29-7-2014: Reader reports that for Mazda 3 Skyavtiv, Mazda dealers are charging £400 for a space-saver spare wheel and jack.
9-6-2015: Reader obtained a spacesvaver spare for Mazda 3 complete with jack, wheelbraces and trunk floor cover for £309.71 from Oakmere Mazda in Northwich, Cheshire. Dealer had the initiative to order it from Germany.
15-7-2015: With the keyless entry on the Mazda 3 Skyactiv, the two keys cannot be used together because this confuses the system. If you unlock the car with one key and walk away, then if someone else tries to start the car with the other key, it won't work unless the first key is brought back to the car so the car can detect the presence of the key that opened its doors. To re-set the system, get out and lock the car with with the second key then re-open the car with that key, get back in and all works perfectly.
2-3-2016: Some criticisms by owner of a Mazda 3 2.0i 120PS, now at 15,000 miles.: Leaking rear damper, changed at first service. Heater controls, etc. at are a too low level and indistinct and if the tyres pick up mud the TPMS warning rings out.
1-8-2016: Report of fuel injector problem on 2011 Mazda 3 1.6D at 55,000 miles. Car regularly serviced at 12 months or 12,500 miles whichever came first. Run on Shell/BP, mainly on longer journeys. At 55,000 (last week) engine / powertrain warning light came on. Engine running very unevenly and limited to 2,000 rpm. Warning lights not flashing (in which case drivers manual instructs to turn engine off) so continued 15 miles to usual main dealer. Fault diagnosed as fuel injector - replacement re-sets warning lights but dealer believes engine is making knocking noise. No fuel contamination found. Dealer to conduct further investigation. Facing bill of £500 per injector. Exactly the same problem asreported on a Mazda 5 1.6D on 30-7-2016.
14-9-2016: Report of juddering from drivetrain of 2014 Mazda3 2.0 Skyactiv when letting clutch out first thing in the morning (particularly when damp), even on gentle take-up with few revs. The juddering goes once car driven for a few minutes and clutch take-up becomes smooth. (Might have a DMF.)
8-10-2016: Complaint of "flat sport" at 1,500rpm in engine of 21k mile 2014 Mazda 3 2.0 Skyactiv G 165. Recommended Shell V-Power Nitro Plus might eliminate it.
15-2-2017: Complaint of condensation inside the headlights of a new Mazda 3 2.0 SE-L.
6-9-2018: Report that 2014 Mazda 3 with 28,000 miles was prescribed new brake discs and pads at a cost of £550. Brake pads 60% worn.
9-12-2018: Report of 2014 Mazda 3 2.2 Skyactiv D engine getting choked with carbon after 70,000 miles. Cost £3,000 to remove. Car had probably been run on ordinary diesel.
23-2-2019: Helpful reader report: "For Mazda diesel drivers, there is actually a way to see when the DPF is actively regenerating. In Mazda infotainment system, there is a page for "Fuel Economy Monitor" and "i-stop" system. It essentially tells you that there are three criteria that need to be fulfilled before the "i-stop" can be functional: engine, battery, and aircon. During most of journeys, all three criteria would be almost always be shown in a "ready" stated (with their respective icon being highlighted), but when active regen is on, the engine would be shown as not ready (for stop & start), the other scenario when engine may not be "ready" is when you just start the journey, and the engine is still cold. So if drivers check this page at the end of their journey (I used to always leave the infotainment system on this page), they would be able to know for sure if the active regen is still on-going."
16-4-2019: Report that in July 2018 Mazda replaced both front alloy wheels of a 2017 Mazda 3 due to corrosion after only one winter. The front driver’s side alloy wheel (less than a year old following replacement last year) is again showing evidence of corrosion despite being kept clean and cleaned in accordance with the handbook. Owner lodged another warranty claim for replacement via his dealer. He says premature alloy wheel corrosion appears to be known problem common to many owners.
19-8-2019: Report of failure of 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission of a 2014/64 Mazda 3 2.0 Skyactiv G petrol at 47,000 miles.
5-10-2019: Sticking rear hatch solenoid and sticking door mirror folding mechanisms reported on 2016 Mazda 3. Suggested spraying with WD40.
14-12-2019: Report of both folding mirror mechanisms of a 2016 Mazda 3 failing: one just within the 3 year warranty; the other just outside.
