Ten years ago the first Mazda3 was born, and today the global birthday party kicks off with the world premiere of the all-new 2014 Mazda3.
With same-day unveil events in New York, London, Istanbul, Melbourne and St. Petersburg, this completely redesigned and re-imagined third-generation model seeks to again propel Mazda3 as the leader in its segment.
Engineered with the full complement of SKYACTIV technologies – a proprietary suite of fuel-efficient, performance-driven components and manufacturing philosophies – as well as the handsome styling of the KODO design language, the all-new 2014 Mazda3 deliberately crafted ‘to take your breath away’.
In production since June 25, 2003, more than 3.5 million Mazda3s have been sold in more than 120 countries around the world, and 136 global awards have been received.
"We are proud to mark 10 years of the Mazda3's success with the global debut of the next-generation vehicle," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO). "There is no doubt that the all-new Mazda3 arrives with all-new expectations. Yet as its track record has shown, we look forward to not only meeting those expectations, but exceeding them in the way only Mazda can."
The best-selling model in the brand's lineup, Mazda3 accounts for nearly a third of the company's annual global sales. Previous generations were acclaimed in markets around the world for their emotive design, responsive and dynamic handling, environmental performance, safety, technology and excellent craftsmanship. With the undeniable passion instilled from the design and engineering teams, whether you're snugly situated behind the perfectly-molded steering wheel or obsessively ogling its aggressively sleek character lines, this next-generation Mazda3 will command your presence unlike any other vehicle in its class.
The first generation (2003-09) – with its unexpected design, performance and quality – changed assumptions about the compact car segment consisting of low-cost, throw-away vehicles. By being the dynamic sports compact leader, more than two million units were sold.
The second generation (2010-13) further enhanced the Mazda3's sporty driving essence, as well as improved its fuel economy consumption with the introduction of SKYACTIV Technology. Also not taking a backseat was safety, in which the second-generation Mazda3 received the highest five-star rating from Euro NCAP and was named a Top Safety Pick by the U.S.'s Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Lower and leaner than its predecessor, this third generation Mazda3 shares almost nothing with its older siblings other than a name. All new from the ground up, the 2014 Mazda3 sits on a wheelbase of 106.3 inches, which is 2.4 inches longer than the previous generation, yet the five-door is 1.8 inches shorter in length at 175.6 inches. With a height of 57.3 inches and a width of 70.7 inches, the Mazda3 reduces its ceiling by 0.6 inches and gains 1.6 inches in the hips while retaining similar headroom space and offering rear legroom at 35.8 inches. The rear seatbacks are nearly 2.0 inches taller for added passenger comfort. Front and rear shoulder room also has increased to 57.2 and 54.4 inches, respectively. This efficient use of space is wrapped in the increasingly striking dimensions of KODO, Mazda's "Soul of Motion" approach to designs that exude emotional proportions and refined strength.
SKYACTIV Technology
For the North American market, the 2014 Mazda3 will be offered with two engine choices: the currently-offered SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter gasoline engine and a new SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter gasoline engine, as fitted to the CX-5 and 2014 Mazda6. Globally, the Mazda3 offers the widest SKYACTIV powertrain line-up in order to meet local market demands, and will be available with SKYACTIV-G 1.5- to 2.5-liter-sized gasoline engines, a SKYACTIV-D 2.2-liter clean diesel engine and as a hybrid electric vehicle (Japan only).
Both engines feature a new high-tumble-port 4-2-1 exhaust system that increases engine output. The SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter produces 155 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 150 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. As compared to the outgoing MZR 2.5-liter engine, the torque output on the SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter engine at low- to mid-range speeds is increased by 10 to 15 percent, and its weight is reduced by 10 percent. The SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter produces a peak of 184 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and 185 lb-ft of torque at 3,250 rpm, both figures are increases of more than 10 percent over the MZR engine.
The 2014 Mazda3 will be available with a choice of the SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual and SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmissions. SKYACTIV-MT offers the short, crisp shift pattern reminiscent of the MX-5 Miata. SKYACTIV-Drive achieves a direct shift feel and quick gear changes that contribute to quick acceleration, while maximizing the best features of a direct-shift gearbox and a conventional torque-converter system.
Mazda's unique i-ELOOP brake energy regeneration system employs a capacitor to store electricity generated when the vehicle decelerates. Brake energy regeneration systems improve fuel economy by reducing the inherent parasitic drag of the alternator when possible, to maximize the efficiency of the vehicle under all modes of operation. Unlike other battery-based systems, i-ELOOP, its name derived from "Intelligent Energy Loop," is the world's first capacitor-based system to power all of a vehicle's electrical components.
