Mazda3

First generation (BK; 2003—2009)

The BK series Mazda3 was launched in Japan in October 2003 as the Axela. The model has been generally well received by the automotive press for its performance, handling, styling and interior, with some describing it as feeling like a more expensive sports sedan/saloon despite its value-oriented price. Some criticisms have included fuel economy and crash test results (only receiving four out of a maximum five stars from the EURO NCAP Safety Testing Programme) the latter of which was rectified by making six airbags standard. In 2006 the Mazda3 was the second best-selling car in Canada and the best selling car in Israel during 2005–2007.

Design

The Mazda3 is based on the Ford global C1 platform, shared with the latest European Ford Focus and Volvo S40. Previewed by the MX-Sportif concept car, the Mazda3 is available in two body styles, a four-door fastback sedan/saloon, marketed as a "4-door coupé style" in Europe, and a five-door hatchback, branded the Sport version in Canada, Japan, and the United States. Design work began under chief designer Hideki Suzuki in 1999 at three Mazda design centres in California, America; Frankfurt, Germany; and Hiroshima, Japan. By 2001, Hasip Girgin's design was chosen as a finalist. Girgin was sent to work in Hiroshima for 6 months, after which the final design was frozen for scheduled 2003 production.

The front suspension comprises MacPherson struts, with coil springs and an anti-roll bar. The rear suspension is a Ford-designed "E-link" multi-link suspension, with four locating links per wheel and an anti-roll bar, suspended on coil springs that are mounted inboard of the shock absorbers to reduce suspension intrusion into the cargo area. Four-wheel Disc brakes are fitted, with 300 mm (11.8 in) discs in the front and 279 mm (11 in) discs in the rear; ABS and electronic brake force distribution are available or standard, depending on the model. Wheel and tire sizes vary with model, from 15" on base models to optional 17" wheels on upper-level models. The Mazda3 was used as a regular police patrol car by the Public Security Police Force of Macau alongside the Toyota Corolla and the Honda Civic police cars in Macau, China.

When first introduced, United States-market Mazda3 models were available in only two trim levels, i and s, with the 2.0 L and 2.3 L engines, respectively. Since then Mazda has introduced additional models under the Touring and Grand Touring labels. British Mazda3s are offered in S, TS, TS2, Sport, and a top end 2.3ltr turbocharged Mazda3 MPS (Mazda Performance Series) models. Since April 2008, when there was a mainly cosmetic facelift of the Mazda3, there have been some changes to the trim designations for UK cars, with the models now being the entry level S, then Takara (which replaces TS & TS2), the Tamara Special Edition and the Sport and MPS as before.

All 3 models use the inline-4 Mazda MZR engine, with various types, displacements and outputs including the MZ-CD turbodiesel, depending on model and market. Transmissions are a five-speed manual transmission and a four-speed automatic transmission; since the 2006 model year, a five-speed automatic is optional on models with the 2.3 L engine. This transmission has now been made standard on the 2.0 L engine in Japan (FWD models only), as part of a minor facelift in early 2008 which includes different front/rear bumper designs, new wheel designs and body colors, stiffened chassis, and better interior materials. The MPS / Mazdaspeed version is only available with a six-speed manual.

Engines

The Mazda3 features the following engines:

Japanese market (JIS ratings):

European market (ECE ratings):

American & Canadian markets (SAE net ratings):

Mazda changed the rating for US & Canadian markets 2007 2.3 L naturally aspirated engine:

Asian markets (DIN ratings):

Australian market (ADR net ratings):

South African market (DIN net ratings):

Performance

Official performance figures for the European Mazda3 1.4 S, the lowest-powered model, are 0–100 km/h in 14.3 seconds, with a maximum speed of 170 km/h (106 mph). Wheels magazine reported an 8.7-second 0–100 km/h time for the Australian 2.0 model in its May 2004 issue.

The 1.6 CiTD 80 kW diesel (as sold in Europe) with a five-speed manual does 100 km/h in 11.6 seconds and has top of 182 km/h (113 mph) according to the official Mazda specifications.

