Mazda 3 (2009 – 2013) Review

Mazda 3 (2009 – 2013) At A Glance

Stylish looks. Excellent steering and handling. Good quality interior. Impressive 2.2-litre chain cam diesel engine. Facelifted for 2012 and even better.

Slightly less spacious inside than old Mazda 3. 1.6 petrol gives ordinary performance. Lot of injector problems occurring with Ford 1.6 turbodiesel. ATE/Teves Mk 60 ABS/ESP module problems.

Insurance Groups are between 13–34
On average it achieves 81% of the official MPG figure

Development of the Mazda 3 and the Ford Focus always went hand in glove. They share engines, suspension and steering, though not mutually inclusively. Sometimes Ford has been ahead with one component. Sometimes Mazda. What can't be denied is that both cars have been steadily improved. And now, for the new Mazda 3, it's Mazda's turn to be first with the upgraded suspension.

Upfront, the mounting span is increased by 20mm, a stronger crossmember tower has been introduced, the cross arm made thicker and the crossmember bushing optimised for better lateral rigidity. Round the back the multilink ‘control blade' suspension has acquired a stronger centre member.

The result is a car that not only rides better, but also steers and handles better than it did before. Better, even, than my Focus III ECOnetic, which I reckon previously set the standard. And vastly better than the Golf Mk IV, particularly in the steering department.

Mazda talked a lot about styling, and while you may have your own opinion about the smiley new front, I think most eyes will be pleased with the profile of the hatch, the rear end of which remains unmistakably Mazda 3. The slightly more rigid, more aerodynamic saloon isn't quite as rumptious, but it's fine in profile.

Mazda 3 2009 Road Test and Video

Mazda 3 MPS 2010 Road Test and Video

Mazda 3 2012 Facelift Road Test

Reviews for Mazda 3 (2009 – 2013)'s top 3 rivals

Toyota Auris

Decent combination of ride and handling that might suit some people better than a harder sprung Golf...

Honda Civic

Practical and comfortable cabin, huge amounts in interior space, great 2.2 i-CTDi diesel engine, well...

Hyundai i30

Well equipped. Refined. Good ride and handling. Economical. Available as a 1.6 diesel auto, which is...

Mazda 3 (2009 – 2013) handling and engines

Engines range from 1.6 D to 2.3
Readers report Real MPG to be between 22–61 mpg

Out on the road, the base model 105PS petrol with 5-speed manual is a delight to drive. It's comfortable, rides well, grips firmly, feeds back what's going on to the driver and generally puts a smile on your face within the limitations of a 105PS petrol engine. The 109PS diesel, now usefully 119g/km, has a lot more torque, so is both gutsier and more economical. It's the same belt cam Ford/PSA engine as my Focus that is now getting under the bonnets of all sorts of cars, including even the big Volvo S80.

The sportiest car on our launch was the 185PS 2.2 diesel, the same new diesel engine as in the Mazda 6, but now with a different diesel particulate filter. It's worth pointing out that all Mazda engines in the Mazda 3 are chain cam. Only the Ford/PSA 1.6 diesel is belt.

My fellow driver reckoned the Mazda 3 2.2 185 diesel wasn't as lively as his 163PS BMW 120d. But the reason for that may have been that the Mazda only had 600 kilometres on it, so was still running tight. Once it loosened up, it should easily be capable of the published 7.9 seconds to 60, 135mph, yet still 149g/km CO2 and possibly around 50mpg.

Mazda sold half a million of the old Mazda 3 in Europe, 63,000 in the UK alone, so it's a volume seller that doesn't sell so much as to become commonplace.

It's a much more stylish alternative to a Focus, with all the virtues of a Focus, and, providing Sterling and the Euro do not fall any further against the Yen, it's better value than a Golf or an Audi 3 and, to my mind at least, carries more status than a Leon.

It tells people you care about the way your car looks, you haven't been caught up in the Golf/A3 status syndrome, and that you appreciate a car that drives properly.

You won't be disappointed.

2012 Facelift

Initial impressions are that the 1.6 Activmatic is a bit frenetic, revving as much as 5,000rpm through the gears without obviously employing kickdown. But actually it drove almost identically to the old shape Mazda 3 1.6 automatic I ran for more than 1,000 miles in Thailand in April. Once you get used to it, it’s very sweet, especially in traffic. And as soon as it settles into top and about 25mph per 1,000rpm it’s relaxed.

