Top 10 Frankfurt show cars coming soon - Mazda 3

• Cosmetic upgrades
• Cleaner engines
• On sale late 2011

The updated Mazda 3 shares the limelight with its new CX-5 SUV at Frankfurt. The 5dr hatchback range has a number of improvements, including a mild face-lift, more efficient engines and chassis changes for better ride and handling.

The styling changes are subtle, but bring the 3 into line with Mazda’s latest design philosophy. The redesigned front bumper includes new round foglights, while the rear bumper has been reshaped to make loading and unloading the boot easier.

There are also new rear lamp reflectors, fresh alloy wheel designs and a new Autumn Bronze Mica paint option.

Inside, there’s now a black finish for the lower centre console, with brighter chrome rings on the control dials. There are new graphics and instrument displays, too.

Although the engine range hasn’t changed, the 3’ new front bumper design and additional under-body covers bring improved efficiency for most versions.

Carbon dioxide emissions for the 1.6 and 2.0-litre petrol engines with manual gearboxes have dropped by 2 g/km. Those for the automatic and MPS performance versions are unchanged.

Carbon dioxide emissions for the 1.6- and 2.2-litre diesel engines have dropped by up to 3.5%.

There are chassis tweaks aimed at making the 3 better to drive, including stiffer wheels, extra body reinforcement, tuned dampers and changes to the steering pump. Extra under-body insulation is designed to reduce road noise in the cabin.

Mazda hasn’t released prices, but we’d expect them to be little changed from the current car’. The updated 3 is due to go on sale before the end of the year.

Rivals
Ford Focus
Volkswagen Golf