support and steering wheel mounted cruise controls. Automatic headlight control (whereby a sensor automatically turns on/off the vehicle headlights as required) and a trip computer are two additional standard features that are not usually found in other compact cars in this segment. An optional Sport package is also available and offers 16-inch alloy wheels and tires, and power moonroof. A 4-speed automatic transmission with
Sport mode is available
Topping the Mazda3 sedan line up is the GT grade offering numerous class-leading features. Among them is a 156-horsepower, 2.3-litre, four-cylinder, 16-valve, DOHC engine with Sequential Valve Timing; seventeen-inch alloy wheels with 205/50R17 tires; sporty fog lights; and heated front seats. Other features not usually offered in compact cars, such as AM/FM/CD with 6-speakers, leather wrapped steering wheel with audio, and cruise controls are included as standard equipment. An optional Luxury Package includes leather seats (heated for driver and front passenger), a 6-disc in-dash CD changer, automatic climate control, and Xenon (HID) headlights. A 5-speed automatic transmission with For people wanting the style and functionality of a hatchback, the Mazda3 Sport is offered in two trim levels, both of which come with the 156-horsepower, 2.3-litre engine. Sixteen-inch alloy wheels with 205/55R16 tires, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and Electronic Brake Force Distribution are standard on the GS trim grade. Inside, the Mazda3 Sport is equipped with power door locks, power windows, a remote keyless entry, and an additional 12-volt power outlet. An AM/FM/CD with 4-speakers, steering wheel mounted audio controls, and an auxiliary audio input jack is included as well. A five-speed Sport filter are available as options. Mazda3 Sport in GT trim increases wheel and tire size to 17- inches and adds two additional speakers to the audio system, for a total of six. Other amenities include air conditioning, heated front seats, leather wrapped steering wheel, cruise control with steering wheel mounted controls, heated and power operated rear view mirrors, and a rear spoiler. The optional Luxury Package incorporates leather seats (heated for the driver and front passenger), a 6-disc in-dash CD changer, automatic climate control, and Xenon (HID) headlights. A 5-speed automatic transmission with available as options. The highest performance model in the Mazda3 series, the MAZDASPEED3, is powered by a direct-injection turbocharged 2.3 litre four cylinder engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission. Delivering 263 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm and 280 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,000 rpm, the MAZDASPEED3 is one of the highest performance sports compacts with front-wheel-drive on the road today. Based upon the Mazda3 Sport hatchback, the MAZDASPEED3 comes standard with 18-inch, 10-spoke aluminum alloy wheels, large diameter tailpipe, and roof spoiler with integrated high-mounted LED brake lights to visually differentiate it from the regular model. Semi-bucket front seats with a MAZDASPEED logo on the seatbacks, a leather-wrapped shift knob, aluminum pedals, and stainless steel scuff plates contribute to the sporty, high quality ambience that distinguishes MAZDASPEED models. Standard safety equipment on the MAZDASPEED3 includes large diameter 4-wheel brake discs (320mm at front/280mm at rear), four-wheel ABS with electronic brake assist, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with an engine torque control function, dual front airbags, side and curtain airbags. Among the numerous standard features on the 2008 Mazda3 is a 3-year roadside assistance program. Customers can feel secure knowing that wherever they travel throughout North America should the need arise they can obtain towing, winching, battery boosting, emergency fuel delivery, and tire changing services. They will even get help if locked out of the vehicle. Travel planning services and emergency travel expense reimbursement are included in the roadside assistance program. The 2008 Mazda3 is covered by a 3-year or 80,000 km vehicle warranty that covers every part of the vehicle except those subject to normal wear. Additional warranties cover powertrain and safety restraint components for a period of 5 years or 100,000 km, body sheet metal perforation for 5 years unlimited kilometres and selected emission control components for 8 years or 128,000 km. Mazda Canada Inc. is responsible for the sales and marketing, customer service and parts support of Mazda vehicles in Canada. Headquartered in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Mazda Canada has a nationwide network of 160 dealerships. For additional information visit Mazda Canada’s media website at
as an option on 2008 Mazda3’s fitted with the 2.0-litre engine.