The 1.6 115 diesel (the only Mazda 3 with a belt cam engine), shares its engine and 6-speed transmission with the Mazda 5 1.6 diesel, with slightly higher gear ratios that give 32.5mph/1,000rpm in 6th. This helps it to qualify for Tax Band C of £30 a year. Ride quality, steering feel and handling are almost as good as my Mazda 5. Mazda reckons the new 1.6 diesel will save £26.88 in fuel costs over 12,000 miles at £1.40 a litre.

The 2.2 litre 150PS chain cam diesel is geared even higher: 37.5mph per 1,000rpm in 6^th, and we managed a very creditable 5.8litres per 100 kilometres on the test route (48.7mpg). But the gearchange isn’t as sweet as the 1.6's and the power characteristics and gearing don’t let you ‘block change’ to the extent you can in the 1.6. That longer gearing saves £53.76 in fuel costs over 12,000 miles.

Engine	MPG	0-62	CO₂
1.6	44–45 mpg	12.2 s	144–147 g/km
1.6 Automatic	37–38 mpg	13.1 s	171–176 g/km
1.6 D	66 mpg	11.0 s	115 g/km
2.0	42 mpg	10.4 s	157 g/km
2.0 Automatic	37 mpg	10.6 s	175 g/km
2.2 D	54 mpg	9.2 s	139 g/km
2.2 D 185	52 mpg	8.2 s	142 g/km
2.3	29–30 mpg	6.1 s	219–231 g/km

Real MPG average for the Mazda 3 (2009 – 2013)

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

81%

Real MPG

22–61 mpg

MPGs submitted

582

Mazda 3 (2009 – 2013) interior

Boot space is 290–1360 litres
Euro NCAP rating of five stars

Dimensions
Length	4435–4510 mm
Width	1755–1770 mm
Height	1460–1470 mm
Wheelbase	2640 mm
Full specifications

Inside, the cars get a nice new upmarket dash with the option of low priced SD card line-of-sight satnav that means the driver never has to refocus to use it. All controls are clear and intuitive to use. Seats are comfortable and multi-adjustable, retaining, in the lower priced models, Mazda's knurled knob for the driver's backrest and quick release lever for the passenger. The steering wheel adjusts in and out as well as up and down over a wide range.

Rear seat backrests of both hatchbacks and saloons fold 60/40 to increase luggage capacity. But while I was adding interior dimensions to this test, using my 2006 of the old Mazda 3 as pro forma, I noticed that head and legroom inside the new car is slightly less.

Mazda 3 (2009 – 2013) models and specs

Dimensions
Length	4435–4510 mm
Width	1755–1770 mm
Height	1460–1470 mm
Wheelbase	2640 mm

Miscellaneous
Kerb Weight	1271–1483 kg
Boot Space	290–1360 L
Warranty	3 years
Servicing	9000–12500 miles

Costs
List Price	£14,995–£23,995
Insurance Groups	13–34
Road Tax Bands	C–L
Official MPG	29.1–65.7 mpg

Euro NCAP Safety Ratings
Adult	-
Child	-
Pedestrian	-
Overall	5

On sale until May 2014

Hatchback
Version	List Price	MPG	0-62
1.6 Tamura 5dr	£15,995	44.8 mpg	12.2 s
1.6 Tamura Automatic 5dr	£17,000	38.2 mpg	13.1 s
1.6 Venture 5dr	£17,495	44.8 mpg	12.2 s
1.6D Tamura 5dr	£17,495	65.7 mpg	11.0 s
1.6D Venture 5dr	£18,995	65.7 mpg	11.0 s
2.2 Sport Diesel 185 5dr	£20,995	52.3 mpg	8.2 s

On sale until July 2013

Hatchback
Version	List Price	MPG	0-62
2.3 Turbo 5dr	£23,995	30.1 mpg	6.1 s

On sale until September 2012

Hatchback
Version	List Price	MPG	0-62
1.6 S 5dr	£14,995	44.1 mpg	12.2 s
1.6 Sport 5dr	£17,995	44.1 mpg	12.2 s
1.6 Sport Diesel 5dr	£19,495	65.7 mpg	11.0 s
1.6 TS 5dr	£15,995	44.1 mpg	12.2 s
1.6 TS Automatic 5dr	£16,995	37.2 mpg	13.1 s
1.6 TS Diesel 5dr	£17,495	65.7 mpg	11.0 s
1.6 TS2 5dr	£16,995	44.1 mpg	12.2 s
1.6 TS2 Diesel 5dr	£18,495	65.7 mpg	11.0 s
2.0 Sport 5dr	£19,495	42.2 mpg	10.4 s
2.2 Sport Diesel 5dr	£20,495	54.3 mpg	9.2 s

