Frankfurt, Germany - Captivating, capable, connected: The All-New Mazda3 is the highlight of Mazda's exhibition in Frankfurt at this year's International Motor Show (IAA).

Although it won't go on sale in Australia until early next year, it's already proven itself on the road during the just completed 2013 Mazda3 Hiroshima to Frankfurt Challenge Tour.

The new model's equipment is, in a word, generous for a car in this class. Mazda's brand new connectivity concept makes the company's top-selling model one of the first in its segment to take occupants online.

Building on existing email, text and navigation features, the system safely brings an array of free mobile online content into the vehicle, including Facebook and Twitter audio feeds as well as Aha™, with tens of thousands of cloud-based stations, from radio to audio books and more.

Like the first two models of Mazda's inspired new generation, the All-New Mazda3 gets the award-winning KODO design.

Adapted for the Mazda3's sporty compact physique, the exterior unites a bold, powerful stance expressing pent-up energy with superior build quality. Hatchback or sedan, the shapes save fuel too, with some of the best aerodynamics in the segment.

Inside the cabin, Mazda's brand new interior offers safe, ergonomic comfort.

Larger than the outgoing model in most respects, the new Mazda3 also gets an optimised human-machine interface (HMI). Highlights include the Active Driving Display, Mazda's new head-up display - another rarity in this class - and the redesigned rotary commander enabling efficient blind operation of infotainment functions.

The new Mazda3 is also the third model with the complete range of SKYACTIV Technology.

In Australia, All-New Mazda3 will come with a SKYACTIV-G 2.0-litre or SKYACTIV-G 2.5-litre petrol engine and a snappy six-speed automatic and manual transmission - both of which will deliver impressive fuel economy figures.

One of the most experienced All-New Mazda3s will be on display at the Mazda stand throughout the IAA after being driven there directly from the factory in Japan.

It is one of the eight hatchbacks that navigated the 15,000 kilometre '2013 Mazda3 Hiroshima-Frankfurt Challenger Tour' across Russia, Belarus, Poland and Germany.

Other Mazda3 tour cars will be on hand at an outdoor area of the exhibition grounds in connection with various activities.

A press conference will take place on the Mazda stand tonight at 10pm (Melbourne time).

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