The new Mazda 3 and Mazda 3 Sedan dazzle us with their innovative Kodo design

The evolution of a vehicle is perceived not only through its mechanical side, but also through its design, lines and aesthetics. Mazda, a brand that has worked on both aspects together, has managed to offer a perfect harmony in its new Mazda 3, a vehicle that relies not only on a mechanical layout more committed to the environment, but also on a Kodo design that goes further. This has undergone a major advance thanks to that goal of dispensing with dry, sharp lines in order to create a clean design capable of continuing almost without interruption, something we have seen reflected in the latest generation of the Japanese compact.

Both the new Mazda 3 hatchback and the Mazda 3 Sedan were presented together and, although both follow the same philosophy, we can perceive a different character in each. Thanks to the Japanese brand’s designer, Jo Stenuit, we learned in great detail the guidelines that were followed to give the new Mazda 3, a model that arrives ready to break with everything established.

Mazda 3: a compact with character and personality

“Soul in motion” was the phrase used by Mazda Europe’s own Head of Design, Jo Stenuit, who explained to us the meaning of the Kodo design and how it was applied to the body of the new Mazda 3. As we have already mentioned, the Japanese firm had a very clear goal when developing its new compact: to reduce sharp lines and interruptions to a minimum, thus creating a clean and fluid movement.

At first glance, we are faced with an imposing front end, which seeks to give the whole a sporty character. A black front grille echoes the shapes of the brand’s logo, a sensation accentuated by the slim-cut front light units, which further stylise the overall look of the new Mazda 3.

Once we stop to look at the side, we can appreciate how the Kodo design makes its presence felt. Cleanliness is the right word to describe the flank of the Japanese compact, where the uninterrupted flow reaches the C-pillar, the point at which we see a significant drop before the rear, which continues to convey that more refined spirit.

There, two new-cut light units and a quad-lamp arrangement stand out as the undeniable protagonists, since they continue to convey that renewing and up-to-date spirit. A bumper finished in black comes with those same intentions of creating an attractive contrast with the body paint. Last but not least, we must praise the twin real exhaust outlets on the new Mazda 3, a clear nod to the undeniable sportiness and purity that characterise the Japanese brand’s models.

Sedan body: more elegant and mature

Although both cars share countless mechanical components, the Head of Design at Mazda placed special emphasis on the very different character they present. At first, we find a more sporty, aggressive and imposing compact; while the sedan body seeks to offer a more mature and sober look, where elegance and class go hand in hand but without ever giving up the Kodo design.

The front end still presents that sporty and aggressive look on the new Mazda 3 Sedan, but the chrome elements manage to accentuate the greater subtlety the brand sought to convey with this body style. The side is where the Kodo design shows itself again in all its splendour towards the rear, an area where we can see the most differences compared with the compact.

We can see how the C-pillar undergoes a long drop until it subtly gives way to the boot, which discreetly protrudes. However, this transition from compact to sedan is not forced, since the designers at Mazda have managed to respect fluidity and elegance thanks to the Kodo philosophy. On the other hand, and as with the Mazda 3 hatchback, we find two slim light units that fit perfectly with the more mature character of the Sedan, the same effect generated by the twin real exhaust outlets.

A refined cabin in keeping with the Kodo design

Mazda has managed to convey the same atmosphere inside the new Mazda 3, where elegance, minimalism and good quality materials can be felt. To achieve this, the designers have completely reinterpreted the concept, with the aim of offering an ensemble in keeping with the Kodo design used to shape the exterior of the Mazda compact.

The first thing that captivates us is a slim, fully spherical three-spoke steering wheel, which seeks to be the main herald of elegance and subtlety in the cabin of the new Mazda 3. It is framed by an instrument panel that combines analogue and digital, thus offering a perfect balance between elegance and modernity. The dashboard flows seamlessly throughout, seeking to convey the same philosophy as the Kodo design, and just an 8.8-inch screen stands out, aiming to provide all kinds of information related to the vehicle.

The centre console is dominated by the gear lever knob and the HMI Commander rotary controller, designed to navigate the infotainment system. We should also highlight the new-cut seats, which have been designed to enhance the comfort and safety of their occupants and, at the same time, help to enhance the new design that defines this generation of the Mazda 3.

More efficient engines committed to the environment

As we mentioned, the evolution of a vehicle also involves mechanical improvements, and Mazda has managed to offer a perfect balance thanks to the introduction of new engines to power the new Mazda 3. At first, the Japanese firm will offer two possible powertrains, among which we should highlight a petrol and a diesel.

Starting with the petrol engine, we find a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder heart capable of producing 122 CV of power. It is called Skyactiv-G and features important improvements such as optimised piston and intake port geometry, multi-stage fuel injection and a coolant control valve.

At the same time, we should highlight what the Japanese firm has called M Hybrid, a mild-hybrid system that not only supports the new Mazda 3 but also considerably reduces its emissions enough to give it the ECO label. This system also contributes to offering more moderate consumption and a smoother, more pleasant drive.

As for the diesel engine, we find a 1.8-litre Skyactiv-D engine that will provide its drivers with 116 CV of power. Mazda has incorporated various technical improvements not only to offer more refined behaviour but also markedly better emissions. To achieve this result, the engineers of the Japanese firm have installed what is known as multi-hole piezo injectors with ultra-fast response, which deliver multi-stage injection at very high pressure.

i-Activ AWD: this is the all-wheel-drive system of the new Mazda 3

Mazda has not only wanted its new Mazda 3 to be more attractive and efficient, but also safer and more precise. To this end, the Japanese firm has developed what is known as i-Activ AWD, an all-wheel-drive system that further enhances the behaviour of the Mazda compact in any situation, thus offering more effective driving and a more noticeable level of safety.

This has undergone a major evolution, since it now features vertical load detection at all four wheels. At the same time, it works hand in hand with G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus), whose task is to control the torque distribution between the front and rear wheels, offering that extra safety we need when the road is slippery or some loss of contact with the asphalt occurs.

Finally, we should highlight that overall mechanical losses have been reduced by 60% compared with the previous generation, offering a significant improvement in consumption. With this premise, we witness how Mazda has managed to develop a vehicle that is safer, less polluting and with a design that seeks to revolutionise everything established to date.

Available in Spain from 23,415 euros

The new Mazda 3 arrives on the Spanish market at a very competitive price, aiming to offer components unusual in the compact segment for a figure that does not imply a high outlay. That is why the new Japanese compact starts from 23,415 euros, a figure that corresponds to the Origin trim and the 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G engine. If we opt for the Skyactiv-D, that figure rises to 25,415 euros.

If we want the mid-range Evolution trim, we will find a starting price of 24,315 euros, again paired with the petrol engine. This figure rises to 26,115 euros if we choose the same option but with a six-speed automatic gearbox. To conclude, the Mazda 3 Skyactiv-D in Evolution trim starts from 26,315 euros.

Last but not least, we must mention the top-of-range trim that has been named Zenith. Only the Skyactiv-G engine is available in this range, which can be paired either with a six-speed manual gearbox or with the automatic gearbox with the same ratios. With this premise, we find starting prices of 26,115 euros and 27,915 euros respectively.