On sale until February 2012

Hatchback
Version	List Price	MPG	0-62
2.0 TS2 Automatic 5dr	£18,810	37.2 mpg	10.6 s

On sale until January 2009

Hatchback
Version	List Price	MPG	0-62
2.3 Turbo 5dr	£18,601	29.1 mpg	6.1 s
2.3 Turbo with Sports Aero Kit 5dr	£19,090	29.1 mpg	6.1 s

Model History

November 2008

New, Focus based Mazda 3, first shown at LA Auto Show November 2008 in US 4-door spec. 2.0 and 2.5 litre 4 cylinder engines for USA. Called Mazda Axela in Japan. Also showcased at the Bologna Motor Show on December 3, 2008.

All petrol engine versions of the new Mazda3 will offer advanced environmental performance, including the world’s first vehicle catalyst to be constructed using single nanotechnology. This new development enables Mazda to significantly reduce its use of scarce resources such as platinum and palladium. The new engine line-up has been tailored for European customers and now includes the newly developed 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine, recently launched in the new Mazda6, in addition to the existing 1.6- and 2.0-litre petrol engines and the popular 1.6-litre turbo diesel.

New MZR-CD 2.2-litre turbo diesel with high and standard power versions both meeting Euro stage V emission standards. Mazda unique technology diesel particulate filter (DPF) offering reduced regeneration times. High power version: 136 kW/185 PS at 3,500 rpm and 400 Nm of maximum torque at just 1,800-3,000 rpm and combined fuel consumption of 5.6 l/100 km (CO2: 149 g/km)

Standard power version: 110 kW/150 PS at 3,500 rpm and 360 Nm of maximum torque at 1,800-2,600 rpm and combined fuel consumption of 5.4 l/100 km (CO2: 144 g/km). MZ-CD 1.6-litre turbo diesel with diesel particulate filter (DPF) produces 80 kW/109 PS at 4,000 rpm and 240 Nm of maximum torque at just 1,750 rpm, and uses 0.3 litres less than the previous generation with a combined fuel consumption of 4.5 l/100 km (CO2: 119 g/km)

MZR 2.0-litre petrol produces 110kW/150 PS at 6,500 rpm and maximum torque of 187 Nm at 4,000 rpm, with five-speed Automatic transmission and manual-shift mode, it has a combined fuel consumption of 7.7 l/100 km (CO2: 183 g/km). MZR 1.6-litre petrol produces 77 kW/105 PS at 6,000 rpm and maximum torque of 145 Nm at 4,000 rpm, and uses 0.6 litres less than the previous generation with a combined fuel consumption of 6.3 l/100 km (CO2: 149 g/km). New catalyst that uses single nanotechnology for 2.0-litre petrol engine.

Mazda3 + i-stop: This comes standard with the MZR 2.0-litre DISI (Direct Injection Spark Ignition) petrol engine, and is the world’s only idle-stop system that uses combustion energy to restart the engine. After stopping the engine at a red light or in a traffic jam situation, it restarts using a combination of Mazda’s direct-injection technology, valve opening, piston and crankshaft placement (with a quick help from the starter motor). Combined with minor measures like aerodynamic modifications, the Mazda3 with i-stop saves up to 14 percent on fuel consumption (combined cycle) versus the current model. Mazda’s i-stop system also restarts the engine almost twice as fast as many current idle-stop systems.

March 2009

New Mazda3 MPS

The all-new Mazda3 MPS has numerous exclusive design details – like a new air-intake in the bonnet, a larger floating rear spoiler and wider tyres – for a markedly more expressive look on the outside. On the inside, it is updated to deliver a sporty and premium feel befitting the new Mazda3 flagship model. It inherits the high-performance 260 PS MZR 2.3-litre DISI Turbo petrol of the current model, but updated to use about half a litre less fuel per 100 km. It is also cleaner running with the world’s first single-nanotechnology catalytic converter, and it has a stiffer bodyshell, newly-developed tyres and improved steering for even more predictable handling.

