New 2017 Mazda3 now available
Published Date: 4th Nov 2016
Mazda have unveiled the new 2017 Mazda3: Smarter, Sharper and more sophisticated than ever before.
Mazda’s global production of the Mazda3 surpassed five million cars by the end of April 2016; the critically acclaimed Mazda3 has taken the next step with the launch of the new 2017 Mazda3. New features across both the hatchback and Fastback range including, subtle updated cabin and exterior changes. It now comes standard with the introduction of G-Vectoring Control, the debut of Mazda’s latest technology.
KODO’s Soul of Motion design married with SKYACTIV technology has been a force to be reckoned with, across the whole of the Mazda range. When the current Mazda3 went on sale in the UK in 2014, its premium quality, bold styling, and new technology saw it set itself apart from competitors with its sharp handling, premium cabin, fresh looks and super efficient engines.
The award-winning range of SKYACTIV engines and the 2017 Mazda3’s overall enhancements are designed to keep it at the height of its competitive class. On the outside the new Mazda3 stands out with a revised grille with a stronger three-dimensional look and a new front fog light bezel. Both revised revised body styles come with new door mirrors featuring wraparound turn indicators, while hatchback versions feature a redesigned rear bumper too.
The 2017 Mazda3 is available in 8 colours including Mazda’s new Machine Grey Mica, which having starred on the all-new Mazda MX-5 at the 2016 New York Motor Show, makes its production debut on the Mazda3. The second all-new colour to make its debut is Eternal Blue Mica, while Sonic Silver Metallic is offered for the first time on the Mazda3. SE and SE-L Nav trim cars feature 16-inch alloy wheels, while Sport Nav models benefit from a new design of high-sheen effect finish 18-inch alloy wheels.
Inside the 2017 Mazda3’s cabin, it evolves the driver-oriented interior space with a host of updates that include higher-quality switch panels and handle bezels on the doors, plus a newly designed trim insert on the dashboard. The adoption of an electric parking brake creates space for a more practical centre console, while another highlight is a new leather steering wheel design that enhances feel and style, and as a first for Mazda, if combined with leather seats is heated.
On sale now, the 2017 Mazda3 is offered with a choice of 105ps 1.5-litre or 150ps 2.2-litre SKYACTIV-D diesel engines, alongside a petrol line-up that includes 120ps and 165ps versions of the 2.0-litre SKYACTIV-G.
Having added the smooth, Co2 efficient 100g/km 1.5-litre SKYACTIV-D diesel engine to the Mazda3 last year, both this and the well-established 2.2-litre SKYACTIV-D engine now feature Transient Control, which ensures a more positive throttle response by reducing turbo lag and boosting torque to deliver a petrol-like engine feel.
Refinement has also been enhanced thanks to the introduction of Mazda’s Natural Sound Smoother (NSS) technology, which reduces knock noise during starting and low-speed acceleration on diesel engines. Across the whole range, overall refinement has been substantially improved with added noise suppression material in the roof, doors, dashboard and transmission tunnel area. Optimised door seals and additional vibration damping materials between the rear crossmembers further improve cabin comfort. In addition, revisions to the MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension have focused on delivering improved ride comfort and reducing vibration, while at the same time enhancing the pin-sharp handling the Mazda3 is famed for.
The 2017 Mazda3 also marks the world debut of G-Vectoring Control (GVC), the first of Mazda’s SKYACTIV-VEHICLE DYNAMICS technologies. It varies engine torque to optimize load on each wheel to indiscernibly provide more precise handling and improved comfort. Other technology highlights include the adaption of a full-colour display on the enhanced head–up display system, while for the first time the Mazda3 is offered with Adaptive LED headlights.