2014 Mazda 3
Japanese Car Brand: MAZDA
Innovating the sports compact - Like the CX-5 and Mazda 6 before it, the all-new Mazda 3 embodies KODO design and SKYACTIV Technology, while introducing a new HMI (Human-machine Interface) interior design and connectivity features.
Exterior design - The rhythmical undulations of the exterior surface complement KODO design's expression of motion and the proportions convey a sense of off-the-line power.
Mazda Motor Corporation revealed the hatchback version of the all-new Mazda 3. The redesigned Mazda 3 is the third in Mazda's new generation of products that adopt both the KODO-Soul of Motion design theme and the full-suite of SKYACTIV Technologies. The sports compact that will redefine driving pleasure will be launched around the globe.
Thanks to the dynamic expressions of KODO design, the Mazda 3 suggests exhilarating driving at first glance. In addition, SKYACTIV Technology delivers a "jinba-ittai" experience of oneness between car and driver, which deepens with every mile driven. Introduced for the first time with the 3rd generation Mazda 3 is a new car connectivity system that broadens the scope of that driving experience. The system features a new Human Machine Interface (HMI) that is designed with the highest priority placed on driving safety. A wide range of Mazda's i-ACTIVSENSE advanced active safety technologies aid the driver in recognizing and avoiding hazards. Mazda has consistently aimed to offer customers driving pleasure and this compelling package ensures the all-new Mazda 3 is no exception.
Innovating the sports compact
Like the CX-5 and Mazda 6 before it, the all-new Mazda 3 embodies KODO design and SKYACTIV Technology, while introducing a new HMI (Human-machine Interface) interior design and connectivity features.
The new Mazda 3 incorporates the dynamic expressions of KODO design and suite of SKYACTIV Technology, which delivers "jinba ittai" (oneness between car and driver) driving and outstanding environmental performance. It also features a wide selection of advanced "i-ACTIVSENSE" safety technologies and a brand new HMI and Connectivity System which prioritizes driving safety. The Mazda 3 has been evolved in every sense.
Exterior design
The rhythmical undulations of the exterior surface complement KODO design's expression of motion and the proportions convey a sense of off-the-line power.
Large wheels positioned in the four corners and highlighted by boldly flared fenders create a wide, strong stance.
The signature wing appears to be chiseled from solid metal, giving it a sculpted finish that suggests quality and depth.
The grille is positioned low on the face and the license plate holder is incorporated into the grille to express a strong sense of forward motion.
The sleekness of the headlamps is emphasized by separating them from the turn signals, which are positioned above the fog lamps. In addition, a lighting signature with a sharp line of light creates strong sense of presence.
Dynamic reflections flow over the body surface from the headlamps and front fenders along the side to the rear, expressing rhythmical motion.
The compact cabin is positioned toward the rear of the body creating a raked profile that rises dramatically toward the rear and emphasizes a sense of agility and speed.
Taillight rings in the rear combination lamps add a sporty flair. High-grade models feature a wing-shaped illumination signature that extends from either side of the top of this ring.
The line-up of 18-inch aluminum wheels, 16-inch aluminum wheels, and 16-inch steel wheels with full wheel caps are designed to express dynamic motion from hub to rim. They also show a combination of sure-footed stability and nimble agility.
The seven available body colors emphasize the emotional exterior design. The line-up includes Soul Red Mica and two new colors; Titanium Flash Mica and Deep Crystal Blue Mica.
Interior design
The interior is designed to create a driver-oriented environment with a front-rear axis that makes the driver feel physically at one with the car, as well as a roomy, comfortable environment for the passenger.
The new Active Driving Display displays vehicle speed, information from the navigation system and other important driving information on a clear panel vertically mounted behind the instrument cluster hood.
The new instrument cluster design features a centrally positioned analog gauge surrounded by a pair of wing-shaped digital displays. The dial face for the center gauge features three-dimensional metallic numerals that accentuate the interior's fine craftsmanship.
A red ring around the center gauge begins to pulsate as soon as the driver opens the door. The Active Driving Display rises into position when the ignition is turned on.
To further emphasize a sporty appearance, the easy-to-operate shift knob is covered in leather and satin-chrome plating. For both the automatic and manual transmissions the design incorporates a shifter boot.
A long horizontal decorative panel extending across the instrument panel visually extends the width and impression of spaciousness.
Finished in lustrous piano black, contrasted against the metallic look of satin chrome trim, the center console has a high quality appearance.