Prices

1.6 TS 4-dr 105PS £14,300, 149g/km

2.0 Sport 4-dr 151PS £18,025 159g/km

1.6D TS 4-dr 109PS £15,760 119g/km

2.2D Sport (185) 4-dr 185PS £19,900 149g/km

1.6 S 5-dr 105PS £13,500 149g/km

1.6 TS 5-dr 105PS £14,300 149g/km

1.6 TS2 5-dr 105PS £15,500 149g/km

1.6 TS2 Nav 5-dr 105PS £16,195 149g/km

1.6 Sport 5-dr 105PS £16,300 149g/km

1.6 Sport Nav 5-dr 105PS £16,995 149g/km

2.0 TS2 auto 5-dr 150PS £17,460 175g/km

2.0 TS2 Nav auto 5-dr 150PS £18,155 175g/km

2.0 Sport 5-dr 151PS £18,025 159g/km

2.3 MPS 5-dr 260PS £21,500 224g/km

1.6D TS 5-dr 109PS £15,760 119g/km

1.6D TS2 5-dr 109PS £16,960 119g/km

1.6D TS2 Nav 5-dr 109g/km £17,655 119g/km

2.2D Sport (150) 5-dr 150PS £18,440 144g/km

2.2D Sport Nav (150) 5-dr 150PS £19,135 144g/km

2.2D Sport (185) 5-dr 185PS £19,900 149g/km

June 2009

CAP predicted a residual value at three years/60,000 miles of as high as 35 percent for the entry-level Mazda3 1.6D TS 5dr (£15,760 on-the-road) and 2.2D 150ps Sport 5dr (£18,440) with the predicted range best-seller, the 1.6D TS2 (£16,960) just behind on 34 percent.

November 2009

After initially valuing the Mazda 3 MPS at three years/60,000 miles at 30% in September 2009, in November 2009 CAP increased its residual prediction to 32% (£6,875) compared to the car's original list price of £21,500.

June 2010

Mazda3 Takuya boasts a very impressive specification including a leather steering wheel and shift knob, automatic dual-zone climate control air conditioning, black sports interior trim, sports seats, an integrated Bluetooth® system, LED lights, a six-disc CD changer and rain-sensing wipers. Priced from £15,780 the well appointed Mazda3 Takuya represents value for money. Boasting a combined fuel economy figure of 44.8mpg and a low-for-class 149g/km CO2 emissions, the 105ps 1.6-litre hatchback offer fun behind the wheel.

August 2010

The new Mazda3 with an upgraded MZ-CD 1.6 diesel engine to be introduced. Offering more power and torque, while lowering fuel consumption and emissions.

November 2010

Updated Euro 5 compliant 1.6-litre MZ-CD common-rail diesel engine, now with a six-speed manual transmission. This new version achieves 2.2 percent reduction in fuel consumption to 4.4 litres per 100km / 64.2mpg (combined) and 1.7 percent reduction in CO2 emissions to 117g/km (combined). With the updated 1.6-litre turbo diesel under the bonnet, the lightweight second-generation

Mazda3 is quick off the line, frugal at the pumps and fun to drive. Now with six-speed manual transmission. New variable-geometry turbocharger. New fuel injection system. 85kW/115ps (+ 6ps vs previous 1.6-litre diesel) at 3,600rpm (400rpm lower). Maximum 270Nm of torque (+ 30Nm) over a wider engine speed range of 1,750-2,700rpm for greater driving fun coupled with lower fuel consumption. 2.2 percent reduction in fuel consumption to 4.4 litres per 100km / 64.2mpg (combined). 1.7 percent reduction in emissions to 117g/km (combined) and Euro 5 compliance.

The previous MZ-CD 1.6 engine used an additive to burn off the particulate matter in the diesel particulate filter (DPF). The updated 1.6-liter engine uses an oxidation catalyst to increase the exhaust gas temperature and improve particulate combustion, enabling the DPF to operate without the use of an additive. Consequently, the newly coated DPF does not require maintenance and achieves a significant saving in running costs.

			Hatchback
Exterior
A	Overall length Normal/Sports	mm	4,460 / 4,490
B	Overall width	mm	1,755
C	Overall width mirror to mirror	mm	2,002
D	Overall height (unloaded)	mm	1,470
E	Wheelbase mm 2,640
F	Track front 15 & 16-inch / 17-inch tyres	mm	1,535 / 1,530
G	Track rear 15 & 16-inch / 17-inch tyres	mm	1,520 / 1,515
H	Ground clearance	mm	155
Interior
I	Front head room w/o sunroof	mm	987
J	Rear head room w/o sunroof	mm	964
K	Front shoulder room	mm	1,395
L	Rear shoulder room	mm	1,371
M	Front leg room	mm	1,068
N	Rear leg room	mm	919
	Front / rear hip room	mm	1,364 / 1,326

February 2011

Following the success of the ‘Takuya Special Edition Range' introduced in mid-2010 for a limited period, Mazda is launching five 2011 ‘Takuya' models across the Mazda2, Mazda3 and Mazda6 line-ups with a total production volume of 3,894 units.

