Mazda 3
November 18th, 2008
The Axela is based on Ford's global C1 platform, which was developed by Mazda, Volvo and Ford and is 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 in on base models to option 17 in wheels on upper-level models.
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 a proliferation of additional models under the Touring and Grand Touring labels. UK Mazda3s are offered in S, TS, TS2, Sport, and a top end 2.3ltr 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 now being the entry level S, then Takara (which replaces TS), the Tamara Special Edition and the Sport and MPS as before.
All 3 models use the inline-4 Mazda MZR engine, with various types, displacements and outputs including the MZ-CD turbodiesel, 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 has now been made 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 bodycolors, stiffened chassis, and better interior materials.
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 "Altezza" clear-lens style rear tail-lights as the SP23 model, and 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 a more visible and responsive light output. The range of alloy wheels were redesigned. The rear fascia was slightly changed adding a notch on the bumper cover of the sedan. Several new exterior colors were added, a lighter shade of blue, a copper red metallic (April 2008), a dark blue called Stormy Blue and a purple color. The Titanium Gray color was replaced with a darker Galaxy Gray color.
The interior of the Mazda3 was offered in several new interior color combinations, including piano black door and dash inserts which are very desirable. An audio jack, allowing the use of digital music players, was added in the center console. Also, Takara models which were introduced in the 2008 upgrade added climate control and 6 cd autochanger to the TS specification.
The 2007 model also includes less visible mechanical changes. The keyless entry system was improved. Reinforcements to the body shell improve overall chassis rigidity. The front dampers of the MacPherson strut suspension have been re-tuned to quicken steering response and reduce understeer. The hydraulic dampers of the multi-link rear suspension were also re-tuned to match the front suspension changes. Mazda engineers and designers addressed concerns regarding cabin noise level by redesigning or changing multiple systems and adding sound-deadening material to the roof lining and hood panel
The bumper-to-bumper warranty was reduced to 36 months / 36,000 miles while the powertrain warranty was increased to 60 months / 60,000 miles in most markets. In the UK all Mazda3's have a 3 year unlimited mileage warranty as standard.
Canadian Mazda3s received standard seat mounted side-airbags and body shell mounted side curtain airbags across the model range. Previously both airbag types were not available.
In November 2007 reports stated the Mazda3 would be completely redesigned for the 2010 model year. Current news reports have shown the 2009 model year will receive a minor facelift with exterior design modifications that includes chrome door handles, a new roof spoiler, expanded use of black moldings on the rear bumper and new alloy-wheel options. The full redesign will debut in 2010.
In October 2008 Mazda released pictures and video showing the next generation design of the Mazda3. Mazda has restyled the exterior to reflect its current design language, and incorporated LED tail lamps and a dual exhaust. The trim with the larger engine will use a 2.5L straight-4 shared with the second-generation Mazda6, while the less powerful trim will continue with the same 2.0L engine.
Mazda has not confirmed if the new design is based on the current C1 platform, the EUCD, or the CD3 platform. The new model is expected to be wider, longer and lighter than the current Mazda3. The North American market's base 2.0L engine is expected to receive a modest boost in horsepower. The 2.3L engine will be replaced with a 2.5L DISI engine that should produce at least 170 bhp (127 kW/172 PS). Both engines will be direct injected. Car and Driver had earlier mentioned a possible 1.6L rotary engine; it remains unclear if that will materialize.
Right now, Mazda 3 has recommended itself as a popular choise for mid-class people. Not very cheap, but it's certainly not expensive. Low fuel consumption, good speed and enough place for 4 people. And every year it's only getting better.