9-1-2020: Report of "juddering" from engine of 2.2 Skyactiv D engine of 2016 Mazda 3. Dealer suspected carbon build up. Dealer told owner very labour intensive to clean it up, but would have to dismantle first and send photos to Mazda before Mazda would determine whether to contribute. (See: 9-12-2018.)
17-9-2018: R/2018/235: Mazda CX-5, Mazda 6, Mazda 3 diesels: The brake vacuum pump may wear prematurely. The brake vacuum pump may wear prematurely, meaning that in some applications where the brake pedal is pressed quickly whilst at low engine speed – the servo assistance provided by the vacuum system in decreased. This could cause a momentary decrease in braking performance. Braking assistance available to the driver can be reduced. FIX: Vehicles affected will be fitted with a modified Vacuum pump. VINS: JMZBM******100061 to JMZBM******325865; JMZKE******109955 to JMZKE******485502;
JMZGJ******105981 to JMZGJ******347652. Build dates: 26-1-2012 to 21-1-2016.
17-9-2018: R/2018/289: Mazda CX-5, Mazda 6, Mazda 3 diesels: INJECTOR MOUNTING NUTS TIGHTENING FORCE MAY BE INSUFFICIENT. The tightening force of the injector mounting nuts may be insufficient. This could cause combustion gas to leak from the injector and contaminate the engine oil within the cylinder head. This in turn could cause the engine oil strainer to become blocked. This could cause the engine to stall. Engine Pressure Oil Light appears along with the engine malfunction indicator Possible Engine Stall without Warning/ FIX: Vehicles affected will have the engine / oil checked for contamination and replaced if necessary. The Fuel injectors will also be re-tightened to the appropriate torque. VINS: JMZKE******109955 to JMZKE******485502; JMZGJ******105981 to JMZGJ******347652;
JMZBM******100061 to JMZBM******325865. Build dates: 26-1-2012 to 21-1-2016.
17-9-2018: R/2018/288: Mazda CX-5, Mazda 6, Mazda 3 diesels: FUEL INJECTOR SOFTWARE DOES NOT CONTROL THE ELECTRIC CURRENT CORRECTLY. The Software controlling the fuel injectors does not control the electric current correctly. This may cause the injector control circuit to short circuit and cause the engine to stall. Results in possible Engine Stall without Warning. FIX: Vehicles affected will have the injector control software re-programmed. VINS: JMZKE******109955 to JMZKE******485502; JMZGJ******105981 to JMZGJ******347652; JMZBM******100061 to JMZBM******325865. Build dates: Build dates: 26-1-2012 to 21-1-2016.
29-05-2019: R/2019/148: The front windscreen wipers may become inoperable due to a defect in the relay. Affects models sold between July 2015 and July 2017.
25-07-2019: R/2019/187: Soot may accumulate around the intake shutter valve on the inlet side of the engine. Fix: check, clean or replace the intake shutter valve and update software. VINs: JMZBM******100061 to JMZBM******335356; JMZBN******500498 to JMZBN******546249 . Build dates: 26-01-2012 to 30-06-2018.
29-07-2019: R/2019/219: Wheel nuts may loosen. A manufacturing defect may cause the wheel nuts to loosen. Fix: re-tighten the wheel nuts to the correct torque. VINs: JMZBP****01100060 to JMZBP******119193 . Build dates: 07-11-2018 to 13-05-2019.
July 2013
All new Mazda 3 launched
The Skyactiv Mazda3 hatchback and saloon share the enlarged 2,700mm wheelbase - the longest in the C-segment and 60mm longer than the current Mazda3's - which allowed designers to shorten the front and rear overhangs for a more powerful KODO-inspired stance, in the process creating more space for the engine and improving crash safety, too.
Both bodystyles are 40mm wider and 15mm lower than the current model, while the saloon features a different roof, rear window, rear wings and boot lid in a design which extends the overall length by 120mm to 4,580mm - compared to 4,460mm for the hatchback. For improved practicality, both models have rear seat backrests which fold almost flat and the saloon's boot opening width is increased by 100mm to 1,102mm so it can now accommodate three 67cm suitcases and has a total capacity of 419-litres.
Buyers will be offered a choice of three naturally-aspirated high compression petrol powerplants and one turbocharged diesel - all fitted with i-stop, Mazda's idle-stop system, as standard. The high power SKYACTIV-G will also be available in the hatchback with the company's i-ELOOP brake energy regeneration system.
The 100ps SKYACTIV-G 1.5-litre petrol engine is a brand new, highly efficient and exceptionally frugal petrol engine, delivering up to 56.4mpg (combined cycle) paired with the six-speed SKYACTIV-MT manual gearbox. Emissions are from 118g/km.