Mazda3 Takuya 105ps, 1.6-litre. Costing £1,145 more than the TS model on which it is based, this Takuya boasts specification that includes 17-inch alloy wheels, sports styling kit, front fog and LED rear lights, plus automatic dusk-sensing lights and rain-sensing wipers. Inside, there is automatic dual-zone climate control air conditioning, black sports interior trim, heated front sports seats, an integrated Bluetooth system, a six-disc CD changer and leather covered steering wheel and gear knob. Priced from just £16,695 the Mazda3 Takuya represents excellent value for money and promises low running costs with a combined fuel economy figure of 43.5mpg and low-for-class 149g/km of emissions.

September 2011

Mazda3 Facelift: A MZR 1.6-litre petrol version with Activematic automatic transmission is introduced for the first time across Europe with the facelift. It joins a line-up that offers customers a choice of eight different powertrains. The car’s already long list of equipment is expanded and now includes (among other new features) a gear-shift indicator for especially fuel-efficient driving and an affordable, integrated 5.8-inch touch screen Mazda navigation, based on TomTomtechnology. Mazda3 facelift offers the same comprehensive active and passive safety package of the current model – including Mazda’s rear-vehicle monitoring (RVM) system for safe lane-change that recently won a Euro-NCAP “Advanced Award” at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show.

November 2011

Mazda 3 facelift prices start at £14,995, and that’s for a 105PS 1.6 with a chain cam engine, five doors and air-conditioning. Unless you spec it up or go for the 260PS MPS, you can’t spend more than £21,195 and that buys a top spec 185PS 2.2 chain cam diesel with satnav.

The facelift consists of minor changes to the front grille and some aerodynamic improvements that bring down the drag coefficient and improve the fuel economy. There’s been some strengthening underneath. Suspension and steering have been re-tuned to give a softer ride, yet more road feel (like my Mazda 5 1.6d TS2). All models are more economical by between 3.5% and 1.5%. Instruments have been made easier to read. There’s now an optional integrated TomTom satnav with Bluetooth. New wheels. New paint finishes. And one new model: a 105PS 1.6 4-speed automatic in place of the 2.0 litre automatic. That pulls it down a tax band and makes it more economical, all for a very reasonable £16,695.

1.6 S 5-dr 105PS £14,995, 147g/km

1.6 TS 5-dr 105PS £15,745, 147g/km

1.6 TS 5-dr 105PS Automatic £16,695, 176g/km

1.6 Tamura 5-dr 105PS £15,995, 147g/km

1.6 TS2 5-dr 105PS £16,895, 147g/km

1.6 Sport 5-dr 105PS £17,695, 147g/km

1.6 Sport Nav 5-dr 105PS £18,545, 147g/km

2.0 Sport 5-dr 151PS £19,195 157g/km

2.3 MPS 5-dr 260PS £23,395 224g/km

1.6D TS 5-dr 115PS £17,195 115g/km

1.6D Tamura 45dr 115PS £17,395 115g/km

1.6D TS2 5-dr 115PS £18,295 115g/km

1.6D TS2 Nav 5-dr 115PS £19,145 115g/km

1.6D Sport 5-dr 115PS £19,095 115g/km

1.6D Sport Nav 5-dr 115PS £19,945 115g/km

2.2D Sport 5-dr 150PS £20,095 139g/km

2.2D Sport Nav 5-dr 185PS £21,195 144g/km

January 0001

Upgraded Mazda3/Performance & Economy

Model Petrol	Power (ps)	Torque (Nm)	0-62mph(sec)	Top speed (mph)	Combined (mpg)
1.6 MZR S	105	145	12.2	112	44.1
1.6 MZR TS	105	145	12.2	112	44.1
1.6 MZR Tamura	105	145	12.2	112	44.1
1.6 MZR TS Automatic	105	145	13.1	107	37.2
1.6 MZR TS 2	105	145	12.2	112	44.1
1.6 MZR TS 2 Nav	105	145	12.2	112	44.1
1.6 MZR Sport	105	145	12.2	112	44.1
1.6 MZR Sport Nav	105	145	12.2	112	44.1
2.0 MZR Sport Nav	151	191	10.4	128	42.2
2.3 MZR DISI Turbo MPS	260	380	6.1	155	29.4
Diesel
1.6D TS	115	270	11.0	116	65.7
1.6D Tamura	115	270	11.0	116	65.7
1.6D TS 2	115	270	11.0	116	65.7
1.6D TS 2 Nav	115	270	11.0	116	65.7
1.6D Sport	115	270	11.0	116	65.7
1.6D Sport Nav	115	270	11.0	116	65.7
2.2 MZ-CD Sport (150ps)	150	360	9.2	127	54.3
2.2 MZ-CD Sport Nav (185ps)	185	400	8.2	127	52.3