In test results for the 2012 Mazda 3 Maxx Sport five-door 2.0-litre engine, it has been reported as having an acceleration time of 9.2 seconds (0–100 km/h) and a top speed of 190 km/h.

In its test results for the 2004 Mazda3 five-door with the 2.3-litre engine, Car and Driver magazine reported a 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) acceleration time of 7.4 seconds and a governor-limited top speed of 190 km/h (118 mph).

Car and Driver documented the acceleration of a 2007 Mazda3 four-door sedan. Equipped with a 2.3 liter engine and 5-speed manual transmission, the Mazda3 has a 0-60 mph time of 7.3 seconds and completes the quarter mile in 15.8 seconds at 88 mph.

The fuel consumption of these models averages in the 10 L/100 km (24 mpg_‑US; 28 mpg_‑imp), with the 2-litre 2008 Mazda3 automatic-transmission model scoring a 10 L/100 km (24 mpg_‑US; 28 mpg_‑imp)/7.6 L/100 km (31 mpg_‑US; 37 mpg_‑imp) city/highway United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rating.

2006

For the 2006 model year, Mazda added variable valve timing and variable-length intake runners to the 2.0 L engine resulting in a power increase to 150 bhp (112 kW; 152 PS). The automatic transmission used in Mazda3 S trim with the 2.3 L engine was changed from a four-speed to a five-speed design. The larger 2.3 L engine was PZEV-certified (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) for vehicles sold in California and other states that have adopted California automotive emission standards. The 2.0 L engine had already been PZEV-certified. The colour palette was also simplified in 2006, with the deletion of Canary Yellow and Lava Orange Mica.

2007

(Actual Release date July 2006)

The 3 received a minor cosmetic facelift for the 2007 model year with minimal exterior, interior and mechanical changes. On base models, the black plastic at the top of the grille became body-coloured. The front fascia and bumper were changed with a floating foglight design and the lower air intake opening was reshaped to better resemble the typical "Mazda five-point face." All Mazda3 sedans and five-doors gained the same "Axela" clear-lens style rear tail-lights as the SP23 model. Which in 2007 Mazda brought out the Mazda Axela similar to the Mazda6 Atenza . In addition, the Grand Touring trim also featured LED brake lights. The LED brake lights were added to compete with the growing trend of higher-end vehicles using LED tail lamps for more visible light output. The range of alloy wheels were redesigned, featuring a 17 inch alloy wheel for the Grand Touring version. The rear fascia was slightly changed adding a notch on the bumper cover of the sedan. Several new exterior colors were added, phantom blue, a copper red metallic (April 2008), Aurora Blue and dark cherry. The Titanium Gray color was replaced with a darker Galaxy Gray color.

The interior of the Mazda3 was offered with several new color choices and an audio jack in the centre console, allowing the use of digital music players. Also, Takara models, which were introduced in the 2008 upgrade, added climate control and 6 cd autochanger to the TS specification.

The 2007 model also includes less visible mechanical changes. The keyless entry system was improved. Reinforcements to the body shell improve overall chassis rigidity. The front dampers of the MacPherson strut suspension have been re-tuned to quicken steering response and reduce understeer. The hydraulic dampers of the multi-link rear suspension were also re-tuned to match the front suspension changes. Mazda engineers and designers addressed concerns regarding cabin noise level by redesigning or changing multiple systems and adding sound-deadening material to the roof lining and hood panel.

The bumper-to-bumper warranty was reduced to 36 months / 36,000 miles while the powertrain warranty was increased to 60 months / 60,000 miles in most markets. In the UK all Mazda3s have a 3-year unlimited mileage warranty, 3 year roadside assistance and 12 year anti perforation warranty as standard.

Canadian Mazda3s received standard seat mounted side-airbags and body shell mounted side curtain airbags across the model range. Previously both airbag types were not available.

2008

In Canada, the 2008 model year was replaced in Spring 2008.

