Mazda3 i-stop and Mazdaspeed3 to Debut at in Geneva

Mazda's launch of the all-new 3 has been a fairly long and drawn out affair, with the first images of the sedan showing up

in October before the LA auto show, followed up by the European launch of the five-door model in Bologna last month. Next month it will be the Geneva International Motor Show's turn to debut a new Mazda3 variant, or rather two new Mazda3 variants.

The first will be the world premiere of a regular production version with Mazda's new i-stop technology, which is basically a start-stop system similar to those used in hybrids to shut the engine off while idling. Along with the i-stop system, the new 3 will get Mazda's MZR 2.0 DISI (Direct Injection Spark Ignition) engine, combining for an estimated 12-percent reduction in fuel consumption (urban cycle) than the current European Mazda3.

The second car on Mazda's Geneva agenda will be the new Mazda3 MPS, known as the Mazdaspeed3 in North America. Under the hood will be a revised version of the same MZR 2.3 DISI Turbo engine that powers the outgoing Mazdaspeed3, currently good for 263-horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque through the front wheels. The new Mazda3 MPS is reportedly much better on fuel, however, achieving Euro Stage 5 emissions standards.

“These two models add extra value to an all-new Mazda3 lineup that has already shown strong appeal,” commented Mazda3 Program Manager, Yoshiyuki Maeda. “The new Mazda3 series takes a significant step ahead in both the realms of driving performance and environmental technology to lead the way toward a new generation of motoring.”