January 0001

Upgraded Mazda3 / Price List -February 2012

Model Petrol	'On the road' Retail n	CO 2 (g/km)	RFL Band	Insurance Group	P11D Value	Annual BIK 20% / 40%
1.6 MZR S	£14,995	147	F	13 E	19%	£563 / £1,126
1.6 MZR TS	£15,795	147	F	13 E	19%	£593 / £1,186
1.6 MZR Tamura	£15,995	147	F	13 E	19%	£601 / £1,202
1.6 MZR TS Automatic	£16,695	176	I	13 E	25%	£816 / £1,632
1.6 MZR TS 2	£16,895	147	F	13 E	19%	£635 / £1,270
1.6 MZR TS 2 Nav	£17,745	147	F	13 E	19%	£667 / £1,335
1.6 MZR Sport	£17,695	147	F	13 E	19%	£665 / £1,330
1.6 MZR Sport Nav	£18,545	147	F	13 E	19%	£698 / £1,395
2.0 MZR Sport Nav	£19,195	157	G	19 E	21%	£797 / £1,594
2.3 MZR DISI Turbo MPS	£23,395	224	K	34 E	34%	£1,548 / £3,095
Diesel
1.6D TS	£17,195	115	C	18 E	13%	£446 / £891
1.6D Tamura	£17,395	115	C	18 E	13%	£451 / £902
1.6D TS 2	£18,295	115	C	18 E	13%	£474 / £948
1.6D TS 2 Nav	£19,145	115	C	18 E	13%	£496 / £993
1.6D Sport	£19,095	115	C	18 E	13%	£495 / £990
1.6D Sport Nav	£19,945	115	C	18 E	13%	£517 / £1,034
2.2 MZ-CD Sport (150ps)	£20,095	139	E	23 E	20%	£797 / £1,594
2.2 MZ-CD Sport Nav (185ps)	£21,195	144	F	25 E	21%	£882 / £1,765

August 2012

Mazda has added new ‘Venture Edition’ Mazda3 models, which come with sports styling and extra standard equipment. Prices start at £17,495 and it gets front fog lights, gun metal alloy wheels, sports front grille, side skirts, spoiler, tinted glass, sat nav, Bluetooth, air conditioning and cruise control. It’s offered with a 1.6-litre 105PS petrol engine for £17,495 or a 1.6-litre 115PS diesel for £18,995.

October 2012

The high-performance Mazda3 MPS is injected with heightened visual appeal as it arrives at the top of the revised Mazda3 line-up.vThe upgraded Mazda3 MPS retains the previous model’s exceptionally responsive handling and performance, and highlights the stunning exterior design by sporting new gunmetal finish for the 18-inch alloy wheels, whilst the inner roof spoiler (beneath the unique MPS wing), door mirror housings and lower rear bumper trim are finished in a sleek Black Mica finish.

Each Mazda3 MPS is fitted with the immensely powerful and responsive 2.3-litre MZR DISI Turbo petrol engine. It generates maximum power of 260ps and 380Nm of torque (at just 3,000rpm) and drives the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission with wider spaced gear ratios and a Limited Slip Differential. The dual exhaust pipes deliver a suitably sporty rasp at low revs, but give a 10dB noise reduction at engine speeds over 5,000rpm for improved levels of comfort when driving on open roads.

For enhanced ‘active’ safety appropriate for a high-performance model, the Mazda3 MPS comes with Bi-Xenon headlights with swivel-type Adaptive Front Light System (AFS), front fog lamps, a radar-based rear vehicle monitoring (RVM) system and larger, 320mm diameter ventilated front disc brakes.

The upgraded Mazda3 MPS will be available in a choice of four metallic/mica/pearlescent colours – Aluminium Silver, Black Mica, Crystal White Pearlescent and Velocity Red – free of extra charge.

