The Refreshing Astina Plus Joins The Mazda 3 Range

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The Mazda3 model range has been enhanced with the addition of the Mazda3 2.0L Astina Plus derivative. Available in 4-dr and 5-dr, the new Astina Plus model comes with advanced safety features which traditionally and until now have been available on more ‘high-end’ vehicles.

SKYACTIV Technologies lies at the very heart of Mazda’s brand and philosophies and was born out of the desire to meet new safety and environmental standards of a changing world we live in. However, rather than rushing to introduce completely new technologies, we stopped and asked ourselves about this growing trend by manufacturers: “Can we give more driving pleasure by just cramming fancy new technologies into our cars? Doesn’t basic driving performance matter?” As a result, we revisited every fundamental component, from engines and transmissions to chassis and body construction, and made sweeping changes by shattering the boundaries of convention. The result is the SKYACTIV family of technologies that lifts our cars’ performance to new heights and delivers sheer driving pleasure at the same time. Continuing this rollout of SKYACTIV Technology Mazda has introduced SKYACTIV Vehicle Dynamics – a series of new generation vehicle motion technologies that provide integrated control of the engine, transmission, chassis and vehicle body to enhance both the safety and connectedness between the car and the driver. First to debut in this new series of technologies is G-Vectoring Control (GVC). This system engages by finely controlling engine torque that is based on the steering and acceleration of the driver, resulting in improved handling for the driver and ride quality for the passengers around corners. G-Vectoring Control will be introduced to future new-generation models starting with the new-look Mazda3. The Mazda3 model range has been enhanced with the addition of the Mazda3 2.0L Astina Plus derivative. Available in 4-dr and 5-dr, the new Astina Plus model comes with advanced safety features which traditionally and until now have been available on more ‘high-end’ vehicles. Standard features include Smart City Brake Support (SCBS), Adaptive LED Headlights (ALH), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Driver Attention Alert (DAA) and Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), which is also available on the Astina derivative.

These safety systems bolster an already impressive standard specifications which include Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control on Individual models and the introduction of Auto-Shift Switch, also known as Paddle-shift on the 6-speed automatic transmission models. A few exterior enhancements have debited on the new-look Mazda3 model such as, the Mazda badge which sits slightly higher than on previous models, redesigned foglight surrounds, alloy wheels and side skirts. New colours are also available and include Eternal Blue Mica, Sonic Silver Metallic, Soul Red Metallic and Machine Gray Metallic.

Advanced Safety Features In More Detail (Astina Plus Only)

Adaptive LED Headlights (ALH) ALH has three major functions; glare-free High Beam, wide-range Low Beam and Highway mode. Glare-free High Beam recognises leading and oncoming cars and turns off selected LEDs to avoid dazzling other drivers. When driving at speeds below 40km/h, the wide-range Low Beam expands distribution of light to increase driver’s visibility. Highway mode functions at speeds over 95km/h, increasing the distance low beam can illuminate the road behind a leading car, by controlling the axis of light. Lane Departure Warning (LDW) The Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) detects line marking on the road surface and warns the driver of unintentional lane departures. This system is particularly effective in situations where the road is continuously straight, and drivers have a tendency to not pay sufficient attention to the road. When the lane change is accompanied by turn signal operation or acceleration, the system recognises the manoeuvre as intentional and does not sound an alarm. Lane Keep Assist (LKA) The functionality of Lane Departure Warning which creates an audible alert when the vehicle is about to stray from the current lane is further enhanced by LKA which adds a slight amount of torque to steer the vehicle back into the lane (operates at speeds over 65km/h). Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) The Smart City Brake Support system (SCBS) is a safety feature that helps prevent or lesson low-speed impacts. The system monitors the vehicle in front to assess the possibility of a collision at forward speeds of 4-80km/h. In an event that the system detects a high risk of impact, it then issues visual and audible warnings and primes the brakes for a faster response should the driver brake. Driver Attention Alert (DAA) DAA is designed to reduce accidents caused by inattentiveness due to driver fatigue. The system is activated at speeds above 65 km/h and begins to “learn” the driver’s habits, watching inputs and the vehicle’s movements in the early stages before fatigue is a factor. Later, if the system detects changes in vehicle behaviour that suggest the driver may be losing concentration, it will suggest a rest stop by sounding a chime and displaying a warning in the Multi-Information. Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) The Blind Spot Monitoring gives off an audible alert in the event that a vehicle is detected in the vehicles blind spot. It assists the driver by scanning the external mirror’s blind spots. The radar is able to detect any unseen vehicles and through an LED icon alert the driver to help avoid making a hazardous lane changes.

Model Lineup

Mazda3 1.6L Original Manual 4Dr/5Dr

• Maximum power: 77kW
• Maximum torque: 144Nm
• Power Windows
• Air-conditioning
• Instrument panel light dimmer
• Cloth trim
• Trip computer
• One touch window for driver
• Audio controls on steering wheel
• Radio / CD / AUX / USB
• Bluetooth
• 4 speakers
• Seat-belt warning (Front)
• 3-pt seatbelts for all seats
• ISOFix
• Rear folding seats (60:40) (Hatch only)
• R16 Steel wheels
• 6 airbags ABS / EBD / EBA
• Remote central locking
• Keyless start
• Tilt & telescopic steering adjustment

Mazda3 1.6L Active Manual 4Dr/5Dr

• Front LED fog lamps
• Map reading spot lamps
• 6 speakers
• Overhead sunglass storage
• R16 Alloys Wheels
• Illuminated vanity mirrors
• 7-inch display MZD connect system

Mazda3 1.6L Dynamic Manual 4Dr/5Dr

• Auto on/off headlamps
• Leather handbrake handle
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Power fold mirrors
• Leather steering wheel
• Rear Spoiler (Sedan)
• Auto Dimming Rear-view mirror
• Leather Gearshift Selector
• Leather Seats

Mazda3 2.0L Individual Manual 4Dr/5Dr

• Maximum power: 121kW
• Maximum torque: 210Nm
• Advanced keyless entry
• Dynamic Stability Control
• Hill Launch Assist
• G-Vectoring Control
• Power sliding and tilt glass sunroof
• i-stop
• Cruise Control
• Auto Shift Switch / Paddle-shift (Auto models only)

Mazda3 2.0 Astina Auto 4Dr/5Dr

• Reverse Camera
• Integrated Navigation
• Active Driving Display
• Power Lumber Support (Driver Only)
• BOSE Sound System
• 9 Speakers
• Dual-zone Climate Control
• 8-way Power Adjusting Seat (Driver Only)
• Blind Spot Monitoring
• Analog Tachometer
• Parking Sensors (Rear)
• R18 Alloy Wheels

Mazda3 2.0 Astina Plus Auto 4Dr/5Dr

• Adaptive LED Headlights
• Daytime Running Lights
• Lane Departure Warning
• Lane Keep Assist System
• Smart City Brake Support (Front and Rear)
• Driver Attention Alert