The seat design provides comfort and support while at the same time reducing weight. Sculpted front seat backs increase knee clearance for rear seat passengers. The use of differing colors and materials heightens the taut, sporty look of the seats.
The interior is available in off-white or black leather, and in two types of fabric of which each is available in black or sand.
Dimensions and driving comfort
The front and rear hip points are lowered in conjunction with the reduced overall height, so the new Mazda 3 retains about the same headroom as the previous generation.
Increased front and rear shoulder room contributes to greater comfort for occupants.
Rear legroom is ample at 909 mm and the rear seatbacks are 50 mm taller. In addition, the front seat backs are sculpted to provide rear seat occupants greater comfort.
Driving position
Controls essential to operating the vehicle are positioned to maintain natural angles allowing the driver to react quickly and accurately.
The pedals are laid out symmetrically to the left and right of the driver's center line. A hinged organ-type accelerator pedal is used for safety and comfort.
Repositioning the base of the A-pillars 100 mm rearward improves forward visibility for both the driver and front passenger. Mounting the outer mirrors on the doors instead of the base of the A-pillar expands the scope of visibility when looking over the mirrors from the driver's seat.
Making the seat cushion larger while optimizing the seatback realizes a natural seating position with ample lateral support.
Powertrain
The new Mazda 3 accelerates precisely as the driver expects and produces a pleasing engine sound the instant the accelerator pedal is pressed.
To meet the diverse needs of a wide variety of customers around the world, the new Mazda 3 offers the broadest line-up of SKYACTIV powertrains. The gasoline engines include the SKYACTIV-G 1.5L, 2.0L and 2.5L, and the SKYACTIV-D 2.2L diesel engine is also introduced. North America will receive the 2.0L and 2.5L SKYACTIV-G engines. The transmission line-up includes the SKYACTIV-DRIVE six-speed automatic transmission, and the SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission. A gasoline-hybrid system is available on the Mazda 3 sedan, and will be introduced in Japan.
SKYACTIV-G 1.5L
A new gasoline engine added to the SKYACTIV line-up that achieves a high compression ratio of 13.0:1 (14.0:1 in some markets). It greatly improves dynamic performance and fuel economy over the MZR 1.5 engine of the previous model.
Maximum power: 86kW, Maximum torque: 150Nm (values are for European specification hatchback with automatic transmission)
SKYACTIV-G 2.0L
Introduces a high tumble port and 4-2-1 exhaust system that increase engine output.
A special fuel-efficient version is available for European specification vehicles.
Maximum power: 155 HP, Maximum torque: 150 lb. ft.
Maximum power: 121kW, Maximum torque: 210Nm (values are for European specification hatchback with manual transmission)
Maximum power: 88kW, Maximum torque: 210Nm (values are for hatchback with manual transmission)
SKYACTIV-G 2.5L
Torque output at low- to mid-range speeds is increased by 10-15% over the MZR 2.5 engine, and the weight is reduced by 10%. The SKYACTIV-G 2.5L produces ample power, exhibits excellent fuel economy and low NVH.
Maximum power: 184 HP, Maximum torque: 185 lb. ft.
SKYACTIV-D 2.2L
This clean diesel engine, with its extremely low compression ratio of 14.0:1, achieves a high level of eco-friendly performance, plenty of torque and satisfying power output throughout the rev range.
Maximum power: 110kW, Maximum torque: 380Nm (values are for European specification sedan with manual transmission)
SKYACTIV-DRIVE
The six-speed automatic transmission achieves a direct shift feel and quick gear changes that contribute to quick acceleration.
SKYACTIV-MT
The lightweight and compact six-speed manual transmission with its short, crisp shift pattern emphasizes the driving dynamics expected of a sports compact.
Mazda's original "i-stop" idling stop system, with its smooth stopping and starting, contributes to fuel economy improvement in real world driving by shutting off the engine when the vehicle is stopped (available in select markets).
Mazda's unique i-ELOOP brake energy regeneration system employs a capacitor to store electricity generated when the car decelerates. Brake energy regeneration systems improve fuel economy by reducing the amount of electricity the engine needs to generate (available in select markets).
The combination of i-stop, and i-ELOOP can be expected to improve fuel economy performance in real-world driving situations (available in select markets).
Chassis and body
The high-performance, lightweight SKYACTIV-CHASSIS enhances the sense of oneness between car and driver. Carefully engineered load transfer ensures a firm grip on the road that the driver can feel.
