Mazda 3

The Mazda 3 is a small car developed by Japanese automaker, the Mazda Motor Corporation. It was launched in the year 2004, and replaced the Mazda Familia. In North America, high performance editions of the Mazda3 k, the Mazdaspeed3 and Mazda3 MPS, were traded in North America as well as Europe.

First Generation (2004-2009)

The first generation Mazda 3 was developed in 2004 and launched in 2005. It was the most expensive car at that time in its division. The high pricing was due to its impressive capabilities, impeccable handling, amazing performance, lavish interiors, and stunning styling. However, it gained only four out of five starts in the crash test conducted by the EURO NCAP Safety Testing Program. Later on, it was included with six standard airbags to improve the safety of the occupants.

Performance

Coming to its performance, the Mazda 3 required about 14.3 seconds to accelerate up to 100 km/h, and it had a top speed of 170 km/h (106 mph).

The .6 CiTD 80 kW diesel model of Mazda 3 were traded in Europe with a 5-speed manual transmission that required 11.6 seconds for speeding up to 182 km/h speed, according to the official Mazda specifications.

According to the Car and Driver magazine reports, with the help of the 2.3 litre engine, 2004 Mazda3 5-door car could accelerate to 60 km/h in 7.4 seconds with a peak speed of 190 km/h (118 mph).

Mazda 3—2006

In 2006, the Mazda included the variable-length intake and variable valve timing runners to a 2.0 L engine for delivering 150 bhp (112 kW; 152 PS). The Mazda3 trim used the automatic transmission along with a 2.3 L engine, and 4-speed was changed to 5-speed design. The 2.3 L was a larger engine traded in California and some other states, which had statutory requirements of California automotive emission values.

Mazda 3—2009

The 2009 model of Mazda 3 received a small face-lift in terms of exterior design, and the changes include -

• a new roof spoiler,
• chrome door handles,
• new alloy-wheel choices, and
• new rear bumper.

Second Generation (2010-Present)

The second generation of Mazda 3 was introduced in 2010 model year with two models – the sedan and the hatchback, at the Los Angeles Auto Show and the Bologna Auto Show respectively.

The pictures of the 2010 model Mazda were released in 2008 itself. The 2010 model comes with a dual exhaust. For this mode, two engines are provided; the 2.0L petrol engine and a new 2.5L inline-4-cylinder engine.

The 2010 model is built on the C1 platform. The fresh version is slightly wider, lighter, and longer than the earlier generations of Mazda3. The 2.5L engine replaced the old 2.3L engine to produce

• 167 lb-ft (226 N-m) of torque and
• 167 bhp (125 kW; 169 PS) of power.

In some of the other automobile markets, other engines are also provided, including a 2.2L turbo diesel engine.

Mazda 3 Front View

Mazda 3 Interior

Mazda3 On Road