March 2013

Enhancements from 2nd April 2013. Two Venture models, with 1.6-litre petrol or diesel engines and the 2.2-litre diesel Sport Nav offer added value. Additional equipment includes 17-inch Bright finish alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, Black Mica door mirror housings and new sporty black cloth seat trim with red stitching plus the availability of a new exterior colour, Zeal Red Mica (a £495 option), and seven other colours.

Prices for the enhanced Mazda3 models are unchanged - starting at £17,495 on-the-road (OTR) for the 105ps 1.6-litre Venture petrol model and rising to £18,995 for the 115ps 1.6-litre Venture diesel and to £20,995 for the 185ps 2.2-litre Sport Nav diesel.

In addition to the latest upgrades, the standard specification for the Mazda3 Venture model includes: sports styling, rear spoiler, front fog lamps, privacy glass and a rear bumper sports trim. Inside, there's a leather steering wheel with audio controls, CD radio with Auxiliary jack and six speakers, plus TomTom satellite navigation with a 5.8-inch touch screen, integrated Bluetooth® hands-free kit, climate control air-conditioning, electric front and rear windows, automatic lights and wipers, cruise control and heated front sports seats to create a genuine premium car ambience.

As well as its high-performance powertrain, the Mazda3 2.2-litre diesel Sport Nav model has an even more distinctive appearance thanks to its new LED rear lights and added practicality with a heated front windscreen. With a six-speed manual transmission as standard, this Mazda3 reaches 62mph in just 8.2 seconds, has a top speed of 132mph, records fuel consumption of 52.3mpg (combined cycle) and has aemissions rating of 142g/km.

What to watch out for

28-05-2011:

Apparently some cars have cracks in the rubber boot button, sometimes very fine, that let in moisture and then lead to the boot opening or remaining shut and cause a battery leakdown.

02-06-2011:

The luggage area light is switched on the light itself. The light is not switched on and off automatically by a hatch lid switch. So be careful not to leave it on.

18-05-2012:

DPF regeneration problems starting to occur on 2009 2.2 diesels. Light comes on necessitating a forced regeneration at the dealer's and, sensibly, an oil change if the sump oil has become diluted with diesel.

25-05-2013:

Report of "weeping" injectors of 2010 2.2d Sport causing total engine failure leading to a bill of £5,400 that may or may not all be covered by extended warranty. No mention of clogged DPF causing the injector weep.

24-11-2013:

Previously unexplained reason for contaminated sumps on Mazda 3 2.2 diesels: If the engine management system hasn't been properly informed that the 12,000 mile service has been done, the PDF light comes on & 'regeneration' starts (= putting diesel to burn off the PDF debris, which also contaminates the engine oil.). Sometimes dealers fail to do this resulting in endless DPF regeneration.

28-11-2013:

istop failed on 2010 Mazda 3 2.0i. Might require new 2nd battery.

05-03-2015:

Mazda 3 1.6d has the PSA Eolys DPF regeneration system that makes for an extremely expensive 75,000 mile service with dealers asking £280 just to top up the Eolys and £700 total. In addition this car could soon need a new timing belt, does need a fresh oil pipe to the turbo, and might need a new EGR.

28-01-2016:

Failure reported of 1.6 diesel engine at 81,000 miles im 2009/59 Mazda 3 due to "oil starvation that resulted in the engine seizing". Had been serviced at 75k miles, 3 months earlier. "Pistons impacted the cylinder head", so might have been due to water ingress rather than oil starvation. (First 12,500 mile service had been missed by previous owner.)

06-02-2016:

Failure of parking brake caused 20,000 mile 2012 Mazda 3 to fail its MoT. Rectification cost £700 for new rear brake calipers. Mazda dealer said was an unusual failure.

20-05-2016:

ABS warning light showing on 2010 Mazda 3 1.6D TS2 at 41,000 miles. Mazda dealer charged £170 for diagnosis and prescribed new module at £1,300. We suggested sending the exisiting module for repair to ecutesting.

30-07-2016:

Related 2012/62 reg Mazda 5 1.6D suffered six sudden loss of power breakdowns in 2014. The only clue was the DSC/TCS light on the dashboard. The car was with the supplying Mazda dealer for weeks as they had no idea of the cause. Eventually they replaced an injector under existing warranty. (Same injector problem that afflicts Fords, Citroens, Peugeots and Volvos with the same engine). Now the same problem has caused another breakdown three weeks ago and the car is back with a Mazda dealer, who say that it is an injector problem again, but it is out of warranty and will cost an estimated £800 as they will also need to renew the oil and filter.