Straight line stability, tire grip and ride comfort have been greatly improved by tuning the suspension system's springs, dampers and stabilizers.
Mazda's new mechatronic column-type electric power assist steering system is compact and lightweight. The steering gear ratio is 14:1.
The brake system is very responsive, allowing excellent control and braking distance that is amongst the best in the class. Improvements to the system also reduce friction and improve fuel economy.
The lightweight and highly rigid SKYACTIV-BODY increases rigidity by approximately 30%, compared to the previous model, with a dual brace structure that suppresses body deformation when cornering.
Weight reduction/Aerodynamics/NVH performance
The adoption of the lightweight SKYACTIV powertrain, expanded use of high-tensile steel and thorough review of over 300 components of which the body is comprised reduce overall weight by approximately 90 kg for the European specification vehicle with diesel engine and manual transmission.
A new active air shutter mounted in front of the radiator automatically opens and closes in accordance with driving conditions. This improves aerodynamic performance and contributes to gains in real-world fuel economy.
Achieves excellent aerodynamic performance with a drag coefficient of 0.275 for the hatchback and 0.255 for the sedan. (These values are for vehicles with the active air shutter.)
A new lightweight material that exhibits a high level of noise absorption is introduced on the dash insulator and floor mats, and insulating material is also positioned for maximum effectiveness behind the instrument panel. These measures achieve a level of cabin quietness that stands among the top in the class.
Active safety
Mazda Proactive Safety is Mazda's development concept that aims to help the driver avoid dangerous situations before they occur by minimizing the risks that can lead to an accident and maximizing the range of conditions in which the vehicle can be driven safely and with peace of mind.
The all-new Mazda 3 adopts a wide range of Mazda's advanced safety technologies dubbed i-ACTIVSENSE. These technologies use sensing devices such as milliwave radars and cameras to support the driver in recognizing hazards, avoiding collisions and minimizing damage when accidents do occur.
High Beam Control System (HBC): The system automatically switches the headlamps between high and low beams.
Blind Spot Monitoring System (BSM) (North America and Australia only)/Rear Vehicle Monitoring System (RVM) (North America and Australia excepted): These safety confirmation systems detect vehicles approaching from the blind spot areas at the sides and rear, and issue an alert to assist the driver.
Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS): It monitors the lane markings on the road and issues a warning to the driver when it predicts that the vehicle is going to depart from its lane.
Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW): This system monitors the vehicle ahead and issues both visual and audible alerts to help the driver take evasive action when it determines a high risk of collision to exist.
Smart Brake Support (SBS) (North America excepted): When travelling in the mid- to high-speed range, this system detects vehicles or obstructions ahead and applies the brakes in two stages.
Smart City Brake Support (SCBS): SCBS helps prevent or soften impact with the vehicle ahead when traveling at slower speeds.
Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC): The system determines the difference in speed and distance separating the new Mazda 3 from the vehicle ahead and automatically adjusts vehicle speed to maintain a safe distance.
Passive safety
The SKYACTIV-BODY efficiently absorbs impact energy from any direction and minimizes the chance of cabin deformation.
Safety features are incorporated to soften the impact and mitigate injury in the event of a collision. This includes dual front airbags, large side airbags, and curtain airbags.
HMI
Introducing a new generation Human-machine Interface based on the Active Driving Display concept, aims to help drivers maintain proper posture, concentrate on the road and drive more safely, even while handling larger amounts of information.
Information used during driving is divided into groups and an innovative layout is employed to let the driver safely handle large amounts of information.
Connectivity system
The new Infotainment System by Mazda works in conjunction with the customer's smartphone to provide an Internet connection and communication functions.
The operating system can be updated so customers always have access to the latest services without swapping out any hardware.
The system can receive radio and play music from CDs and mobile audio players. When connected to a smartphone, the system also allows access to internet radio such as Aha Radio and Stitcher, etc. (Not available in some regions.)
A Bose premium audio system with Bose Centerpoint 2 virtual surround sound playback technology is available as an option.
The system can read email and short messages aloud while the vehicle is in motion using text-to-voice technology. When a smartphone is connected, it can read aloud the latest Twitter tweets and Facebook news feed entries, and also post audio messages using the Shout function.
The system enables the customer to search the Internet for the locations of places they want to go and set them as target destinations (not available in some regions).
A navigation system with data provided on SD media cards is available as an option.