Production of the second car in the new Ford Focus family began in Japan last month. Mazda's new '3' is based on the same platform as the next Focus (which is due later next year) and the upcoming Volvo S40. Like the current Focus, it gets independent rear suspension but it's attached to a slightly wider and longer floorpan. Volvo has masterminded the safety aspects of the project.
31st July 2003
As with the highly regarded Mazda 6, the 3 will be tuned for particularly sporting responses. One Ford group engineer told evo: '"ou'll like this car a lot. It's very sharp and sporty and very close in feel to the Focus." Although details are scarce, the hope is that Mazda offers the 3 with its 164bhp 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine. The 3 will be launched at Frankfurt in September and will go on sale later this year.
More NEWS
Bookmark this post with: