Mazda3

Mazda Axela
Overview
Manufacturer	Mazda
Also called	Mazda 3
Production	2003–present
Assembly	Hofu, Japan
Body and chassis
Class	Compact
Body style	5-door hatchback 4-door sedan
Layout	FF layout
Platform	Ford C1 platform
Related	Mazda Premacy/Mazda5 Ford Focus (International) Volvo C30 Volvo S40/Volvo V50
Powertrain
Engine	1.4 L MZR I4 1.5 L MZR I4 1.6 L MZR I4 2.0 L MZR I4 2.3 L MZR I4 1.6 L MZ-CD I4 2.0 L MZR-CD I4
Transmission	5-speed automatic 4-speed automatic 5-speed manual 6-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2640 mm (103.9 in)
Length	2004-06 i Sedan: Template:Auto in 2004-06 s Sedan: 4540 mm (178.7 in) 2004-06 Hatchback: 4485 mm (176.6 in) 2007-present i Sedan: Template:Auto in 2007-present s Sedan: Template:Auto in 2007-present Hatchback: Template:Auto in
Width	1755 mm (69.1 in)
Height	1465 mm (57.7 in)
Curb weight	1180-1315 kg (2600-2900 lb)
Chronology
Predecessor	Mazda Familia/323/Protegé

2004-06 Mazda3s 5-door hatchback

2004-06 Mazda3s sedan

The Mazda Axela is a compact car manufactured by the Mazda Motor Corporation in Japan. Outside of its home market, it is marketed as the Mazda 3 (spelled "Mazda3" in North American and European marketing). The Axela was introduced for the 2004 model year, replacing the Mazda Familia (323 or Protegé in export markets). A more "performance-oriented" version of the Mazda 3 is marketed as Mazdaspeed 3 in North America.

The Mazda 3 has been very well-received in all markets. In 2006 the 3 was the second best-selling car in Canada and the best selling car in Israel during 2005-2007. Mazda is increasing production of the 3 at its Hofu 1 and 2 factories to meet heavy worldwide demand of over 300,000 units per year.

Design

The Axela is based on Ford's global C1 platform, which was developed by Volvo and is shared with the latest European Ford Focus and Volvo S40. Chassis development was carried out by Mazda and suspension designed by Ford. 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, USDM 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 System) models.

All 3 models use the inline-4 Mazda MZR engine, with various types, displacements and outputs including the MZR-CD turbodiesel, depending on model and market. Transmissions are a five-speed manual transmission and a four-speed automatic transmission; for the 2006 model year, a five-speed automatic became 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 which includes different front/rear bumper designs, new wheel designs and bodycolors, stiffened chassis, and better interior materials. It will be gradually released all over the globe as part of an effort to better match the new Honda Civic.

Engines

The 3 uses the following engines:

Japanese market (JIS ratings):

• 1.5 L: 113 bhp (83 kW), 104 lbf·ft (141 N·m)
• 2.0 L: 150 bhp (112 kW), 140 lbf·ft (190 N·m)
• 2.3 L: 178 bhp (133 kW), 155 lbf·ft (210 N·m)

European market (DIN ratings):

• 1.4 L: 84 (62 kW), 90 lbf·ft (122 N·m)
• 1.6 L: 105 bhp (77 kW), 107 lbf·ft (145 N·m)
• 2.0 L: 150 bhp (110 kW) and 138 lbf·ft (187 N·m)
• 2.3 L: DISI MZR: 260 bhp (190 kW), 280 lbf·ft (380 N·m)
• 2.0 L: MZR-CD common-rail diesel: 140 bhp (105 kW), 266 lbf·ft (360 N·m)

American & Canadian markets (SAE net ratings):

• 2.0 L: 148 bhp (110 kW), 135 lbf·ft (183 N·m) (04-05) [PZEV engine: 145 bhp (107 kW) (04-06), 144 bhp (107 kW) (07-); 132 lbf·ft (179 N·m) (all years)]
• 2.3 L: 156 bhp (117 kW), 150 lbf·ft (203 N·m) [PZEV engine: 153 bhp (113 kW), 149 lbf·ft (202 N·m) (2006 only)]

• 2.3 L: Turbo Mazdaspeed 3: 263 bhp (192 kW), 280 lbf·ft (380 N·m)

Mazda changed the rating for US & Canadian markets 2007 2.3 L naturally aspirated engine:

• 2.3 L: 156 bhp (116 kW), 150 lbf·ft (203 N·m) [PZEV engine: 151 bhp (113 kW), 149 lbf·ft (202 N·m) (07-)]

Philippine market (DIN ratings):

• 1.6 L: 110 bhp (78 kW), 107 lbf·ft (145 N·m)
• 2.0 L: 148 bhp (110 kW) and 138 lbf·ft (187 N·m)

Australian market (ADR net ratings):

• 2.0 L: 145 bhp (108 kW), 134 lbf·ft (182 N·m)
• 2.3 L: 154 bhp (115 kW), 150 lbf·ft (203 N·m)
• 2.3 L: DISI MZR: 260 bhp (190 kW), 280 lbf·ft (380 N·m)

Performance

Acceleration

The 0 to 60 mph or 0 to 100 km/h acceleration times depend on the type of transmission. In general, the manual transmission is faster in acceleration (not just because it is lighter in weight, but for the relative inefficiency of the torque converter in the automatic compared to the clutch in the manual).

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 0-100km/h time for the Australian 2.0 model in its May 2004 issue. The 1.6 CiTD 80 KW diesel (as sold in the 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 spec's.

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).

Mazdaspeed3/Mazda3 MPS

Main article: Mazdaspeed 3

Mazda unveiled the Mazda3 MPS at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show in February. The same model is sold in North America as the Mazdaspeed3 and as the Mazdaspeed Axela in Japan. Pricing starts at US$22,835 (including destination) and it competes with the latest generation of hot hatches and sport compacts, including the Dodge Caliber SRT-4, Subaru WRX (standard 230 hp (170 kW) version), and the new Volkswagen Golf/Rabbit GTI. The car is powered by a strengthened and turbocharged version of the standard 2.3L DISI MZR 4 cylinder (263bhp, 280ft-lbs), backed by a 6 speed manual transmission featuring a Tochigi-Fuji Super LSD borrowed from the RX-8. Brakes are upgraded to 12.8-inch (330 mm) rotors with single piston calipers. Wheels are upgraded to 18 inch cast alloy wheels wrapped in 215/45-R18 Bridgestone Potenza RE050A max performance tires. Unofficial performance figures (magazine tests) average 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds, and standing quarter mile in 14.3 seconds at 100 mph (160 km/h). The car features torque limiting in first and second gear (to help deter the inevitable wheel spin in a FWD car with this much torque). Also features DSC (dynamic stability control) and ABS. An unmodified showroom standard Mazda3 MPS managed to complete the Nurburgring in 8mins39secs.

2006 model changes

2006 US-spec Mazda3 i sedan

For 2006, variable valve timing and variable-length intake runners are added to the 2.0 L engine, power increases to 150 bhp; a five-speed automatic transmission is available on models with the 2.3 L engine. Additionally, the larger engine is PZEV-certified (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) for vehicles sold in California state and other states that adopt such emission standard. The 2.0 L engine is already PZEV-certified for vehicles available in markets adopting the California emission standard.

2007 model changes

2007-2008 US-spec Mazda3 s hatchback

2007 US-spec Mazda3 i sedan

The 3 received a minor cosmetic facelift for the 2007 model year. The exterior changes are minimal, but extend to revised bumpers with the lower air intake opening resembling the shape of the traditional Mazda five-point face, a revised range of alloy wheels, a notch on the rear bumper of the sedan and several new interior color combinations. The interior also has an audio jack and an improved keyless entry system. The 2007 model also include less visible changes. Reinforcements to the body shell improve overall chassis rigidity. The front dampers of the MacPherson strut suspension have been retuned to quicken steering response and reduce understeer, while the dampers of the multi-link rear suspension also have been retuned to match. 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 front fascia has been updated with a "floating" foglight design and slightly revised front grill for the "s" trim level. Also, for the 2007 "grand touring" trim level, the rear tail-lights have been enhanced with a "clear on clear" lens setting or a more "glass-like" appearance with the clear tail lenses also featuring red LED brake lights. The LED brake lights are added to compete with the growing trend of higher-end vehicles that include LED tail lamps for a more visible and responsive light output.

Several new exterior colors are added as well, including different shades of blue and a purple color. The popular Titanium Gray color will also be replaced with a darker Galaxy Gray color. The bumper-to-bumper warranty will be reduced to 36 months / 36,000 miles, but there will be an increased powertrain warranty to 60 months / 60,000 miles (not in all markets). This is on par with other competitive manufacturers' warranty offerings.

In Canada, seat mounted side airbags and side curtain airbags are standard across the board where they are unavailable in previous model years.

2009

The 3 had been reported to be up for a redesign for the 2009 model year. More recent news reports have shown the 2009 model year will just be a facelift with minor changes to the car and the full redesign will debut later.

Whenever the full redesign of the Mazda 3 debuts, the new model will be more aggressive and sporty than the current model. Mazda has not confirmed if the new design will be based on the current C1 platform or the C2 platform. The new model is expected to be wider and longer than the current Mazda3. Spy photographs of a development mule have revealed the use of a dual exhaust system. The North American market's base 2.0L engine is expected to receive a modest boost in horsepower. The the 2.3L engine will be replaced with a 2.5L DISI engine that will produce at least 167 bhp. Both engines will be direct injected.

External links

• Official Mazda3 Site