Mazda 3 (2014 – 2019) Review

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.

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.