Mazda 3

The Mazda3 (known as the Mazda Axela in Japan) is a compact car manufactured in Japan by the Mazda Motor Corporation. It was introduced for the 2004 model year, replacing the Mazda Familia (323 or Protegé in export markets). A more performance-oriented version of the Mazda3 is marketed as Mazdaspeed3 in North America and Mazda3 MPS in Europe. A second generation Mazda3 for the 2010 model year was unveiled in late 2008, with the sedan premiering at the Los Angeles Auto Show and the hatchback at the Bologna Auto Show. The Mazda3 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 sport sedan 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.The Axela is based on the Ford global C1 platform, shared with the latest European Ford Focus and Volvo S40. Based on the styling of the MX-Sportif concept car, the Axela is available in two body styles, a four-door sedan, marketed as "coupé style" in Europe, and a five-door hatchback, branded the Sport version in Canada, Japan, and the United States.Front suspension is by MacPherson struts, with coil springs and an anti-roll bar. 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. Disc brakes are standard at all four wheels, with 300 mm (11.8 in) discs front and 279 mm (11 in) discs 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. 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 its test results for the 2004 Mazda3 5-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). The fuel consumption of these models average 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.

Fifth Gear: Web TV - Mazda3 MPS

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. 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. 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. Initial news reports indicated the 2009 model year would receive a minor face-lift 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.



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.Mazda unveiled the 2010 Mazda3 sedan at the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 19, 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 horsepower (110 kW) 2.0L engine while the "s" is powered by a 167 horsepower (125 kW) 2.5L engine adapted from the Mazda6. Both engines are also available in PZEV versions, the 2.0L producing 144 hp (107 kW) and the 2.5L producing 165 hp (123 kW). The 3s Grand Touring model adds leather seats, power driver's seat with memory, 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 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 without the need of a starter when the vehicle proceeds. 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. 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. The 2012 Mazda3 with SkyActiv powertrain is 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 automatic transmission. There are minor exterior updates: new headlamps, revised grille and air intakes, and a reshaped rear valance panel. In a Car and Driver article, it is reported that such a Mazda 3 can reach estimated EPA fuel-economy ratings of 30 mpg city and 39 to 40 highway.