The SKYACTIV-G 2.0-litre petrol engine is available in standard (120ps) and high power (165ps) versions. The standard power SKYACTIV-G 2.0-litre is the most economical option combining first-rate fuel efficiency and emissions - 55.3mpg and 119g/km (manual) and 50.4mpg and 129g/km (automatic).
Fuel consumption (48.7mpg) and emissions (135g/km) for the high power engine are very respectable for such performance - and 14 percent better than its 2.0-litre MZR DISI i-stop hatchback predecessor, despite generating 10 percent more horsepower and torque.
The 150ps SKYACTIV-D clean diesel delivers an unprecedented combination of excellent fuel economy and responsive dynamics, while significantly reducing nitrogen oxide (NOX) and soot emissions. High performance, with 380Nm of torque at 1,800rpm, is combined with fuel economy andemissions for the fastback of 72.4mpg and 104g/km (manual), and 58.8mpg and 127g/km (hatchback automatic).
September 2013
Prices announced
From £16,695, with on sale in UK date of January 2014. All relatively high spec, with 16-inch alloys, power folding mirrors, leather covered steering wheel, Bluetooth from SE models up. 13 models available as autos.
Prices for the 36-strong all-new Mazda3 range will start at £16,695 (on-the-road) for the 1.5-litre SKYACTIV-G petrol 100ps SE hatchback, rising to £23,345 for the diesel 2.2-litre 150ps Sport Nav Auto hatchback. Diesels start at £19,245 for the 2.2-litre 150ps SKYACTIV-D SE (both body styles).
The all-new Mazda3 line-up features 21 hatchbacks (including eight diesel models) and 15 fastbacks, five of those with diesel power. Buyers can choose between five equipment levels (SE, SE Nav, SE-L, SE-L Nav and Sport Nav). Prices for SE models start at £16,695, SE-L versions cost from £18,495 and Sport Nav derivatives will be priced from £19,895.
Every all-new Mazda3 will come with Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) which helps to reduce or prevent low-speed collisions by automatically applying the brakes if the driver fails to act, Hill Hold Assist (HHA) to prevent roll back and will introduce new internet connectivity with ‘Aha' and ‘Stitcher' app integration.
Highlights of the SE model specification include: 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, power-folding heated mirrors, leather steering wheel, trip computer, radio/CD with six speaker audio system, 7-inch TFT colour touch screen, USB/iPod connectivity and Bluetooth hands-free system.
Moving up to the SE-L, all-new Mazda3 buyers gain: Bi-Xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights and rear lights, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, front fog lamps, rain and dusk sensing automatic wipers and lights, heated front seats and rear parking sensors.
Customers choosing the range-topping Sport Nav models will benefit from: 18-inch alloy wheels, Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS), Bose surround-sound system with 9 speakers, head-up display, integrated navigation, front parking sensors (in addition to rear) and optional leather seats and cabin trim in black or light stone.
|
Hatchback
|
‘On the road' retail
|
CO 2
|
RFL
|
|
1.5-litre 100ps SE
|
£16,695
|
119
|
C
|
|
1.5-litre 100ps SE Nav
|
£17,295
|
119
|
C
|
|
2.0-litre 120ps SE
|
£16,995
|
119
|
C
|
|
2.0-litre 120ps SE Nav
|
£17,595
|
119
|
C
|
|
2.0-litre 120ps SE Auto
|
£18,195
|
129
|
D
|
|
2.0-litre 120ps SE Nav Auto
|
£18,795
|
129
|
D
|
|
2.0-litre 120ps SE-L
|
£18,495
|
119
|
C
|
|
2.0-litre 120ps SE-L Nav
|
£19,095
|
119
|
C
|
|
2.0-litre 120ps SE-L Auto
|
£19,695
|
129
|
D
|
|
2.0-litre 120ps SE-L Nav Auto
|
£20,295
|
129
|
D
|
|
2.0-litre 120ps Sport Nav
|
£19,895
|
119
|
C
|
|
2.0-litre 120ps Sport Nav Auto
|
£21,095
|
129
|
D
|
|
2.0-litre 165ps Sport Nav
|
£21,620
|
135
|
E
|
|
Hatchback
|
‘On the road' retail
|
CO 2
|
RFL
|
|
2.2-litre 150ps SE
