After a series of leaks and some undisguised units seen roaming some Japanese roads, Mazda has lifted the veil on its updated 3, bringing rather subtle exterior tweaks along with some exciting new tech that should make the car better to be in and drive.
The new hatch and sedan will go on sale in Mazda’s home market of Japan starting from today, where it is known as the Axela. On the Australian side of things, the new Mazda3 will go on sale starting from August 1st. Prior to that, the local launch will take place on July 28th, where specs and prices will be confirmed.
"Mazda is striving to become an irreplaceable presence in the lives of our customers, to create a special bond with them and to be a 'one-and-only' brand they will choose again and again," said Masamichi Kogai, Mazda's President and CEO. "In order to do that, we will continue updating our models with next-generation technologies based on our human-centered development philosophy, without concern for the timing of redesigns. We believe clean diesel engines will continue to be an important environmental technology, and we will work to further popularize them in Japan and around the world."
If you’re familiar with the current Mazda3, this updated version will certainly be almost too familiar to you. In fact, visually, ‘subtlety’ is the watchword that Mazda must have kept in mind at all times when devising this newer car.
The front grille is reshaped, yes, but not so much that you’d notice unless they were side by side. As a consequence, the Mazda logo is now moved further upwards. Even less obvious is the thicker chrome surrounds that encompass the grille. The intake just below said grille has a larger aperture and the fog lamps that flank it on each side are also new.
Apart from the fascia, there’s little else to declare about the new Mazda3’s exterior apart from the turn indicators which are now light strips built into the door mirrors. Around the back, it’s pretty much the same as before save for differently-shaped reflectors and fog lamp enclosure. From a glance, however, you likely won’t notice the change from within the tail light cluster.
Changes to the interior of the new Mazda3 are equally subtle. A reshaped steering wheel kicks things off. The arrangement of the dashboard remains with the MZD Connect system sitting pretty above the air centre air conditioning vents, and below the HVAC controls are also unmoved. However, in some of the higher-end variants, the manual handbrake lever has now been axed in favour of a switch-operated electronic parking brake.
A more practical enhancement that drivers will enjoy is the new full-colour heads-up display unit (Active Driving Display) that now shows a lot more information such as satellite navigation prompts and speed limit, which can be customised by the driver.
Engine options for the new 3 remain largely unchanged. However, Mazda’s 1.5-litre SkyActiv-D diesel engine will now be offered alongside the 2.2-litre unit, both of which have been given a once-over to improve smoothness.
In Japan, the Mazda3 is also offered as a hybrid with technology lifted from Toyota, merging an electric motor with a 2.0-litre SkyActiv petrol engine. In lower configurations, a non-hybrid 1.5-litre SkyActive-G is also in use.
A six-speed manual or a six-speed torque converter automatic is offered to the both the diesel and petrol variants while the hybrid-powered 3 has its drive sent through an E-CVT much like the one found in the Prius. Optionally, the Mazda3 can be specified with the i-Activ all-wheel drive system.
Debuting in the updated Mazda3 is the company’s newly minted G-Vectoring Control (or GVC) technology, part of their SkyActiv-Vehicle Dynamics suite. It’s A system that alters core car parameters to provide drivers with more responsive car control.
GVC can vary engine torque in response to steering input and provide more effective control in a variety of driving situations as well as changing accelerative forces to the occupant for the perception of a smoother and more comfortable ride.
For more on Mazda vehicles, including pricing and specifications, check out our Showroom.