An additional trim level included the Sport GX with a 2.0L engine, previously all Sport hatchbacks had a 2.3L engine and came only in GS or GT trims. Compared to the GX sedan, the GX hatchback has body-coloured door handles, and fog lamps. Options for the Sport GX include air conditioning, a convenience package containing power accessories and 15-inch alloys, and a rear trunk spoiler.

The GS sedan received standard 16-inch alloy wheels, previously only available with the moonroof option, while the GX had 15-inch alloy wheels added to the convenience package (which includes steering-wheel mounted audio controls, power windows, power locks, and remote entry). The GS hatchback now comes with factory-installed air conditioning. GT models received standard xenon headlights, previously part of the leather package.

In the U.S., the i Touring trim level was replaced by the i Touring Value model. This new model added a body-color front grille, fog lights and 17" alloy wheels, giving it a very similar appearance to the more expensive s models. The interior also received leather-covered steering wheel and shift knob from the s model. Anti-lock brakes and side-impact airbags, previously optional, were now standard.

2009

Initial news reports indicated the 2009 model year would receive a minor facelift by the end of the year with exterior design modifications that included chrome door handles, a new roof spoiler, expanded use of black moldings on the rear bumper, and new alloy-wheel options. This turned out to not occur in the US or Canadian market. The 2009 model year was only a few months long as production ceased in November 2008.

Second generation (BL; 2008-2013)

In development from 2004 and designed under Kunihiko Kurisu from early 2005 to August 2006, in October 2008 Mazda released pictures and video showing the next generation design of the Mazda3. Mazda has restyled the exterior to reflect its then design language and a dual exhaust. Two engines are offered in the US and Canadian markets, the 2.0L petrol engine offered in the previous generation and a new 2.5L inline-4 that is shared with the second-generation Mazda6.

The C1 architecture, a collaboration of Ford, Mazda, and Volvo, from the previous generation is carried over. The new model is marginally wider, longer and lighter than the previous generation Mazda3. The 2.3L engine was replaced with a 2.5L engine that produces 167 bhp (125 kW; 169 PS) and 167 lb·ft (226 N·m) of torque. In other markets, more engines are offered including a new 2.2L turbodiesel engine. A 2010 Mazda3 with a 2.5 liter engine and 6-speed manual transmission accelerates to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds and completes the quarter mile in 15.7 seconds at 89 mph.

Mazda unveiled the 2010 Mazda3 sedan/saloon at the Los Angeles Auto Show on 19 November 2008. The new Mazda3 is slightly larger than the older Mazda3 and is available in "i" and "s" versions. The "i" is powered by a 148 brake horsepower (110 kW) 2.0L engine while the "s" is powered by a 167 brake horsepower (125 kW) 2.5L engine adapted from the Mazda6. Both engines are also available in PZEV versions, the 2.0L producing 144 bhp (107 kW) and the 2.5L producing 165 bhp (123 kW). The 3s Grand Touring model adds leather seats, power driver's seat, rain-sensing windshield wipers, dual-zone automatic climate control, and steerable active bi-xenon headlights as standard equipment. The hatchback was unveiled a few weeks after the sedan/saloon at the Bologna Motor Show.

The European model includes the i-stop feature for the 2.0L DISI engine with an estimated increase fuel economy in city cycle by roughly 12%. This feature stops the engine each time the car comes to a complete stop, it quickly starts up again with the clutch pedal depression.

Changes occurred to the features and options of the Mazda3 midway through 2010. Features such as side mirrors with integrated turn signals, footwell lighting, and power seat memory functions were removed.

Mazdaspeed 3

Full details and images of the high-powered Mazdaspeed3 (aka Mazda3 MPS) were released at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2009. Like the previous generation, the Mazda3 hatchback variant has been selected as the basis for the 2nd generation Mazdaspeed3.