|
£19,245
|
107
|
B
|
|
2.2-litre 150ps SE Nav
|
£19,845
|
107
|
B
|
|
2.2-litre 150ps SE-L
|
£20,745
|
107
|
B
|
|
2.2-litre 150ps SE-L Nav
|
£21,345
|
107
|
B
|
|
2.2-litre 150ps SE-L Auto
|
£21,945
|
127
|
D
|
|
2.2-litre 150ps SE-L Nav Auto
|
£22,545
|
127
|
D
|
|
2.2-litre 150ps Sport Nav
|
£22,145
|
107
|
B
|
|
2.2-litre 150ps Sport Nav Auto
|
£23,345
|
127
|
D
|
|
Fastback
|
‘On the road' retail
|
CO 2
|
RFL
|
|
2.0-litre 120ps SE
|
£16,995
|
119
|
C
|
|
2.0-litre 120ps SE Nav
|
£17,595
|
119
|
C
|
|
2.0-litre 120ps SE Auto
|
£18,195
|
128
|
D
|
|
2.0-litre 120ps SE Nav Auto
|
£18,795
|
128
|
D
|
|
2.0-litre 120ps SE-L
|
£18,495
|
119
|
C
|
|
2.0-litre 120ps SE-L Nav
|
£19,095
|
119
|
C
|
|
2.0-litre 120ps SE-L Auto
|
£19,695
|
128
|
D
|
|
2.0-litre 120ps SE-L Nav Auto
|
£20,295
|
128
|
D
|
|
2.0-litre 120ps Sport Nav
|
£19,895
|
119
|
C
|
|
2.0-litre 120ps Sport Nav Auto
|
£21,095
|
128
|
D
|
|
Fastback
|
‘On the road' retail
|
CO 2
|
RFL
|
|
2.2-litre 150ps SE
|
£19,245
|
104
|
B
|
|
2.2-litre 150ps SE Nav
|
£19,845
|
104
|
B
|
|
2.2-litre 150ps SE-L
|
£20,745
|
104
|
B
|
|
2.2-litre 150ps SE-L Nav
|
£21,345
|
104
|
B
|
|
2.2-litre 150ps Sport Nav
|
£22,145
|
104
|
B
|
September 2013
Mazda launched MZD Connect
Available from January 2014 it offers a huge package of online services to go along with the redeveloped human-machine interface (HMI) in the cabin. MZD Connect works together with the user's smartphone, expanding Mazda's existing range of navigation and SMS features (including readout and voice recognition) with much more connected convenience. Mazda3 occupants can enjoy real-time access to infotainment services from AhaTM via the 7-inch display on top of the centre stack.
May 2016
New 1.5-litre diesel added to Mazda 3 range
CO2 emissions as low as 99 g/km and NEDC combined fuel economy figures from 74.3 mpg. Also embodies new Natural Sound Smoother technology, which effects a significant reduction in engine noise and vibration.
September 2016
New Mazda 3 for 2017 launched
Externally, the 2017 Mazda 3 is marked out by a revised grille and a new front fog light bezel. Across both body styles, revised door mirrors feature wraparound turn indicators, while hatchback versions have a redesigned rear bumper.
The 2017 Mazda 3 is available in eight colours including Mazda’s new Machine Grey Mica. The second all-new colour to make its debut is Eternal Blue Mica, while Sonic Silver Metallic is offered for the first time on the Mazda 3. SE and SE-L Nav trim cars feature 16-inch alloy wheels, while Sport Nav models benefit from a new design of high-sheen finish 18-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, the 2017 Mazda 3’s cabin evolves the driver-oriented interior space with a host of updates that include higher-quality switch panels and handle bezels on the doors, plus a newly designed trim insert on the dashboard. The adoption of an electric parking brake creates space for a more practical centre console, while another highlight is a new leather steering wheel design that enhances feel and style, and if combined with leather seats is heated.
On sale from the 1 October, the 2017 Mazda3 is offered with a choice of 105PS 1.5-litre or 150ps 2.2-litre SKYACTIV-D diesel engines, alongside a petrol line-up that includes 120PS and 165PS versions of the 2.0-litre SKYACTIV-G.
To improve handling and comfort and reduce stress, all 2017 model Mazda 3s are fitted with G-Vectoring that reduces power very slightly to the front wheels when the steering wheel is turned and stabilises the car.
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Good looking and well engineered. Efficient engines. Excellent steering and handling, better still from 2017 revamp. Compliant suspension.
No DAB radio at launch (DAB arrived for 2017 MY).
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