European Premiere for Updated 2012 Mazda3 at Frankfurt Motor Show

Mazda's all-new CX-5 compact crossover will be joined by the refreshed 2012 Mazda3 at the Japanese firm's Frankfurt Motor Show stand.

Revealed for the first time at the Toronto Show in Canada in February, which was followed by an appearance at the New York Auto Show in the U.S. earlier this year, the 2012 Mazda3 gains new and more fuel-efficient engines that deliver lower CO2 emissions.

In addition, Mazda proceeded to some subtle changes to the compact model's exterior and interior design, namely the new front bumper with the reshaped five-point grille, as well as revising the suspension settings to improve the car's handling.

The Japanese company said it will reveal more details closer to the opening of the Frankfurt Motor Show.

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Mazda3 Production Reaches 3 Million Units

Mazda announced that its Mazda3 compact car (known as the Axela in Japan) has reached a new milestone with the production of 3 million units, seven years and ten months after the launch of the first-generation model. The fastest-selling model in the company's current lineup of passenger cars is produced in three locations (Japan's Hofu Plant in Yamaguchi, China's CFMA plant in Nanjing and Thailand's AutoAlliance plant).The compact model is sold in approximately 90 countries and regions across the world.

The three-millionth Mazda3 was produced at the Hofu Plant in the form of a five-door hatchback for the Japanese market fitted with Mazda's MZR-2.0L engine and the i-stop system.

"The Mazda3 embodies all three elements of Mazda's DNA: distinctive design, exceptional functionality, and responsive handling and driving performance. Its sustained global success has seen it grow into Mazda's mainstay model, and it now comprises a third of all Mazda vehicle sales," said Hirotaka Kanazawa, Mazda's senior managing executive officer in charge of R&D.

"As we celebrate reaching three million units, I would like to thank the millions of Mazda3 customers for their support and reaffirm Mazda's commitment to delivering outstanding environmental and safety performance balanced with driving pleasure that goes beyond your expectations," the executive added.

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