25-10-2016:

Report that 2012 Mazda 3 1.6TD had three amber warning lights showing and the limp home mode being triggered. AA called out and found it was code p1263, relating to a sporadic fault with injector 3. The car has been owned since new and serviced annually. It has just completed 32,500 miles but, despite the low mileage, is driven on regular longer journeys so the DPF issues should not be a factor. After ten days owner got the car back. Diesel injector for cylinder no.3 and a fuel hose replaced. Total cost was £517.26. Apparently required a lengthy "extended road test" to calibrate the new injector (they put 148 miles on the car whilst in their care).

16-12-2016:

Continuing problems reported with Ford engined Mazda 3 1.6TD (25-10-2016). Limp home again. New fault code "P2453 - Diesel Particulate Filter Differential Pressure Sensor Circuit". Dealer has sent injectors away to be tested before replacing the DPF.

11-04-2017:

Further report of problems with injectors of 2012 Mazda 3 1.6TD 115PS at 35,000 miles. Car needed three replacement injectors at a cost of £1,484.26; Mazda offered a contribution of £59.63. Car was off the road for 14 weeks.

21-08-2017:

Another injector failure reported in 2012 Mazda 3 1.6 diesel at 37,000 miles. Owner ahd been running it on supermarket diesel supplemented with Redex amd the supermarket diesel is probably the reason for the failure of this sensitive component.

28-09-2017:

More problems reported with 2010 mazda 3 1.6 diesel (PSA/Ford engine). Intermittent stall at anywhere between 2500 and 4000 revs in various gears. Car runs fine when cruising and so long as driver does not have to give it a squirt on the accelerator has been a manageable fault. Took it for its annual service and MoT and mentioned the fault that occurs. Garage has undertook the service, the car passed its MoT and the mechanic diagnosed the fault as a failed starter motor Owner authorised the repair, costing £600. After 2nd days work owner phoned for an update and they said that they had now discovered that the DPF filter pipe requires a replacement (despite no warning lights - surely regeneration would be fine) and the aux belt was showing signs of being perished. On driving the car away, the fault had not been fixed. On getting home owner found a pipe had perished and come away from the engine block.

07-10-2017:

Report of County Court case won against Mazda itself over injector problems in the 1.6 PSA/Ford diesel engine. This sets a County Court case precedent for anyone else with the same engine in a Mazda, Ford, Peugeot, Citroen or MINI seeking redress over the issue. That does not mean another County Court judge has to be bound by the ruling, but he could be influenced by it.

10-11-2017:

Report of ABS light permanently on in 2010 Mazda 3 1.6 MZR TS2 5dr Hatchback Manual. Likely to be brake pressure senor fault in ATE Teves Mk 60 ABS/ESP module. Can be fixed for about £400 by sending the module to ecutesting.com.

13-11-2017:

Further report of intermittent warning lights showing for ABS & TSC/DSC on a 37,500 mile 2010 Mazda 3 1.6 TS. Mazda dealerhas quoted £1,350 for replacement ABS pump including fitting. Non-Mazda garage quoted £700/750, probably for the overhaul /repair of the ABS pump including fitting with a “Lifetime Guarantee”. (Probably either sending to ECU testing or using the ECU testing kit.)

19-08-2018:

Report of problems with 2012 Mazda 3 1.6 diesel sport at 75k miles, "regularly dealer serviced but is slightly overdue its annual. Had a problem on a journey - traction control system (TCS) warning light came on about 2 miles into a journey (and would not turn off even after pressing the TCS button a few times) but more importantly the car would not rev above about 1,500 rpm and engine sounds like its a petrol engine misfiring (although its a diesel car). Could only drive home in 2nd gear at 20 mph. Runs on mainly standard supermarket fuel with occasional fill of premium mainstream fuel. Likely to be the standard fuel injector problem with this engine in Fords, Citroens, Peugeots, Volvos and Mazdas.

19-12-2018:

Report of ABS light on in 2009 Mazda3 ay 48,000 miles. "Problems started with ABS light and shortly followed by TCS(skid) light coming on randomly. There were no trigger factors as to why they came on but ABS came on first then TCS. When they came on they did not go off." Will be the brake pressure sensor inside the ATE Teves Mk 60 ABS/ESP module. Recommended dismantling and sending to http://www.ecutesting.com Costs around £400.

23-12-2018:

Report of engine management light on in 2009 Mazda 3 1.6 petrol at 88,000 miles. Suspect maybe a failing oil pump. Happily, when put through diagnostics showed Fault Code P2187: fuel mixture lean. Caused by air leak from inlet manifold gasket, which was replaced.