The added combination of the SKYACTIV-Body and SKYACTIV-Chassis enhances the Jinba Ittai spirit by offering high-performance, lightweight materials for added strength and safety. Carefully engineered load-transfer ensures a firm grip on the road that the driver can sense. The SKYACTIV-Body provides increased rigidity of 30 percent compared to the previous model while reducing weight as well.
Expressive and Enticing, Inside Out
Whether equipped with the standard 16-inch full-cover steel wheels or higher trim-equipped 16-inch and 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, each set expresses dynamic motion from hub to rim. The Mazda3's cab rearward posture and raked profile further emphasize agility and speed.
From the dynamic signature wing of the five-point grille to the expansive sheet metal cresting over sleekly slanted headlamps, from the wide-stance muscular fenders to the taut character lines flowing from panel to panel, sculpting into a chiseled rear featuring provoking taillights, KODO begets the Mazda3 a presence unlike any other. Yet such style is not without purpose as the five-door and sedan models achieve best-in-class coefficient of drag (Cd) at 0.275 and 0.255, respectively, when equipped with i-ELOOP and an active grille shutter. A new-to-Mazda feature, an active grille shutter is mounted in front of the radiator and automatically opens and closes in accordance with driving conditions to improve aerodynamic performance while contributing to real-world gains in fuel economy.
To be available in eight colors, including the premium metallic finish Soul Red Metallic, two all-new Mazda hues are introduced with Titanium Flash Mica and Deep Crystal Blue Mica.
The interior is no less impressive, starting with the driver-oriented cockpit. The pedals have been laid out symmetrically to the left and right of the driver's center-line with a hinged organ-type accelerator pedal as standard for added safety and comfort. Designed not only to appeal to the senses, each control and function also is specifically placed with intuitive utility in mind. The less time spent focusing on adjusting knobs and tapping touch-screen commands, the more time a driver is engaged with the actual act of driving, being alert to what is on the road ahead and, therefore, being able to react quickly, accurately and safely.
All-new for Mazda vehicles and being launched with the 2014 Mazda3 will be a next-generation human-machine interface (HMI) system. Based on the heads-up cockpit concept, the new HMI system aims to help drivers maintain proper posture, concentrate on the road and drive more safely, even while handling larger amounts of information. The information used is divided into groups, and an innovative screen layout is employed to let the driver safely balance the primary job of driving with other peripheral information.
The 2014 Mazda3 also is the first vehicle to feature Mazda's all-new Active Driving Display, a clear pop-up panel that displays vehicle speed, navigation directions and other important driving information, and is vertically mounted behind the meter hood. This feature not only places necessary information comfortably in the driver's line-of-sight but also directs the display beyond the instrument panel, more in line with where a driver's eyes are naturally focused. The Active Driving Display panel will automatically fold back into a hidden position when the ignition is shut off.
Available in cloth (Black, Sand), leatherette (Black) and leather (Black, Almond) seat materials, the multitude of exterior and interior color combinations and accents further showcases the attention made to the finer touch points and to the varying degree of consumer preferences.
Stay Connected While On the Go
Mazda's infotainment system receives its own sort of overhaul as well. With the increasing popularity of smartphones and tablet computers, lifestyles, and subsequently driving habits, have changed. To ensure that consumers can continue to be connected in real time with their online community regardless of where they are, Mazda has developed is new operating system to be intuitive and less distracting, which leads to an overall safer and more pleasurable driving experience.
The new operating system connects via Bluetooth to a smartphone and can easily be updated to ensure users always have access to the latest features and services without the need to swap out hardware. In addition to the current music access points via standard AM/FM radio, CD and USB/auxiliary port connections and premium content such as Sirius Satellite Radio, new features such as internet-based apps Aha by HARMAN will be available. An optional Bose premium audio system with Centerpoint 2 virtual surround sound playback will bring the harmonies and vocals to life for even the most discerning of audiophiles.
The system also can read email and short messages aloud while the vehicle is in motion using text-to-voice technology. SMS messages can be received and shown on the touch screen monitor. The system can then articulate the messages as well as allow users to send replies using fixed phrases. A new speech recognition system also allows users to repeat and shuffle audio tracks, as well as search and select folders. When connected with a smartphone, Twitter and Facebook updates can be read by the system with audio responses available using the Shout function. The system also allows users to search the internet for locations and map directions. An SD card-based navigation system is optional.
Safety Features
The 2014 Mazda3 also introduces several all-new safety systems under the umbrella known as i-ACTIVSENSE. These technologies use sensing devices such as milliwave radars and cameras to support the driver in recognizing hazards, reducing the possibility of collisions and minimizing damage should accidents occur. While these systems will not eliminate accidents, their intent is to minimize them and reduce the severity of a crash. New safety technologies for the Mazda3 include a Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW), Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) and Smart City Brake Support (SCBS).