Mazda at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show

The Mazda 3 is the main novelty that the Japanese brand brings to this edition of the Frankfurt Motor Show. Although we already knew many of its details and information beforehand, we were able to see both versions live: the 5-door and the SportSedan.

There is no doubt that Japanese brands are catching up, and it is becoming easier to find models that have the ideal characteristics to attract European customers. One example is this new generation of the Mazda 3, which features an exterior design and interior material quality that can rival the best European compact models.

The compact version of the Mazda 3 was already presented at the end of last June , coinciding with the tenth anniversary of the launch of the first Mazda 3 on the market. This new generation integrates the design platform called Kodo, which stands out for its fluid and dynamic lines, with the Skyactiv technology already present in other models of the brand such as the CX-5 or the Mazda 6.

In terms of its dimensions, the renewed Mazda 3 stands out as one of the largest compacts in its segment. This allows it to enjoy a longer wheelbase and, consequently, improved performance and stability, as well as offering more interior space for its occupants. The front grille reflects the presence of the Kodo design and, together with the front headlights, gives the front of this compact a look very similar to that of the Mazda 6. Up to nine different colours are available for its bodywork, among which the Soul Red Metallic, the new Titanium Flash Mica and the Deep Crystal Blue Mica stand out, all of which can be combined with 16- or 18-inch alloy wheels.

Stepping into the cabin and sitting in the driver’s seat only confirms to us that the new Mazda 3 arrives in Europe ready to battle with the leaders of its segment. The good finishes and the soft-touch plastic are present in almost all areas, with a design that, overall, reminds us once again of the Mazda 6. From the driver’s seat we can easily access all the controls essential for driving. It features a Head-Up Display that shows all the basic information. On the centre console there is a 7-inch TFT touchscreen with a HMI Commander rotary controller that makes it easy to operate the various functions.

Thanks to that increase in wheelbase, the rear seats are now slightly larger and improve habitability. This is also reflected in the boot, whose load capacity rises to 364 litres for the 5-door and up to 419 litres in the case of the SportSedan. Among the additional equipment available, the Bose sound system and the new navigation system, which includes free updates for three years, stand out.

As for the engine range, it can be fitted with three petrol engines and two diesels, featuring SKYACTIV technology which, thanks to its compression ratio and efficient exhaust system, considerably reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The entry-level engine in the range is the 1.5-litre with 100 CV. If we want more power within the petrol range, we move up to the 2.0-litre, available in two outputs: 120 and 165 CV. The former is homologated at a consumption of 5.1 litres per 100 kilometres, while the more powerful one rises to 5.8 litres; in both cases the engine is paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. In diesel, the 2.2-litre with 150 CV and a maximum torque of 380 Nm delivered at 1,800 rpm stands out. In this case, consumption drops to 3.9 litres for the manual gearbox and to 4.8 with the six-speed automatic.

Finally, the Mazda 3 range will be available in our country from this October with a starting price of 17,750 euros for the compact version equipped with the 1.5-litre SKYACTIV-G petrol engine producing 100 CV and a manual transmission.

Images | Highmotor team