Mazda3

Mazda3 at a glance

Generations

All generations are listed in the Mazda catalogue.

First generation (2003–2008)

The first Mazda3 was introduced in June 2003 and built on Ford's C1 platform. It was made in Hōfu, Japan, and in many local assembly plants from China and Taiwan to Colombia, Iran and South Africa. Europe received petrol engines from 1.4 to 2.0 litres and diesels of 80 kW (109 PS) and 105 kW (143 PS). Gearboxes were a five-speed manual and four- or five-speed automatics.

The fastest version was the Mazdaspeed3, or Mazda3 MPS in Europe. Its 2.3-litre MZR DISI turbo produced 191 kW (260 PS) and 380 Nm in Europe, 194 kW (264 PS) in Japan and 196 kW (263 hp) in the US, with a six-speed manual. In the 2006 Euro NCAP test the Mazda3 scored four stars.

Second generation (2009–2013)

The second Mazda3 was unveiled at the end of 2008 for the 2009 model year. It kept a modified C1 platform and was again built in Hōfu and many other plants, including Nanjing in China and Rayong in Thailand. The range included a 1.6 petrol with 77 kW (105 PS), a 2.0 with 109 to 111 kW (148 to 151 PS), a 1.6 diesel with 85 kW (116 PS) and 270 Nm, and a 2.2 diesel with 110 or 136 kW (150 or 185 PS). The second Mazdaspeed3/MPS had 199 kW (271 PS) and 380 Nm at 3,000 rpm. In the 2009 Euro NCAP test the car scored 86 percent for adult and 84 percent for child occupant protection.

Third generation (2014–2018)

The third generation was revealed in mid-2013 for the 2014 model year. It was the first Mazda3 with Mazda's own Skyactiv platform and engines, no longer the Ford C1. Production expanded to Salamanca in Mexico. European engines included the 1.5 Skyactiv-G with 74 kW (100 PS), the 2.0 Skyactiv-G with 88 or 121 kW (120 or 165 PS) and the 2.2 Skyactiv-D diesel with 110 kW (150 PS) and 380 Nm. In some markets a hybrid version with an e-CVT was offered. The 2016 facelift carried the code BN.

The third generation was a finalist for European Car of the Year 2014 and won Best New Small Car at the Canadian Car of the Year awards 2014. Euro NCAP tested it in 2013 with 93 percent for adult occupants, 86 for children, 65 for pedestrians and 81 for safety assistance.

Fourth generation (since 2019)

The fourth Mazda3 was unveiled in November 2018 for the 2019 model year. It is built in Hōfu, Salamanca, Rayong, Nanjing and Vietnam. The design won the World Car Design of the Year award 2020. All-wheel drive became available, in North America with the 2.5 at launch and in Europe on all engines except the 1.8 diesel.

Skyactiv-X is Mazda's petrol engine with spark-controlled compression ignition (SPCCI). In its updated e-Skyactiv X form it delivers 137 kW (186 PS) and 240 Nm. CAR magazine measured 0–62 mph in 8.1 seconds and averaged 53.3 mpg (about 5.3 l/100 km) in its 2022 test of the e-Skyactiv X. All engines use a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox.

Practicality

CAR magazine gives the fourth-generation hatchback a 334-litre boot, smaller than that of a VW Golf. It found the rear legroom fine, but the thick C-pillar and sloping roof limit rear headroom.

Safety

The fourth generation scored 98 percent for adult occupants in its 2019 Euro NCAP test, along with 87 percent for children, 81 for pedestrians and 73 for the assistance systems. The IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+ in 2022.

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