Mazda’s global sales leader, the Mazda3, follows its larger sibling, the Mazda6, into the 2017 MY.
Available with a host of design tweaks that include a revised grille with a stronger 3D look, new front fog light bezel, revised side mirrors with wraparound turn indicators and a hatch-only reshaped rear bumper, the compact model costs between £17,595 ($23,498) and £24,195 ($32,312) in the UK.
The 2017 Mazda3 can be had in eight colors, including the new Machine Grey Mica that debuted on the MX-5 RF when it was presented in New York earlier this year. As for the wheel choices, 16-inch alloys are available on the SE and SE-L Nav trims, while the Sport Nav models feature 18-inch alloy rims, with a new design.
The host of updates continues inside, where there’s a new leather-wrapped steering wheel, which is heated if combined with leather seats. Other novelties include the adoption of an electric parking brake that creates more space on the center console, enhanced HUD, new trim insert on the dashboard, higher-quality switch panels and handle bezels on the doors.
Varying engine torque to optimize wheel load and provide more precise handling and improved comfort, the G-Vectoring Control (GVC), which is the first of Mazda’ SkyActiv-Vehicle Dynamics technologies, is featured on the 2017 Mazda3, along with Adaptive LED headlights.
Power across the range is provided by the 2.0-liter SkyActiv-G petrol unit available in two outputs – 120 PS (118 HP) and 165 PS (163 HP), by the 1.5-liter SkyActiv-D diesel with 105 PS (104 HP), introduced last year, and the 2.2-liter mill, rated at 150 PS (148 HP).
Mazda UK will open the order books for the updated Mazda3 on October 1.
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