Mazda3 Ready For Aussie Debut
Newcastle Herald
Saturday June 28, 2003
MAZDA this week started production of its fourth new model in 18 months, a vehicle developed under what it calls its ``DNA-focused product creation system".
In Japan it will be called Axela but when it reaches markets in Australia, North America and Europe it will be known more simply as Mazda3.
Yes, the 323 replacement is getting ready to join those other newcomers to the Mazda stable Mazda6, Mazda2 and RX-8 in the first quarter of next year after being officially launched at Germany's Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
The mid-sized ``3" carries on from Mazda's MX Sportif concept car showcased at the Geneva Motor Show back in March this year.
At this stage there is no word on powerplant choice, trim details or price. Best guess at this point is a 2.0 litre powerplant and $25,000 $27,000 pricing.
CITROEN is celebrating 80 years of continuous sales in Australia (the longest of any imported brand) with a special anniversary model based on its diesel-powered C5 HDi sedan.
Called the 80th Anniversary Edition (what else?), the voiture in question gets $3000 worth of extras at no added cost, hitting showrooms at a pleasant $48,990.
Additions to the equipment list include intelligent external mirrors which fold flat against the window glass when the car is parked. They also dip to look at the kerb when reverse gear is selected.
The interior mirror uses advanced light metres and electro-chromic glass to stop night glare and parking radar ensures that reversing into a tight spot is a pain-free experience.
Other bibs and bobs include full leather interior trim, woodgrain finish for the centre console and door trims, power-operated front seats, alloy wheels and, on the outside, body-coloured bumpers.
CADILLAC'S 2004 XLR luxury convertible has gone on sale in North America with an equipment list to tackle Mercedes-Benz.
The spiffy Caddy gets leather seats that cool and heat (but not at the same time), a DVD-based satellite navigation system, nine-speaker Bose audio and gauges designed by watch maker Bulgari.
Other nice touches include a power-operated retractable hardtop, keyless access with push-button starter, adaptive cruise control, magnetic ride control and traction control.
In the US it costs $81,000 (A$122,000).
HELLA Australia previewed a fully submersible driving light at last week's AAAA Trade Show in Melbourne.
Called HydroLUX, the light has been designed and made in Australia to meet the needs of a number of specialist users including offroaders, emergency services, the mining industry and the military.
To create the lights Hella had to develop a patented multi-chamber isobaric system to stop water getting in.
© 2003 Newcastle Herald