2012 update

The 2012 Mazda3 with SkyActiv powertrain was unveiled at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, February 2011. It comes with Mazda’s SkyActiv-G 2.0-liter, direct-injection gasoline engine, and SkyActiv-Drive 6-speed automatic or SkyActiv-MT 6-speed manual transmission. There are minor exterior updates: revised grille and air intakes, and a reshaped rear valance panel. Skyactiv models receive a blue ring around the projectors in the headlamps. Car and Driver reported that such a Mazda3 can reach estimated EPA fuel-economy ratings of 30 mpg city and 39 to 40 highway.

The third generation 2014 Mazda3 was revealed in Australia on 26 June 2013. It now sits atop the new Skyactiv chassis, no longer sharing the Ford C1 platform. It is the third vehicle to sport the Mazda's 'KODO: Soul of Motion' design language, after the CX-5 and the Mazda6.

It has a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.26 for the sedan/saloon, slightly higher for the hatchback. Combined with the SkyActiv technology, this produces a rating from the U.S. EPA of 30 mpg_‑US (36 mpg_‑imp; 7.8 L/100 km) city and 41 mpg_‑US (49 mpg_‑imp; 5.7 L/100 km) highway for the 2 litre sedan, and one less mpg highway for the 5-door hatchback.

Two SkyActiv engines are offered in North American markets, the 2.0l (with 155 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque) and the 2.5l (with 184 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque). The 2014 Mazda3 equipped with a 2.5 litre engine and 6-speed automatic transmission accelerates to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds and finishes the quarter mile in 15.2 seconds at 95 mph.

The 2.0 litre engine reaches 60 mph in 7.8 seconds and finishes the quarter-mile in 16.1 seconds. Initially the 6-speed manual gearbox was only for the 2.0 litre cars, and automatic transmission was standard on the 2.5, or available for the 2.0. In its first-drive review of the 2014 Mazda 3, the auto enthusiast weblog Jalopnik stated that "once the 2.5 comes with a manual transmission, there is really no reason to buy anything else in this class."

For 2015 model year, the 2.5 litre cars are also offered with manual gearbox. Model grades for the US market are SV (2.0 Sedan only), Sport (2.0 Sedan & Hatchback), Touring, and Grand Touring (available in all body styles with either engine). The 2014 model ranked number one among Affordable Small Cars in U.S. News & World Report's rankings. In the 2014 Canadian Car of the Year rankings Mazda 3 was chosen as the Best New Small Car. Canadian magazine The Car Guide chose Mazda 3 as the Best Compact Car in its Best Buys car rankings for 2015 and 2016.

In Europe, three Skyactiv-G (petrol) engines are offered, one 1.5l and two 2.0l (at two different power ratings); and a 2.2l Skyactiv-D (Diesel) engine is available. Availability of hatchback and sedan/saloon body styles and their combinations with engines varies amongst European markets. In 2014, the Mazda3 made it to the finals of the European Car of the Year competition. For the UK market, the Mazda3 Sedan is marketed as a fastback.

Thailand models of Mazda3 went on sale in 18 March 2014.

Mazda3 SKYACTIV-CNG Concept (2013)

It is a concept version of Mazda3 with engine powered by compressed natural gas.

The vehicle, was unveiled in 2013 Tokyo Motor Show.

Mazda3 SKYACTIV-Hybrid

It is a version of Mazda3 with SKYACTIV-G 2.0 engine with 14:1 compression, electric-petrol drive.

The vehicle was unveiled in 2013 Tokyo Motor Show.

Production

Taiwan models of Mazda3 were produced by Ford Lio Ho Motor Co., Ltd.

Production of US model of Mazda3 sedan at Mazda de Mexico Vehicle Operation (MMVO) in Salamanca, Guanajuato began on 7 January 2014, as the factory's first production vehicle model.

As of 22 January 2014, cumulative production of the Mazda3 production reached four million units since June 2003.

Production of Thailand models of Mazda3 at AutoAlliance (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (AAT) began on 14 March 2014. Within months of release, the 3 was the 15th best-selling car in Thailand.

A facelift of the BM 3 in August 2016 has changed the model to the new BN. Changes include a new dashboard layout, new front and rear exterior styling (the latter, only in the hatchback), new first-of-its-kind G-Vectoring Control and a dropped diesel option.

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