The Mazda3 is a compact car manufactured by Mazda since 2003 over four generations. The body styles have been a 5-door hatchback and 4-door sedan across all generations. It was sold as the in Japan until 2019. From 2013 until 2019, it was called the Mazda 3 Axela in China.
The first generation was produced in Japan from June 2003 until November 2008 and replaced the Familia (also known as the 323 or Protegé) as Mazda's C-segment model. It was sold in North America for the 2004–2009 model years. It was also produced in Colombia from 2004 until 2014, in Iran from 2006 until 2010, and in China from 2007 until 2013.
The second-generation Mazda3 for the 2009 model year was unveiled in late 2008, with the sedan premiering at the Los Angeles Auto Show and the hatchback at the Bologna Motor Show. For the 2012 model year, Mazda began offering the Mazda3 with their newly developed Skyactiv technology, including a more rigid body, a new direct-injection engine, and a new 6-speed transmission.
The third generation was introduced in mid-2013 for the 2014 model year. The third-generation model is the first Mazda3 to adopt the "Kodo" design language and a more complete Skyactiv range of technologies and the first to be made by Mazda independently.
The fourth-generation Mazda3 for the 2019 model year was unveiled in November 2018 at the Los Angeles Auto Show. For the 2019 model, the all-new Mazda3 is equipped with the updated Skyactiv technologies, including a spark-controlled compression ignition engine marketed as the Skyactiv-X.
A performance-oriented version of the Mazda3 was marketed until 2013 as the Mazdaspeed3 in North America, Mazdaspeed Axela in Japan, and the Mazda3 MPS in Europe and Australia.
The Mazda3 became one of Mazda's fastest-selling vehicles, with cumulative sales in January 2019 of over 6 million units.
First generation (BK; 2003)
The BK series Mazda3 was first unveiled at the 60th Frankfurt Motor Show on 10 September 2003, and launched in Japan in October 2003 as the Axela. The model was 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.2009 Mazda MAZDA3 Review by Cars.com
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 first-generation Mazda3 was 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, United States; 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. The first generation Mazda3 has been known to have spontaneous piston failure in the form of the piston itself cracking which is a result of manufacturing anomalies that has plagued a small percentage of the normally reliable car. Four-wheel Disc brakes are fitted, with discs in the front and discs in the rear; ABS and electronic brake force distribution are available as standard, depending on the model. Wheel and tire sizes vary with model, from 15-inch on base models to optional 17-inch 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 2.3 L 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 became the entry-level S, then Takara (which replaced TS and TS2), the Tamura Special Edition and the Sport and MPS as before.
All three models use the inline-4 Mazda MZR engine, with various types, displacements and outputs including the MZ-CD turbo-diesel, 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 became 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 colours, stiffened chassis, and better interior materials. The MPS / Mazdaspeed version is only available with a six-speed manual.
Philippines In the Philippines, the BK3 replaced the (BH) 323 in 2004. There are three trim levels, "1.6S", "1.6V and " 2.0R". The "1.6V" is powered by Mazda's 1.6L inline-four engine mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission respectively. It came with four speakers and 6 CD audio system, central locking among other features. The top spec "2.0R" is powered by Mazda's 2.0L MZR engine mated to a 4 speed automatic transmission with activematic. It came with side skirts, sunroof, remote keyless entry, immobilizer and leather interior.
In 2007, the entry level "1.6S" received a minor update. Updates includes new gauge clusters, cloth seats and door linings, MP3 ready sound system, and a redesigned grille.
Australia In Australia, the BK 3 replaced the 323 (BJ) in January 2004. The original iteration came in several guises, "Neo", "Maxx", "Maxx Sport" and "SP23". The base "Neo" guise came with remote central locking, a four speaker sound system with a CD player among other features. Building upon the Neo, the "Maxx" offered power windows and mirrors, alloy wheels, remote keyless central locking, six speakers and an in-dash sound system. The "Maxx Sport" added primarily cosmetic features, with that including a body kit, front fog lamps and larger alloy wheels. The "SP23" gained a larger engine as well as other smaller luxury features.
In July 2006, Mazda introduced its Series II 3. Updates included refreshed front and rear light fixtures, as well updated alloy wheels and a new fog light configuration. A high performance "MPS" hatch was introduced into the lineup within this update.
The 3 continuously sold well throughout the BK generation, reaching 4th in Australian sales within 2006.
Engines The Mazda3 features the following engines:
Japanese market (Mazda Axela; JIS ratings): 1.5 L: , 2.0 L: , 2.3 L: , 2.3 L MZR DISI Turbo: ,
European market (ECE ratings): 1.4 L: , 1.6 L: , 2.0 L: , 2.3 L MZR DISI Turbo: , 1.6 L MZ-CD common-rail diesel: , 2.0 L MZR-CD common-rail diesel: , 2.2 L MZR-CD common-rail diesel: ,
American and Canadian markets (SAE net ratings): 2.0 L: , (04–05) PZEV engine: (04–06), (07–); (all years) 2.3 L: , PZEV engine: , (2006 only) 2.3 L MZR DISI Turbo: Mazdaspeed3: ,
Mazda changed the rating for US and Canadian markets 2007 2.3 L naturally aspirated engine: 2.3 L: , PZEV engine: , (07–)
Asian markets (DIN ratings): 1.6 L: , 107 lbf·ft (145 N·m) 2.0 L: and 138 lbf·ft (187 N·m)
Australian market (ADR net ratings): 2.0 L: , 134 lbf·ft (182 N·m) 2.3 L: , 150 lbf·ft (203 N·m) 2.3 L: DISI MZR: , 280 lbf·ft (380 N·m) 2.0 L MZR-CD common-rail diesel: ,
South African market (DIN net ratings): 1.6 L: , 108 lbf·ft (146 N·m) 2.0 L: , 134 lbf·ft (182 N·m) 2.3 L: , 150 lbf·ft (203 N·m) 2.3 L: DISI MZR: , 280 lbf·ft (380 N·m)
Performance Official performance figures for the European Mazda3 1.4 S, the lowest-powered model, are in 14.3 seconds, with a maximum speed of . 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 in 11.6 seconds and has a top speed of according to the official Mazda specifications.
In test results for the 2012 Mazda3 Maxx Sport five-door 2.0-litre engine, it has been reported as having a acceleration time of 9.2 seconds and a top speed of .
In its test results for the 2004 Mazda3 five-door with the 2.3-litre engine, Car and Driver magazine reported a acceleration time of 7.4 seconds and a governor-limited top speed of .
Car and Driver documented the acceleration of a 2007 Mazda3 four-door sedan. Equipped with a 2.3-litre engine and 5-speed manual transmission, the Mazda3 has a 0 time of 7.3 seconds and completes the quarter mile in 15.8 seconds at .
The fuel consumption of these models averages in the , with the 2-litre 2008 Mazda3 automatic-transmission model scoring a / 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-litre engine resulting in a power increase to . The automatic transmission used in the S trim Mazda3 with the 2.3-litre engine was changed from a four-speed to a five-speed design. The larger engine became PZEV-certified (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) for vehicles sold in California and other states that have adopted California automotive emission standards. The smaller 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 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 colours were added, phantom blue, a copper red metallic (April 2008), Aurora Blue and dark cherry. The Titanium Gray colour was replaced with a darker Galaxy Gray colour.
The interior of the Mazda3 was offered with several new colour 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.