With an exterior design clearly based on features that were first introduced by the RX-Vision and the Vision Coupe concepts, the all-new Mazda3 hatchback is arguably the prettiest compact car in its segment.
Unveiled officially at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show alongside its sedan brother, the 2020 Mazda3 is the first production model to adopt the newest evolution of the so-called “Kodo design.” Part of the engine lineup has been carried over from the previous generation, with small modifications regarding the power output and fuel economy, while the real novelty comes in the Skyactive-X engine in its first production iteration.

The 2016 Mazda 3 is one of the most important contenders in the compact hatchback market.
It has a lot of things to offer and a few things to ask. Its name in the JDM market and China is Axela, but basically, it is the same car. It has a nice, fluid, look, called Kodo design in the Mazda’s family. Now, the Mazda 3 has separated itself from the Ford’s C platforms and came with its platform that features a McPherson strut up front and a semi-independent system in the rear. But even if they tried their best to make that rear suspension behave good, it is still not an independent suspension.

Inside the cabin, there is room for five adult people and the whole atmosphere is kind of relaxing. The infotainment unit is planted on the dashboard like it was installed after the car left the assembly line. It is not that big or small and has decent controls via a rotating knob.

Under the hood, Mazda installed a range of four gasoline engines and two turbodiesels. Depending on the market and engine displacement, the 3 can be equipped with a 6-speed manual, a 4-speed automatic or a 6-speed automatic. The latter is offered as standard on the 2.5-liter engine. And that is the version to aim. Or, if you live in Europe, the 1.5-liter turbodiesel is a very decent version. Just don’t forget that underneath the car is not an all-wheel independent suspension.

Built using Skyactiv technology and designed under the new KODO language, the 2013 Mazda 3 promises to be an attractive compact car for Germany to Japan.
Both the sedan and hatch are built around the same 2,700mm wheelbase, which Mazda says is the longest in the C-segment and 60mm longer than the outgoing Mazda3’s. Engine wise, the new compact will arrive with a Skyactiv-G 1.5-liter petrol engine rated at 100 HP, while the 2.0-liter unit will deliver 120 HP and 165 HP respectively. The Mazda3 comes with a diesel as well, with the 2.2-liter powerplant pumping 150 HP.

Unveiled a few weeks after the sedan version, the Mazda 3 hatchback was first previewed at the 2008 Bologna Motor Show.
Like the sedan version it will share the same engine range and transmissions. The new generation features the Japanese automaker’s new language design, boasting clean flowing lines and prolonged arches. The front bumper, grille and headlights give the car a more aggressive and aerodynamic look, while the interior received an ergonomic rearrangement and improved quality materials. The 2.0-liter petrol engine premiered a new under-floor catalyst that employs single-nanotechnology.

The Mazda 3 was first presented to the general public in 2004 and was especially designed to replace the popular Mazda Familia produced by the Japanese company between 1964 and 2003.
This new Mazda model recorded an impressive success on the market, being the best selling cars in Canada and Israel between 2005 and 2007. Assembled in Hofu, Japan, the Mazda 3 used a different name on the domestic market, being promoted as the Axela but incorporating the same features as the export model. The Mazda 3 was entirely based on the Ford C1 platform, together with the 2003 Ford Focus C-Max, the 2004 Volvo S40 and the 2008 Ford Kuga.